KL fourth best shopping city.

Date: 27 November, 2012

KL fourth best shopping city.

SURVEY: It offers high quality experience with affordable prices

KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIA bagged  another global award when its capital was ranked the  fourth best shopping city in the world in a survey by CNN Travel. The survey saw Kuala Lumpur beat Paris, Hong Kong and Dubai. The top three cities are New York, Tokyo and London

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said: "We have arrived at the point where we are on a par with major cities and we will continue to pursue this effort by moving up the ladder." She said this at a press conference on the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale, here, yesterday.

The survey was based on four categories: ease of getting around, value, variety and experience. It was measured on a scale from one to 10. Kuala Lumpur scored 30 points and was the only city that obtained a full 10 points under the value category. It provided a high quality shopping experience at affordable prices, said CNN Travel.

Dr Ng said: "Our next step is to upgrade our infrastructure and transport services to attract high-end tourists. We should also look at producing more Malaysian theatre events similar to the ones in New York and London."

She acknowledged that the private sector played a crucial role in making KL an important shopping destination. The ministry is looking at tweaking certain areas such as public transport and bettering the tourism experience. "Based on the survey, we acquired six points for experience and getting around with ease. We're going to work hard to improve that figure and I believe we are on the right track."

Earlier this month, the city was crowned the second best shopping destination in Asia-Pacific by Globe Shopper Index, a survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit based in Switzerland.

By SUKHBIR CHEEMA | news@nst.com.my 

Copyright © The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad

Malaysia's first turtle gallery.

Date: 27 November, 2012

Malaysia's first turtle gallery.

PORT DICKSON: Negeri Sembilan will soon have a colossal turtle statue to greet visitors, which will give a major boost to the tourism industry in the country. Unlike the renowned eagle statue in Langkawi, the turtle structure would not only serve as a monument but also as a gallery that visitors could tour.

State executive councillor in charge of culture, arts, heritage and Malay customs, Datuk Mohammad Radzi Kail, said the Turtle Sculpture Gallery project was still on the drawing board and would be presented to the Tourism Ministry next month.

He said the RM10 million gallery, a collaboration between Port Dickson Municipal Council and Glory Beach Resort, would be the first of its kind in the world once completed. "There is no such gallery in the world. It is hoped that it would be a state landmark."

Radzi said the gallery was part of continuing efforts by the Glory Beach Resort to help protect and conserve endangered turtles. For the past three years, the hotel has been conducting a turtle rehabilitation programme, in which locals and visitors can curb the extinction of turtles by rescuing its eggs from poachers and placing them in a hatchery.

"The gallery would be built overlooking the beach of Tanjung Gemuk here, near the hatchery," said Radzi. "It is aimed at educating the public on the importance of saving the species from the threat of extinction while encouraging them to participate in the cause." He added that visitors could take part in releasing hatchlings into the sea.

The Glory Beach Resort hatchery, set up in June 2010, has recorded a 74 per cent success rate in its hatching programme and thus far has released 3,200 hawksbill turtles into the sea. The programme was conceived after the Rantau Abang Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre discovered turtle tracks along the beaches here.

Radzi said once the gallery was completed, it would be able to attract people from all over the world to Port Dickson to study the species of turtles found here, such as leather back, green, hawksbill and Olive Ridley. Glory Beach Resort general manager Isaac Mohan Raj said the gallery would feature a aquarium, where the four species of turtles would be displayed for public viewing. "The aquarium will be connected to a pond where the turtles could lay eggs." There would also be an auditorium providing information and posters on turtles, in addition to a restaurant overlooking the sea, he added.

By MAIZATUL RANAI | maizatulranai@nst.com.my 

Copyright © The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad

Sarawak records 2.95 mil visitor arrivals this year.

Date: 27 November, 2012

Sarawak records 2.95 mil visitor arrivals this year.

KUCHING (Nov 27, 2012): Sarawak recorded 2,944,821 visitor arrivals between January and September this year, an increase of 8.1 per cent compared to the 2,723,964 arrivals for the same period last year, State Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said today.

He said that of the total number of arrivals so far this year, 1,918,497 were international visitors and 1,026,324, from peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.

"There were notable increase in the arrivals from Singapore, China, Australia and the United Kingdom," he said when winding up debate pertaining to his ministry at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, here.

Abang Johari said culture, adventure and nature (CAN) tourism products offered in Sarawak continued to be the main attractions, with 206,186 visitors being recorded until June this year.

"The Semenggoh Wildlife Centre recorded the highest number of visitor arrivals with 46,370 followed by the Bako National Park with 21,052 and the Niah National Park with 11,862," he added. – Bernama

Copyright © 2012 Sun Media Corporation Sdn. Bhd.

'Eye On Malaysia' Wheel In Pulau Melaka To Operate In April.

