Jakarta Great Sale 2013 Aims to Draw Tourists From Asia and Middle East.

28th March, 2013

Jakarta Great Sale 2013 Aims to Draw Tourists From Asia and Middle East.

The Jakarta Great Sale Festival 2013 will kick off in June to offer discounted products in an effort to attract domestic buyers and draw tourists from Asia and the Middle East to malls in the capital. The two-week event will launch on June 1, in honor of Jakarta’s 486th anniversary. Handaka Santosa, the head of the festival, said that the festival will combine shopping, cultural and lifestyle events into one big event.

This year’s event will highlight Indonesian cuisine and traditional crafts, in cooperation with the Indonesian Female Entrepreneurs and Regional Crafts Council. This year, Handaka said, the festival has teamed up with 74 shopping centers and other partners throughout the city to offer 20 percent to 70 percent off a myriad of products. Handaka added that the event strives to draw tourists to malls across Jakarta.

“The Jakarta Great Sale Festival is also targeted to reach the Asia and Middle East areas. We expect the tourists from those areas will be attracted to come to Jakarta to enjoy the many discounts and to shop,” he said during dinner with Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama at City Hall on Wednesday night.

Basuki said the annual event encourages people to come to the city, spend money and experience all that Jakarta has to offer. “It’s better if all products are discounted, not only certain brands. With many products at a discounted price, people that come here would remember Jakarta,” Basuki said.

Handaka said he was optimistic that campaigns across Asia and the Middle East promoting the Jakarta Great Sale Festival would pay off with a massive influx of buyers. He also told Kompas.com that he wants to show Indonesians that they don’t need to go overseas to find great products at affordable prices. Handaka said that the Jakarta Great Sale Festival 2013 is expected to see 15 percent more money from transactions than last year’s event ,which reached Rp 10.7 trillion ($175 million). The organizer also said the sale would strengthen the relations among business people in the city, increase mall visitors by 20 percent and contribute to Jakarta’s tax income.

Sapta Nirwandar, vice minister of tourism and creative economy, said the Jakarta Great Sale will bring many profits to the capital city. “The event will increase Jakarta’s regional income and also increase the tourists visiting the city,” Sapta said.

By: Lenny Tristia Tambun

Copyright@2013 JakartaGlobe

KLIA2 on schedule to open on June 28.

28th March, 2013

KLIA2 on schedule to open on June 28.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd (MAHB) says the klia2 - the new low-cost airline hub - is on schedule to open on June 28. The airports operator said on Thursday all efforts were underway to meet this target date.

"MAHB is closely monitoring the progress of the work being done by the contractors," it said. Although some works by the contractors were behind schedule, they were ramping up their efforts to meet the deadline, it said.

MAHB is employing 1,102 new staff for KLIA2, of which 746 are aviation security, 86 are airport fire and rescue services, 98 are engineering and maintenance and 172 are operations services.

MAHB also said its managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid, who has been with the company since 2003, had requested the board seek a suitable successor. Bashir's contract ends in June.

However, MAHB said the board would like Bashir to continue to guide the company through the current challenges facing the aviation industry. "The board will in due course identify a successor and will provide sufficient time for a proper transition. The board has deliberated the matter and has forwarded the matter to Ministry of Finance for its decision," it said.

By: Leong Hung Yee

Copyright@1995-2012 Star Publications (M) Bhd

TripAdvisor unveils travelers' choice islands.

27th March, 2013

TripAdvisor unveils travelers' choice islands.

Travelers' Choice Islands awards; Top islands worldwide recognized based on opinions of millions of travelers across the globe.

NEWTON, MASS. - TripAdvisor announced the winners of its inaugural Travelers' Choice Islands awards. Based on millions of valuable traveler reviews and opinions on the site, the awards recognize more than 100 islands across the globe, including dedicated lists for Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, the South Pacific, and the U.S. 

