Sabah a magnet for tourists.

27th March, 2013

Sabah a magnet for tourists.

SABAH, also known as the “Land Below The Wind”, is among one of the country's fastest growing economies driven mainly by its eco-tourism products, palm oil industry and other natural resources.

Home to the nation's highest peak Mount Kinabalu and world-class diving site Sipadan, Sabah draws hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world annually.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Islands off the Kota Kinabalu capital city is also a popular draw for local and foreign tourists seeking adventure sport holiday packages.

The Danum Valley rainforest conservation area also draws researchers from all over the globe as well as prominent visitors like Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton last year.

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Cycling packages helping to promote local products too.

25th March, 2013

Cycling packages helping to promote local products too.

RAUB: The cycling packages introduced by the Tourism Ministry have helped to highlight locals products besides boosting domestic tourism, said minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

“In Felda Tersang, there are local fruits like buah saga and the various colours of bunga raya; some of the things which city folks may not even know exist,” she said. “The settlers, too, were not familiar with them. But after they took part in the cycling programme, they came to know about these during their stops,” she added.

Dr Ng said the making of parang had also long existed in Felda Tersang but some settlers knew about it only through the cycling trips. “The cycling packages we launched last year have proven to be one of the most popular tourism packages for locals and foreigners.

“We have expanded the packages into the Felda settlements. We started it in Felda Tersang which is some 45km from Raub town,” she said after taking part in the 10km Kayuhan Sihat@ Tersang held at Felda Tersang Satu here yesterday.

Dr Ng said also said that her ministry had funded the upgrade of fishing ponds in Felda Tersang so that these would become more attractive to visitors, joggers and cyclists. “Soon their surface will be full of teratai flowers and the landscaping will be enhanced too,” she said.

 Copyright@1995-2012 Star Publications (M) Bhd

International Sporting Events Help Boost Sports Tourism In Malaysia.

24^th March, 2013

International Sporting Events Help Boost Sports Tourism In Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR - Successful international sporting events undoubtedly lead Malaysia towards development in the sports tourism sector, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. He said such events not only benefited one area of economy, but it also drives investment in other sectors such as hospitality, retail, trade and industries.

"In such international events like the Maybank Malaysian Open Golf Championship, it is a chance for Malaysia to show the world that we have the facilities and expertise to organise world class events," he said in his speech at the Maybank Malaysian Open Golf Championship 2013 prize giving ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, here, Sunday.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin noted that the initiative by Maybank and Malaysia Golf Association (MGA) to develop the talent of young people and teach them skills that needed to succeed are vital in ensuring our country continues to be on the world stage.

He also congratulated Thailand's rising star Kiradech Aphibarnrat who won the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013 title today and also Malaysia's top ranked amateur Gavin Kyle Green who finished as the best Malaysian player.

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Tourism Malaysia to woo more wedding tourists from India.

Date: 7 March 2013

Tourism Malaysia to woo more wedding tourists from India.

TOURISM Malaysia, which is eyeing 780,000 tourists from India in 2013, is all geared up to woo more wedding tourism from the country, its Director, Amran Abdul Rahman said. Last year, a total of 691,271 Indians visited Malaysia

"Indians spend lavishly on weddings, especially in the northern region. It is a great market indeed," he said, adding, spending between RM3 million to RM4 million for weddings is very common.

Tourism Malaysia, he said has identified places such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Lucknow, as the major markets for wedding related tourism. There have been a few weddings held to date in Malaysia and the favourite destination of wedding couples was Langkawi, Pangkor, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

"We started this tourism strategy just four to five years ago and really want to go big on it. The market is so huge that the package could also include chartering a whole aircraft," he told Bernama. "Malaysia also offers exotic destinations like Sabah and Sarawak for Indians who are seeking locations closer to nature," said Amran.

On why there have been only a few weddings, despite the huge potential, he said, the segment is still at a very early stage of development. “One reason why we receive less weddings in Malaysia compared to Thailand, is that the product owners, namely hoteliers are not ready to host such big weddings. Of course, they are used to having Malaysian weddings. But the requirements for Indian weddings are different, especially in terms of food, which a majority of the hoteliers can't cater for," he added.

However, a number of hotels now understand the market and are well prepared to host, "Big Fat Indian Weddings."

On the part of Tourism Malaysia, he said, India’s leading wedding planners have been taken on hosted tours to Malaysia, to discover the best on offer. "We have also tied-up with wedding related magazines to showcase our products as well as participate in wedding fairs," he said. The aim, he added, is to attract more quality weddings and not just quantity.

Besides weddings, he said Tourism Malaysia also aims to promote high-end tourism like spas, eco tourism, golf, exotic destinations as well as event related tourism such as the Formula One, Moto GP, and International Shoe Festivals.