Date: 26 November, 2012

'Eye On Malaysia' Wheel In Pulau Melaka To Operate In April.

MELAKA, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The 101-metre high "Eye on Malaysia" Ferris wheel under construction in Pulau Melaka is expected to start operating in April next year, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said today.

Construction of the 13th highest Ferris wheel in the world, being built at a cost of RM40 million, had progressed to 15 per cent, involving installation of piles, he said. "The installation of the wheel structure will begin in February," he said during a visit to the project site.

Mohd Ali said the made-in-China Ferris wheel, with 54 gondolas, could assist in the development of Pulau Melaka, which also has a wildlife theatre, as a major tourist attraction of the world. Besides the Ferris wheel, local company The Eye Sdn Bhd was also developing a water and light theme park as well as a 28-storey hotel, he said.

Mohd Ali invited more tourism industry players to invest in the state, particularly in the development of large-scale theme parks.

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KL & Putrajaya - Premium Half Day Tour.

Date: 24 November, 2012

KL & Putrajaya - Premium Half Day Tour.

Due to many request about Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya at our email, we now have the above tours available on daily basis. It is for half a day and will probably takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on the road traffic and weather conditions. It starts from 10.00am until about 2 to 3.00pm. The package is valid from Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya areas and we shall do pick-up from your hotel or at selected stops that we have engaged with.

The tour is using a premium vehicle which comforts your journey together with a driver that will also guide you to the places of interest that we have selected in the package inclusion. The package also include a meal plus mineral water for your journey convenience. The package meant for four (4) persons and suitable for friends and family.

Our advise is to do booking with us at least seven (7) days in advanced to secure your Premium Half Day Tour as we have limited vehicle and has been in demand especially during the school holidays. 

In addition, we also do the above for groups with different arrangement on the transfers using van or coaches at a different rate. We believe that the itinerary is suitable for the visit and with limitation of time for you to explore and visit more destination with activity at Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. We know that many travelers especially international tourists spend about less than a week at Peninsular Malaysia before going to other destination surrounding ASEAN. Therefore, it is best that tourists are able to do a tour to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya; and experience the differences between this two cities. We strongly advise that you have a camera with you to take on photos that will entice you to come back!

We are also able to provide you with itineraries and travelling advise for your trip to Malaysia. We offer many more travel and hospitality services and we do it through our license travel and tour company under Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia.   

Finally, do email us for further information on the above packages at tourismservicesmalaysia@gmail.com and we shall reply to your request.

1Malaysia year-end sale returns with promotions and activities.

Date: 22 November, 2012

1Malaysia year-end sale returns with promotions and activities.

MALAYSIA- The Minister of Tourism, YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen has launched the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale (1MYES). The 1MYES, which will be held until 01 January 2013, aims to encourage shoppers from all over the world to come to Malaysia to celebrate the last two months of the year with a fabulous shopping experience.

One of three major shopping seasons in the country, 1MYES is the end-of-year shopping event that ends the year in style. The 1Malaysia GP Sale coincides with the Formula One Grand Prix in KL in March and the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival is held during the summer holidays.

Shopping is a lucrative sector of Malaysia’s tourism industry. It holds the second biggest share of tourist expenditure after accommodation. Last year, tourists spent RM17.5 billion on shopping which constituted 30% of the total receipts of RM58.3 billion. It recorded a growth of 8 percent against the figure in 2010 (RM16.2 billion). In 2000, when the first Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival was organised, shopping only constituted 23.1% of total tourist expenditures.

Foreign tourists and locals alike have 55 days to take advantage of the discounts and special offers put together by various shopping malls nationwide. The shopping malls will host numerous events to make Malaysia the place to go for shopping, fashion and food throughout November and December.

In Kuala Lumpur, the Sungei Wang Plaza shopping mall will offer its visitors a chance to win a pair of Yoga Lin Concert tickets while the Kenanga Wholesale City will organise a treasure hunt to challenge its shoppers. The Mines shopping mall in Seri Kembangan, Selangor will run a competition to win a 2 day, 1 night stay for four at the Golden Palm Villa in Sepang, a gold set from Poh Kong and other prizes. In Penang, a Garfield and Friends Meet & Greet will take place at the Queensbay Mall while the 1st Avenue mall invites shoppers to participate in a kolam design competition to get into the spirit of Deepavali. The East Coast Mall in Kuantan, Pahang has workshops for Christmas clay doll painting, Christmas card decoration, Christmas origami and New Year card design for its visitors. The Boulevard shopping mall and the Imperial mall in Sarawak will entice its visitors with the “Buy & Fly!” Lucky Draw Contest which offers return tickets to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

MasterCard cardholders will get the opportunity to walk away with instant redemptions and exciting competition prizes at participating malls in Malaysia.

The KL Fashion Weekend will be held on 21 and 22 November 2012 at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. The two-day fashion showcase will present fashion shows featuring new trends for hair, make-up and fashion from the Autumn-Winter 2012/2013 collection. The participating departmental stores include Debenhams and Metrojaya.

Kuala Lumpur has been ranked the second best shopping destination in Asia Pacific – as reported by the latest Global Shopper Index, cementing its position as a shopping paradise. The report stated that Kuala Lumpur’s specific strength is its ability to combine low prices with a good range of products in a large number of stores. It also took note of the Government's mammoth investments in developing KLCC and Bukit Bintang as a “premier shopping precinct in Malaysia”. Twenty five cities in the region were assessed under five categories in the Globe Shopper Index which was created by the Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Switzerland-based shopping tourism company Global Blue.

Positioning Malaysia as a duty-free shopping destination for tourist goods is one of the three Entry Point Projects undertaken to increase shopping receipts to 35 percent by 2020, under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan.

Imported goods that are not subject to custom duty at all are readily available all over the country and not limited to duty-free zones. Aside from 5 categories of products – cars, glassware, cigarettes, alcohol and chocolates - all other products are tax exempted in Malaysia. Shoppers can look forward to more varieties of imported goods at better prices. This move is part of the Malaysian Government’s efforts to enhance the country’s position as a destination for duty-free shopping. Through this effort, Malaysia hopes to attract a wider range of principal brands to invest in the country. It also facilitates lower and more competitive pricing of imported merchandise, giving Malaysian retailers a competitive edge over retailers in other countries.

By: Vicky Karantzavelou

Copyrights © 1999 - 2012, TravelDailyNews - www.traveldailynews.asia

Melaka Zoo to be privatised.

Date: 22 November, 2012

Melaka Zoo to be privatised.

MELAKA (Nov 21, 2012): The Melaka government will take over management of the Melaka Zoo from the Wildlife and National Park Department by the end of the year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam. He said the zoo was to be privatised to make it a choice destination for tourists visiting the state.

Mohd Ali said the privatisation initiative would be handled by Wildlife Productions Sdn Bhd, Koperasi Bela Masyarakat Melaka Berhad (Kobemas) and Koperasi Hang Tuah Jaya. He said the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry had verbally agreed to the privatisation plan.

"Although the Melaka Zoo is among the best zoos in Malaysia with revenue from ticket collection amounting to more than RM3 million a year, the privatisation will make it more viable, he told reporters after chairing the state executive council meeting here today.

Following the privatisation, Mohd Ali said the Melaka Zoo would no longer receive the RM4 million subsidy from the federal government. "From then on, its revenue will depend on ticket sales only," he added.

Mohd Ali said the zoo would also be rebranded as 'Melaka Zoo and Night Safari'.

"After the privatisation process, the existing staff at the zoo will be absorbed as contract employees with the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council," he said. – Bernama

Copyright © 2012 Sun Media Corporation Sdn. Bhd.

Tourism sector set to become major contributor.

Date: 20 November 2012

Tourism sector set to become major contributor.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism sector, being the third biggest contributor to the country's economy after manufacturing and palm oil, offers vast employment opportunities. The Tourism industry not only promotes those involved in the sector but compliment the service industry to generate business opportunities and further boost the country's economy as well as enhance people-to-people relations.

According to the Tourism Malaysia statistics, revenue generated from 24.6 million tourist arrivals in 2010 was RM56.5 billion but the figure increased to RM58.3 billion through 24.7 million tourist arrivals last year. The domestic tourism industry has also seen a positive increase as revenue for last increased to 42.3 billion compared with RM34.7 billion in 2010.

Malaysia has also recently earned recognition from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as the ninth most visited country in the world from 2009 to 2011, and ranked 14th in terms of revenue earned from the tourism sector. This year Malaysia has targeted 25 million tourist arrivals and a projected revenue of RM60 billion.

During the 2013 Budget tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Sept 28, he also announced 2013/2014 as Visit Malaysia Year to attract 26.8 million tourists. The government also announced a three-year tax exemption incentive for tourism and travel agents who provide services and handle up to 750 foreign tourists or 1,500 domestic tourists.

The focus of the government is to enhance the country's position as a leading foreign tourist destination, while promoting domestic tourism. Opportunities abound for entrepreneurs, business owners and investors who support the government's direction.

The Dean of Universiti Teknologi MARA's (UiTM) Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management Prof Madya Dr Mohamad Abdullah Hemdi views the initiatives as a boost to the tourism sector and those involved in the industry. In order to ensure the government's target of 26.8 million tourist arrivals was achieved, he urged entrepreneurs involved in the industry to grab the opportunities to offer luxurious holiday packages to increase their revenue.