Amran said there is also a huge demand for "single women" outbound travellers, which Tourism Malaysia would tap on, by coming up with customised travel packages. "Besides spa, entertainment and shopping, we are also promoting diving activities for them in places like Tioman and Redang.

"Indian holidaymakers will continue to spend this year despite the global economic strain. Hence, we will be promoting various attractive destinations in Malaysia through various media and other activities, including campaigns on television, newspapers, magazines and the social media," he added.

Amran said Tourism Malaysia also does joint promotions with local tour operators, airlines, other tourism boards and select brands, to entice the tourism traffic from India. – Bernama

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1Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Heritage Xplorace Attracts More Than 560 Participants.

Date: 18 February 2013

1Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Heritage Xplorace Attracts More Than 560 Participants.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Bernama) - More than 560 people have confirmed their participation in the '1Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Heritage Xplorace 2013' aimed at promoting the various heritage and historical sites in the federal capital, this Saturday.

Kuala Lumpur Tower chief executive officer Datuk Zuraidah Mohd Said said the participants comprised 250 teams in the race which would start and end at the Kuala Lumpur Tower.

"It is hoped that that this race will make the city folks to want to know more about the attractive and unique places in the city," he told a media conference here Monday.

He said the event received the support from the National Heritage Department, an agency under the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry, to preserve and conserve the country's heritage.

The race offers RM1,500 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 smartphone to the grand winners, while second prize is RM1,000 and the Samsung SIII smartphone and third prize winners will each receive RM750 and also a Samsung SIII mini smartphone.

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SIC target 130,000 fans for this year’s F1 race.

Date: 30 January 2013

SIC target 130,000 fans for this year’s F1 race.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix is now 15 years but still going strong. And the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), the organisers, are hoping the promotional activities in place this year will help them attract an even bigger crowd to the Sepang Circuit come March 22-24.

SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Tun Mahathir, speaking at the official launching of the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix by Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek last night, said they are hopeful of enticing 90,000 fans on race day itself.

“We recorded an attendance of 120,000 spectators for three days last year, but we hope to bring in more than 130,000 over three days this time. I am hoping that more fans will come on race day. We are expecting to have at least 40% foreigners and 60% local spectators.

“Over the years, the local spectators have continued to give good support to this event and we hope they continue to do so. To achieve this, SIC will be working closely with Petronas (the title sponsors) and all our key partners like Tourism Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Majlis Perbandaran Sepang, BBKLCC Tourism Association and the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture as well as the various government agencies and NGOs in making this year the best-ever F1 event,” said Mokhzani, adding that all 14 Petronas F1 cars from 1999 to 2012 will be presented to the public nationwide until the race weekend.

“We also encourage fans to purchase tickets early because seat selection will not be allowed during the ticket purchase process during the racing weekend (March 22-24) in the interest of serving the larger crowd of patrons present at the circuit grounds.”

A special One Ticket Unlimited (1TU) package will also be introduced this year to provide fans with a host of privileges to enjoy the event in March. Apart from being a passport for additional discounts at the 1Malaysian GP Sale 2013 in March, 1TU will also provide the ticket-holders a host of other privileges like shopping and dining. With the 1TU, all the grandstand ticket-holders will have access to the F1 after race concert featuring the legendary Guns N Roses on March 24 for free.

Those with the hillstand tickets will have to add a minimum of RM120 to catch the legendary rock performance.

Malaysia will host the second round of this season’s 20-leg F1 World Championship. The new season will open with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne from March 15-17.

By LIM TEIK HUAT

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Tour Putrajaya On A Bicycle.

Date: 7 January 2013

Tour Putrajaya On A Bicycle.

PUTRAJAYA (Bernama) - Putrajaya is popular among cyclists these days, with more and more people riding their cycles on weekends in this city. Added with facilities like bicycle lanes, bicycles for rent, a BMX circuit and an off-road cycling track, the administrative capital is an alluring destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Therefore, it is not surprising to see cyclists from Klang Valley and other parts of the country in Putrajaya. In fact, there are a number of cyclists from Singapore and Indonesia too.

Some of the popular cycling events in Putrajaya include the Putrajaya Inter-Park Ride, Putrajaya Critical Mass and MTB Jamboree @ Putrajaya. These events are well received by local and foreign cyclists. During these events, Putrajaya appears as the bicycle capital of the country. Thousands of riders with their colourful bicycles add to the picturesque landscape of Putrajaya.

To increase the number of cycling activities in Putrajaya, two more cycling activities were introduced in December 2012. The two activities are Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia Putrajaya Bike Ride (CC1MPBR) and Paya Indah Wetlands (PIW). After launching the two cycling activities, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen said the Tourism Ministry will promote Putrajaya as a bicycle-friendly city and a green destination. This is in line with the garden city concept promoted by the city's administrator - Putrajaya Corporation.