"For Visit Malaysia Year 2013/2014, the concept of providing luxury villas at top resort destinations as an alternative to hotel accommodation as well as an investment portfolio must be adopted. To ensure tourists enjoy their stay here, a variety of tourism products is important, like providing services for tourists to visit Malaysia using helicopters of private jets or even luxury yachts," he told Bernama.

Mohamad Abdullah said initiatives like promoting the unique flora and Fiona found in the tropical forests of Malaysia, cycling around national parks in the country must also be packaged and offered to tourists. Malaysia, a country blessed with rich natural environment and exotic islands has not taken full advantage of the growing demand for luxury retreat villas like Bali in Indonesia and Thailand.

Moving forward, the long-term prospect for Malaysian tourism remains bullish and hospitality developers should take advantage of the surge in demand for private luxury villas, be it for investment purpose or holiday destination.

Recently the country welcomed the opening of an international theme park, LEGOLAND in Johor, which is the first in Asia and one of only six in the world. The state of Johor is also scheduled to launch a few other theme parks this year such as Hello Kitty Town, Little Big Club and Lat themed attraction in Puteri Harbour, while 2014 will see the opening of Ocean Quest and Ocean Splash water parks in Desaru.

Mohamad Abdullah said in efforts to promote tourism and provide human capital for the industry, UiTM offers various courses in various fields related to the tourism industry, adding that 7,746 students were currently pursuing their higher education in their respective fields. "In UiTM, we have training for those involved in the tourism industry like the homestay programme through collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) to enhance their knowledge of tourism products.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Tourism Unit head Norazah Yusof said many luxury hotels have mushroomed in the city to cater for the high demand for luxurious holiday packages. Norazah said the City Hall continuously organise programmes and events to promote the tourism industry, especially in Kuala Lumpur, by offering tourism in the fields of medical, education and hospitality.

She added that since tourists want to experience 'on ground experience' food festivals, culture and traditional programmes that showcase Malaysian culture are organised for them to participate. - Bernama

Copyright © The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad

Cabinet approves Malaysia Open Skies.

Date: 20 November 2012

Cabinet approves Malaysia Open Skies.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 — The Cabinet today approved the Malaysia Open Skies, which will see 37 routes connecting Kota Kinabalu with Asean countries and China. Announcing the decision, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha (picture) said the arrangement would see Malaysia signing and ratifying Protocol 2 Implementation of Limited Fifth Freedom under Asean-China Air Transport Agreement (AC-ATA).

This ratification would enable Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) to connect nine secondary points within Asean and 28 secondary points in China for cargo and passenger services, he said in a statement.

“The signing of AC-ATA will be formalised by end of this month in Bali in conjunction with the Asean Transport Ministers’ Meeting,” he said. Kong said the AC-ATA framework would enhance air travel connectivity in Malaysia, especially with the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), to be a major hub connecting Asean and China. He said this strategic decision would give an economic, trade and tourism boost to Sabah.

The AC-ATA consists of intra-packages and extra packages, he said. Through intra-package deals, the airlines in Asean and China are authorised to exercise fifth traffic rights for passengers and cargo services, with unlimited flight frequencies, carrier capacity and types of aircraft.

These are for routes connecting 10 secondary points in Asean, which include KKIA, and 28 secondary points in China, he said. Apart from KKIA, the other nine secondary points in Asean are Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei), Preah Sihanouk (Cambodia), Mataram (Indonesia), Luang Prabang (Laos), a destination except Yangon (Myanmar), a destination except Manila (the Philippines), Chiang Mai (Thailand), a destination except Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) and Singapore.

While China has named 28 secondary points comprising Changchun, Chongqing, Xi’an, Xiamen, Urumqi, Chengdu, Shenyang, Fuzhou, Kashgar, Kunming, Dalian, Guiyang, Hohhot, Xishuangbanna, Haikou, Lanzhou, Harbin, Nanning, Sanya, Xining, Wuhan, Changsha, Yinchuan, Ningbo, Guilin, Zhengzhou, Lhasa and Yanji.

Kong said through extra-package deals, the airlines in Asean and China are authorised to exercise fifth traffic rights for passenger and cargo services limited to 14 times a week using any type of aircraft for routes connecting 10 secondary points in Asean and 10 secondary points in China to any points outside Asean and China. - Bernama

Copyright © 2012 The Malaysian Insider

Putrajaya Tours

Date: 22 November, 2012

Putrajaya Tours.

One of our travel services are on the arrangement of 'Putrajaya Tours'. We have been doing tours to Putrajaya since its opening day. Therefore, we have the knowledge and information of this interesting 'Intelligent Garden City' which is also now the new administrative city of Putrajaya. It is actually a must visit destination if you are travelling to Malaysia and if you are already around Kuala Lumpur city centre.

There are many interesting places to be visited at Putrajaya. It is about half and hour from Kuala Lumpur city and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The itinerary can be for half a day (3 hours) or one full day (about 8 hour) tours. If you have limited time, then go for a half a day tour which will provide you with a basic trip and get to know more about the city. It is advisable that you have a minimum of four (4) persons as the transfer require at least one car for the trip. 

Places that we recommend for your visits are to the variety of Parks and Gardens, Bridges, many unique building, the Prime Minister Office, Prime Minister Residence, Mosques, Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), Palaces, Wetlands, Maritime Centre, Alamanda Shopping Centre, Zouq Shopping area and probably to have a sightseeing lake cruise of Cruise Tasik Putrajaya.    

Contact us further through tourismservicesmalaysia@gmail.com should you need more information and booking for the above tours. We recommend that you do at least seven (7) days prior booking for your convenience.  

To know more about this city, you can find and read Putrajaya from this blog or browse it at the net. Finally, if you are at Putrajaya, don't forget to purchase some souvenirs too for you and your family.

Airport, Hotel & City Transfers

Date: 22 November, 2012

Airport, Hotel & City Transfers.

It's holiday season again. Therefore, we would like to offer our travel and tours services to you as individuals traveler (FIT) or group traveler (GIT) coming or having holidays in Malaysia that would require transfer services.

We have car, van and coach as well as chauffeur driven with executive or premium cars such as Proton Perdana, Toyota Estima, Toyota Alphard, Mercedes and etc. All at your convenience to transfer and travel anywhere in Peninsular Malaysia such as from Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands or from Putrajaya city to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Our prices are competitive and our priority is to ensure your comfort to the destination.

In addition, we can also provide you with other travel arrangement such as ticketing, hotel bookings, city tours and etc. We can also provide you with suggested travel itinerary and quotations should you want to spend holidays in Malaysia subject to availability.   

Kindly email us for more details and we suggest that your confirmation bookings are made at least three (3) days prior to your trip date.   

Finally, we would like to wish all Malaysians a very Happy School Holidays in November and December 2012. Enjoy your holidays..! 

Contact us at our email for further details: tourismservicesmalaysia@gmail.com

Malaysia homestay programme wins UN award.

Date: 21 November, 2012

Malaysia homestay programme wins UN award.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Homestay Experience programme has won the UNWTO Ulysses Award for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said winning the prestigious award came as a surprise.

The award recognises the Government’s efforts to promote tourism in the rural areas through homestay programmes. “Our homestay programme has become more popular, with an increase in tourists from 161,561 in 2009 to 213,263 between January and August this year,” said Dr Ng after receiving the award at a presentation ceremony in a hotel here.

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. The Ulysses Award has been presented annually since 2003 under six different categories including private enterprises, research and technology, creative dissemination of knowledge and lifetime achievement.

The award was received by the ministry’s deputy secretary-general Rashidi Hasbullah at a ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey on Nov 15. Rashidi presented the trophy to the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng, who in turn presented it to Dr Ng.

The ministry is encouraging more villagers to sign up for the homestay programme and receive training before being certified. “So far, 159 villages with 3,424 homes have taken part,” said Dr Ng.

Copyright © 1995-2012 Star Publications (M) Bhd

Malaysia’s top 10 ranking the result of hard work: Yen Yen.

Date: 19 November, 2012

Malaysia’s top 10 ranking the result of hard work: Yen Yen.

PETALING JAYA: Hard work by the Government and the people in promoting Malaysia is the reason for it making into the top 10 of the world’s most visited countries, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. Giving her thumbs up to the country’s latest ranking in the United Nations World Trade Organisation (UNWTO) Tourism Highlights 2012, Dr Ng said this was all down to hard work.

“Our brand has been Malaysia Truly Asia and with that comes a myriad of experiences that tourists can enjoy such as our multi-culturalism, which many countries do not have. This is something that tourists love,” she said here yesterday.

Malaysia has the distinction of being the only South-East Asian country to make it into the world’s top 10 tourist destinations in the UNWTO Tourism Highlights 2012. The report rated Malaysia ninth based on international tourist arrivals, with 24.7million foreign tourists last year. In 2009, the country recorded 23.6 million tourist arrivals and the number increased to 24.6 million the next year.

The report also ranked Malaysia 14th in terms of international tourism re­­ceipts with US$18.3bil (RM56.3bil) last year. In 2009 and 2010, Malaysia recorded US$15.8bil (RM48.6bil) and US$18.2bil (RM55.9bil) respectively in tourism receipts.

Dr Ng said her ministry had promoted Malaysia as a diverse attraction, offering world class experiences such as eco-tourism, shoe and art festivals, shopping and fun for the families. While Chinese and Middle Eastern tourists like shopping, she pointed out that Russian tourists like beaches.