"Now, the Bike Ride activity is present in almost every state in Malaysia," she said. Currently, about 38 cycling tour packages are available in Putrajaya, with one package extending to Paya Indah Wetlands in Banting, Selangor, about 25 km from Putrajaya. The packages are tailored to meet the requirements of tourists, families and even big groups of visitors. The prices of the packages are fixed for the year 2013. So, visitors can plan their cycling tours without worrying about additional charges during peak hours.

The Paya Indah Wetlands are rich in flora and fauna provide a unique experience for those visiting the place on the cycle. Covering an area of 450,76 hectares, and they are home to many hippopotamuses, crocodiles, 226 species of birds, 63 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians and 14 species of fish. Cycling is permitted on the 18 km off-road track in this nature park, which is part of the 60 km track that links Banting to Putrajaya. Other activities that can be carried out in the Paya Indah Wetlands are bird watching, feeding hippopotamuses and crocodiles, kayaking, and a boat ride to Gibbon Island.

Tour agents are hopeful that cycling programmes will increase the number of tourists to Putrajaya. They also feel that Putrajaya will be known as a green city. Saidinar Mohd Noor, owner of Dinar Holidays Sdn Bhd, said these cycling packages promote a healthy lifestyle.

Meanwhile, Haizan Mohd Nor, General Manager of IMG Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd, said new attractions, including the Paya Indah Wetlands, appeal to the general public. "We are coming up with affordable packages so that everyone can take park in cycling activities," said Haizan, whose agency offers three cycling packages.

Director of Pesaka Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd, Zakiah Yunus, when met noted that her company chose the concept of 'hunt' to promote learning while touring. Cycling packages offered by this company are ideal for students. "Students can learn and have fun at the same time," explained Zakiah.

Last year, Tourism Malaysia Jakarta (TMJ) introduced the 3D/2N Special Package to encourage Indonesians to tour Putrajaya on bicycles. Close to 80 Indonesians took part in the programme. The package was developed by TMJ and Anditar Tour costing USD405 (about RM1,250) includes flight tickets, accommodation, tours and meals.

TMJ's Director, Nor Aznan Sulaiman, said many Indonesians will take part in cycling activities as they love cycling. "So, we approached a local tour agency to take the package to the next level," he said. Janto Hassan, 50, said he was impressed by the event. "The Indonesian government encourages cycling. Certain roads in Jakarta cannot be used by motor vehicles on weekends. Only cyclists can use these roads. This way, the country can overcome energy crisis," he said, adding that Malaysia should come up with similar activities.

For further information about these packages, contact Tourism Malaysia at 1 300 88 5050 or enquiries@tourism.gov.my or visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.

By Ali Imran Mohd Noordin

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New Motorsports City fuels Johor's tourism ambitions.

Date: 5 December 2012

New Motorsports City fuels Johor's tourism ambitions.

JOHOR’S Iskandar region will see a RM3.5 billion (US$1.2 billion) motorsports hub emerge by 2016, according to local newspapers.

The Business Times, The Straits Times and Today reported that Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim has partnered with Malaysia’s UEM Land on a 110 hectare plot near the Tuas Second Link that connects the two countries.

FasTrack Autosports (majority-owned by Lim) owns 70 per cent of the joint venture while UEM Land owns 30 per cent. The latter is a subsidiary of state-owned investment company Khazanah Nasional. The hub is expected to be fully completed in 10 to 15 years, with the first phase expected to be ready by 2016.

Besides having a 4.5km double-loop circuit, a 1.2km go-kart track and an off-road circuit, the project will also host various kinds of car and motorcycle races. It will also house car showrooms, a car museum, a driving school, a bonded warehouse where drivers can store tax-free cars and a research and development centre. Additionally, there will also be a clubhouse, weekend homes, F&B and entertainment outlets. 

According to The Business Times, the Singapore Sports Council has not ruled out carrying on with its plans to build a similar race circuit in Changi.

Copyright TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd © 2012

A perfect swing for Malaysian tourism.

Date: 3 December 2012

A perfect swing for Malaysian tourism.

KUALA LUMPUR: Hosting Asia's first Kids Golf World Championship (KGWC) 2012 should augur well for the future of Malaysian golf tourism. KGWC event director Sukumaran Balakrishnan said Malaysia has a bright future ahead as it has some of the finest courses in Asia.

"Asia and in particular Malaysian golf destinations are competing for the affluent, high-value tourists who generate significantly above-average per capita revenues for the destinations they frequent," he said in an email interview.

Global golf tourism has been valued at US$20 billion (RM60 billion) with over 50 million golf tourists travelling around the world to play on some of the estimated 32,000 courses worldwide, he noted.

KGWC is part of the US Kids Golf Foundation, one of the largest golf foundations in the US hosting a whole calendar of events throughout the year. "All of these tournaments are held in the US except one which is held in Europe and this will be the first time they are holding KGWC in Asia," said Sukumaran.