The Government, she added, had also given funding to light up the Bukit Bintang shopping precinct and build walkways. Under MICE, she said some 2,000 executives from a big Japanese cosmetic company were due to have their meeting in February.

The ministry, added Dr Ng, also had an agreement with the Bank of China to woo their premium customers to take up the Malaysia My Second Home programme.

Acknowledging challenges such as better connectivity, Dr Ng said they were working hard to overcome this, adding that the ministry was aiming to attract some 36 million visitors, who would bring in RM168bil in receipts by 2020.

Copyright © 1995-2012 Star Publications (M) Bhd

Bid for 36m tourists by 2020.

Date: 19 November, 2012

Bid for 36m tourists by 2020.

LONDON:  TOURISM Malaysia will embark on a major campaign next year to promote Visit Malaysia Year, as part of efforts to woo 36 million tourists to Malaysia by 2020. The targeted number of tourists is expected to generate a total income of RM168 billion, according to Tourism Malaysia's director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab Beg.

"This is our prelude which we will celebrate in a big way in 2014 to achieve the target of 36 million tourists by 2020. Next year is the campaign year and we go all out all year round to promote our products," said Mirza at the four-day World Travel Market here, which saw the participation of tour agencies from various states, such as Perak and Terengganu. The World Travel Market is the fifth largest annual tourism event in the world and still the best place to be to promote tourism products.

Mirza said the state tourism boards were advised to work with Tourism Malaysia and not duplicate the campaigns. He said the enthusiasm was high among the tourism agencies as seen from their participation at WTM. "Although the cost of travel and accommodation is high, tourism agencies are willing to participate as they are confident of returns."

Launched at the event was Tourism Malaysia's new online training "Master Malaysia" which features an orang utan, Ron, giving tips along the way. Developed by Travel Uni, the programme is specially designed for travel agents to learn how to sell Malaysia as a destination.

Actively promoting their newly branded tourism package was Langkawi with its theme, "Naturally Langkawi". According to the chief executive officer of Langkawi Development Authority Tan Sri Khalid Ramli, the target was to get three million tourists a year and make the island one of the best 10 islands in the world. He said this would involve an investment of about RM5 billion to build more hotels and improved the infrastructure on the island, while at the same time ensuring that the nature and beauty of the island was not affected.

"We do not want to spoil the nature setting as this is our strength. Langkawi has an eco-paradise that we want to open up to the world. We need to upgrade our living museum. But whatever we do must be in tandem with eco-tourism."

By ZAHARAH OTHMAN | news@nst.com.my

Copyright © The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad

Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park Draws 15,000 Visitors.

Date: 13 November 2012

Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park Draws 15,000 Visitors.

JOHOR BAHARU, Nov 13 (Bernama) - Iskandar Malaysia's latest attraction, Puteri Harbour family theme park has attracted about 15,000 visitors since it opened last Oct 26.

Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd assistant vice-president (operations) Fahruddin Najumudeen said two theme parks, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and The Little Big Club received overwhelming response from both domestic and foreign visitors including from neighbouring Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

"The average number of visitors to the four-storey international standard theme parks is 1,000 daily and can reach 2,500 during weekends," he told reporters here today. He said they would be expecting more visitors during the school holidays and good response to another new draw, a restaurant named 'Lat's Place'.

Copyrights @ BERNAMA

Malaysia targets two million Chinese tourists.

Date: 16 November, 2012

Malaysia targets two million Chinese tourists.

Malaysia is targeting two million Chinese tourists for the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2013/2014, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

“We received 1.25 million tourists from China last year. This year, we hope we can achieve our target of 1.5 million tourists.

“By 2014, we hope we will receive up to two million Chinese tourists. We really need to collaborate with the provincial tourism bureaus,” she said after opening the Malaysian pavilion at the China International Travel Mart here yesterday.

Dr Ng met senior officials from the Hubei and Henan provincial tourism bureaus over flight connectivity issues between Malaysia and cities in the two provinces.

“We have discussed about flight connectivity with the Hubei tourism bureau and we will now talk more with the interested airlines to establish a direct flight between Wuhan and Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu or Langkawi in March next year,” she said.

At a meeting with representatives from Chinese travel agencies, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia X and other Chinese airlines, Tourism Malaysia board of director Datuk Seri Tengku Dr Zainal Adlin hoped that they would work together with the ministry to meet the two million tourists target.

Copyright @ 1995-2012 Star Publications (M) Bhd

Another book to promote Sabah.

Date: 17 November, 2012

Another book to promote Sabah.

Kota Kinabalu: Books can be a starting point for a particular place because it creates a first impression that triggers impact, according to Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun. "Books are the first thing that people pick up and it's a starting point of one's interest in a particular place which is very important because first impressions create a lasting impression," he said.

Masidi said this during the launching of a book by Malaysian-based writer David Bowden titled 'Enchanting Borneo's special edition for Sutera Harbour Resort' held at the Pacific Sutera Harbour, here, Friday.

"For us in the tourism industry, this is another chapter in our effort to promote Sabah and obviously when this book is sold overseas that will be the first impression of Sabah or even Borneo," he said. "Hopefully, with this book, more people especially foreigners will want to find where Sabah is because Sabah is a small State and some foreigners may have heard of Borneo but never heard of Sabah," he added.

"As a Sabahan, I am very proud Bowden has taken interest to sell Sabah to the rest of the world," said Masidi on the 80-page book that portrays a kaleidoscope of colours reflecting the diversity of Borneo's lifestyle. "More importantly, I think all of us in Sabah are privileged to be living in what I term as living within the garden of God, and the garden of God is of course obviously Sabah," he added.

Masidi also thanked John Beaufoy of John Beaufoy Publishing for publishing the travel photo book authored by Bowden, which he described as courageous because it could trigger curiosity among those who do not know Sabah. Also present were Sutera Harbour Resort President Datuk Edward Ong and his Chief Executive Officer Frank Liepmann.

On another development, he said the arrival of Europeans in Sabah increased over the last 11 months but there has been a bit of difficulty in the domestic tourism because airlines are offering them cheaper travel out of the country. "In fact, there are offers which are way cheaper than going from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, so most have chosen to go overseas.

But the other reason is because most of the seats from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu have been taken over by foreigners who prefer to come over to Sabah for their holidays," he said. He cited the arrival of German travellers, which has gone up by 71 per cent over the last 10 months, with overall European arrivals going up by 41 per cent.

"This is a good indicator for us in Sabah, travellers are more choosy and our strategy to get high yield travellers who are willing to spend, seem to be and appear to be working well but of course you can never beat the Chinese arrivals," he said. "By July the number of Chinese who have arrived in Sabah is somewhat equal to those who arrived during the entire 2011, thus, I believe that before the year is out we should be able to get about 150,000 Chinese travellers in Sabah," he added.

On another note, he said Malaysia Airlines (MAS) would be re-launching the Kota Kinabalu-Perth sector next month. "It is only once a week but I think the fact that they have re-launched the flight is something to celebrate," he said, adding MAS might also re-launch the Tokyo-Kota Kinabalu route soon. I think there is some negotiation on the time of the flights but it's going to be re-launched again soon and of course, so is the new route like Kota Kinabalu-Shanghai and AirAsia's daily flight from Guangzhou to Kota Kinabalu beginning the end of December," he added.

"All this would mean that the industry is going to do well and obviously there are going to be challenges but if there are no challenges there is no reason for us to do better," he said.

Copyright @ 2012 Sabah Publishing House Sdn. Bhd

Malaysia among world’s top 10 tourist destinations.

Date: 18 November, 2012

Malaysia among world’s top 10 tourist destinations.

Malaysia was one of the world's top 10 tourist destinations last year, making it the only South-East Asian country to make the list in the United Nations World Trade Organisation (UNWTO) Tourism Highlights 2012.

The report rated Malaysia ninth based on international tourists arrival, with 24.7 million foreign tourists last year. In 2009, the country recorded 23.6 million tourists arrival and in 2010, the number increased to 24.6 million.

Topping the list was France with 79 million tourist arrivals, followed by United States (62 million), China (58 million), Spain (57 million), Italy (46 million), Turkey (29.3 million), United Kingdom (29.2 million) and Germany (28.4 million). Rounding up the top 10 was Mexico with 23.4 million tourists.

The report also ranked Malaysia 14th in terms of international tourism receipts with US$18.3bil (RM56.3bil) last year, ahead of countries such as Singapore, Japan, the Netherlands, Korea and Canada. In 2009 and 2010, Malaysia recorded US$15.8bil (RM48.6bil) and US$18.2bil (RM55.9bil) respectively in tourism receipts.

In congratulating tourism players for doing a good job to promote the nation, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said this was the result of hard work put in by many people. “This is not an overnight success. We have worked hard and long and are now finally tasting the labour of our success,” he said.

He said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, her ministry as well as the private sector had also worked tirelessly to promote the country. “We should not rest on our laurels but strive to further improve our rankings,” he said.

Tourist guide Anne Molly Camoens, who has 19 years' working experience, said it was “exciting” to hear the news as this would create more job opportunities in the industry.

UNWTO Tourism Highlights is a World Tourism Organisation publication which aims to provide an overview of international tourism trends.

Copyright © 1995-2012 Star Publications (M) Bhd

'Happy Deepavali' - The Festival of Lights.

Date: 13 November 2012

'Happy Deepavali' - The Festival of Lights.