He said that US KGWC has been traditionally played at Pinehurst Golf Club and over 18,000 kids have tried to qualify for the 1,200 spots. "I don't think there is a larger junior golf tournament in the world," Sukumaran said, adding that there is a rising number of participants from Asia and last year 40 per cent of them were Asians.

"This is a very large tournament. We have 373 junior golfers registered, aged five to 18 to participate in 18 different categories. The tournament will be played at Saujana Golf & Resort Club and Glenmarie Golf and Resort Club," he said.

Sukumaran pointed out that Malaysia is one of the best golfing destinations in the world with some fantastic golf courses, hotels, attractions and hospitality.  "We were able to offer all participants and their family and friends two fantastic golf courses and some great value accommodation during their visit," he said.

Sukumaran said the event helps boost Malaysia's image enormously and will position the country as one of the world's best travel destinations. "For example, as part of the Economic Transformation Programme, MyCEB (Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau) is making sure that Malaysia is promoted as the global centre stage for international events," he said.

Malaysia won the bid to host KGWC from countries such as Japan, China and South Korea. "We succeeded because of the support of RSH (the Malaysian franchise holder) and MyCEB who are extremely keen to help develop the game of the golf in the region," Sukumaran said.

By Roziana Hamsawi

Copyright © The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad

Watney wins CIMB Classic, Tiger finishes tied for fourth.

Date: 28 October 2012

Watney wins CIMB Classic, Tiger finishes tied for fourth.

KUALA LUMPUR: Nick Watney came close to pulling off a 59 en route to pulling off a magnificent CIMB Classic victory, closing with a bogey for a course-record 10-under 61 at the Mines Resort and Golf Club on Sunday.

Watney needed a birdie on the par-four 18th for a 59 but drove his ball into the left rough, failed to reach the green with his approach and left his birdie pitch just short of the putting surface.

The American was still all smiles as he finished at 22-under 262 and earned the winner's purse of US1.3mil in the process.

Defending champion Bo Van Pelt and Robert Garrigus tied for second, a stroke back.

Needing a birdie on 18th to force a playoff, Van Pelt saved par for a 66. Garrigus also finished with a 66.

Tiger Woods also came back strongly on the final day to shoot a 63 to tie for fourth at 19-under with Chris Kirk and Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge. Kirk shot 67 while de Jonge had a 66.

Watney won the FedEx Cup opener at Bethpage Black in August for his fifth PGA Tour victory and thus continues the winning streak for the Americans.

Ben Crane was the inaugural winner in 2010 and was tied for 14th on 14-under this time.

By LIM TEIK HUAT

Copyright @ The STAR Online http://thestar.com.my

Tiger Woods is in Kuala Lumpur!

Date: 28 October 2012

Tiger Woods is in Kuala Lumpur!

See Tiger Woods at CIMB Classic 2012 (25th to 28th October, 2012) and with many more international ranking golfers such as Robert Garrigus, Jbe Kruger, Greg Chalmers, Troy Matteson, Trevor Immelman and many more. Malaysian golfers, Shaaban Hussin and Danny Chia are also among players participating in this year CIMB Classic which offers USD$6.1million for the winners. Last year winner was Bo Van Pelt with 23-under-par-261.

CIMB Classic is a 72-hole stroke play event combining players from three official sanctioning bodies – the PGA TOUR, the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Association of Malaysia (PGAM). The tournament, in its third year, brings together top players from the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup standing, top players from the Asian Tour order of Merit and top players from Malaysia. The tournament is held at the MINES Resort & Golf Club.

Tiger Woods, a 14-time Major winner had huge fans and crowd following him around during the event. However, he stayed in the mix in the CIMB Classic as he dealt with hot and humid days, plus plenty of muddy balls at the Mines Resort and Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur.

For more details and 2012 Players (kindly browse at):

a. For current FedEx Cup rankings, visit http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/info/?02394

b. To view the Asian Tour Order of Merit, visit http://www.asiantour.com/oom.aspx

Source: http://www.cimbclassic.com/

Tourism Malaysia support tourney for the third time.

Date: 28 October 2012

Tourism Malaysia support tourney for the third time.

Kuala Lumpur - The ongoing CIMB Classic at the Mines Resort and Golf Club marks the third year of the Tourism Malaysia’s support for the tournament, promoting it as a key event in the tourism calendar of the country.

This is in line with the government’s efforts to develop and promote Malaysia as a top destination for international events and golf tourism.

Golf tourism is a lucrative business attracting affluent tourists who generate significantly above average per capita revenues for a destination.

It is set to be one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry in Malaysia.

Besides CIMB Classic, Malaysia also plays host to other international golf tournaments annually such as the Maybank Malaysian Open, Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and Iskandar Johor Open.

Tourism Malaysia has also been organising the World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship annually since 1994.

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