Today is a Public holiday and Malaysia celebrate 'Deepavali' or also known as 'Festival of Lights'. Celebrated by Hindus with prayers, family gatherings and festivities. We wish everyone a very Happy Deepavali! May this Festival of Lights brighten your lives with Peace, Good Health, Happiness, Prosperity and lots of fun with family and friends! In Malaysia, 'Open houses' are held where family and friends visit each other and enjoy delicious traditional goodies.

Happy holiday too to all Malaysians.

Prophet Muhammad's Sword Among Artefact’s at MAIK Expo.

Date: 11 November 2012

Prophet Muhammad's Sword Among Artefact’s at MAIK Expo.

Hundreds of artefacts, including Prophet Muhammad's sword and a replica of his house will be displayed at an expo in conjunction with the Kelantan Council of Religion and Malay Customs' (MAIK) 100th anniversary.

MAIK vice-president Datuk Kamaruddin Mohd Zin said the expo's Islamic historical development replicas from the region and around the world was expected to attract some 100,000 visitors. The expo is being held for the first time at Dewan Jubli Perak of Istana Negeri, Kubang Kerian from Nov 1 to Dec 6, 2012.

Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V launched the event on 1^st November 2012.

For more information, visit http://www.e-maik.my or call MAIK at 609-7481512 during office hours.

Source from Majlis Agama dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Kelantan (MAIK) at http://www.e-maik.my and Islamic Tourism Centre at http://www.itc.gov.my.

Malaysia among top five for global tourist spending growth.

Date: 6 November 2012

Malaysia among top five for global tourist spending growth.

LONDON: International tourist arrivals grew 4 percent between January and August year-on-year and are heading for the 1 billion mark for the first time by December, the UN World Tourism Organization said on Monday.

With the data available to the UNWTO so far, spending on travel abroad rose 30 percent in China, followed by 22 percent in Poland, 15 percent in Russia, 16 percent in Argentina, 18 percent in Malaysia and 11 percent in India. Chinese spending on travel abroad grew significantly, it said.

Tourist numbers grew 5 percent in emerging economies compared with a 4 percent rise in advanced economies. UNWTO forecast overall growth of no more than 4 percent for the full year. UNWTO numbers showed that the only region to report a decline in tourist numbers compared with the first eight months of 2011 was the Middle East with 1 percent fewer arrivals.

Countries reported their own data to the UNWTO regarding their earnings from and expenditure on international travel, varyingly covering a period between the first six and nine months of 2012. With the data available to the UNWTO so far, spending on travel abroad rose 30 percent in China, followed by 22 percent in Poland, 15 percent in Russia, 16 percent in Argentina, 18 percent in Malaysia and 11 percent in India.

The United States, Canada, Germany and Australia reported single-digit growth in travel expenditure. Italy and France showed a decline in spending on travel abroad, according to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer which aims at monitoring the short-term evolution of tourism. Earnings from tourism grew 48 percent in Japan, 26 percent in Sweden, South Korea and South Africa and 17 percent in Hong Kong.

In 2011, total earnings from international tourism receipts reached $1.2 trillion or 6 percent of the world's exports, according to the UNWTO. – Reuters

Copyright © 1995-2012 Star Publications (M) Bhd

It’s Naturally Langkawi.

Date: 31 October 2012

It’s Naturally Langkawi.

LANGKAWI (Oct 31, 2012): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak unveiled Langkawi's new branding, "Naturally Langkawi", at the Lada complex today. The branding gives the Langkawi archipelago a new positioning that emphasises it as a natural haven and natural choice for tourists.

"Naturally Langkawi" branding marks Langkawi's new initiative to make it a top 10 island destination in the world by 2015, in line with the Langkawi Tourism Blueprint 2011-2015.

The branding is chosen because of the flora and fauna found in Langkawi besides the 550-million-year-old rock formations, 99 islands forming the region's first geopark, its natural complement of rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, mangroves, unique wildlife and insects such as 500 species and sub-species of butterflies and more than 226 species of birds.

On top of that, the friendly people of Langkawi is the strength and the pulse of "Naturally Langkawi".

Currently ranked fourth best island in Asia by a poll done by Conde Nast Traveller, Langkawi aims to be one of the top 10 eco-destinations in the world by 2015.

Najib also said Langkawi has never been sidelined in the federal government's development agenda and the island will definitely benefit from more projects to propel it further as an international tourist destination. The government has listed 14 aggressive but realistic initiatives through the 2011-2015 Langkawi Tourism Blueprint, aimed at drawing three million visitors to the island with a revenue of RM3.8 billion by 2015, he said.

"But I understand that we have exceeded three million visitors this year itself. We've surpassed our target in 2012, what more in 2015," he said. – Bernama

Copyright © 2012 Sun Media Corporation Sdn. Bhd.