"Whether you're looking for idyllic palm-lined islands, or islands that offer a more cultural experience, you'll find inspiration in these lists," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "From the world famous to the hidden gems, what unifies every award winner is the fantastic feedback from travelers across the globe."

Top 10 Islands in the U.S.:

•San Juan Island, Washington

•Kauai, Hawaii

•Marco Island, Florida

•Anna Maria Island, Florida

•Maui, Hawaii

•Sanibel Island, Florida

•Chincoteague Island, Virginia

•Island of Hawaii, Hawaii

•Amelia Island, Florida

•Key West, Florida

Top 10 Islands in the World:

•Ambergris Caye, Belize

•St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

•Bora Bora, French Polynesia

•San Juan Island, Washington

•Santorini, Greece

•Isla Mujeres, Mexico

•Moorea, French Polynesia

•Koh Tao, Thailand

•Easter Island, Chile

•Nosy Be, Madagascar

"We're delighted that San Juan Island is honored as both the top island in the U.S. and as a top four world pick in the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Islands awards," said Deborah Hopkins, executive director for the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. "We'd like to thank the travelers who have made this win possible, simply by sharing their love of the sparkling waters, abundant wildlife, outdoor recreation and vibrant arts scene that San Juan Island offers on TripAdvisor."

By: Helena Tzioti

Copyright@1999 - 2013, TravelDailyNews www.traveldailynews.com

Bangladesh Wants To Emulate Malaysia's Infrastructure Development To Attract More Tourists.

28th March, 2013

Bangladesh Wants To Emulate Malaysia's Infrastructure Development To Attract More Tourists.

KUALA LUMPUR - Bangladesh is keen to emulate Malaysia's infrastructure development to attract more tourists to the country, said Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Malaysia A.K.M. Atiqur Rahman. He said tourists were easily attracted to Malaysia because of its infrastructure.

For example, an average of 500 people from Bangladesh fly to Malaysia each day, with three flights operating daily between Kuala Lumpur and Dhaka, he told Bernama in an interview recently, in conjunction with the country's 42nd independence anniversary celebration yesterday.

Atiqur Rahman said the lack of infrastructure facilities had restricted the country from getting more tourists from around the globe. "Once we can do these things (rebuild infrastructure), I think we will get more tourists, not only from Malaysia but also from other countries," he said. However, he noted that a lot of work needed to be done, not only to improve Bangladesh's infrastructure but also to develop air links, hotels and restaurants.

The High Commissioner said Bangladesh had many tourist attractions, including the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and home to the Bengal tiger. The Sundarban forest covers around 10,000 square km, of which a major portion is in Bangladesh, while India's portion is estimated to be around 4,264 square km.

Atiqur Rahman said Bangladesh is also known for its Cox's Bazar beach, which is one of the world's longest natural sandy beaches and also a fishing port, an added value to attract more tourists.

Touching on investments, he said a number of Malaysian companies were investing in housing projects in the country. However, he sees the need for more collaboration in the pharmaceutical industry as Bangladesh maintains a high standard of medicinal products at very competitive prices. "So, we hope that by the next three to five years, there will be lot of Malaysian companies investing in Bangladesh in the medical sector also," Atiqur Rahman said.

Touching on bilateral relations, he said diplomatic ties with Malaysia began in 1972, a year after Bangladesh attained its independence. He lauded the Malaysian government and its people for being the first Muslim and Southeast Asian country to recognise Bangladesh, just within months after its liberation on Dec 16, 1971 (regarded as Victory Day).

By: Azzah Mohamad

Copyright@BERNAMA

Taiwan aiming to attract more Muslim tourists.

27th March, 2013

Taiwan aiming to attract more Muslim tourists.

Taipei (CNA) - Taiwan is working to attract more Muslim tourists as part of its efforts to expand its tourism, the Tourism Bureau said Monday at a briefing by Muslim travel market experts.

Last year, the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Taiwan reached a record high of 7.3 million, but the percentage of Muslim tourists remained small, said Eric Lin, director of the bureau’s international affairs division.

Lin said the bureau has been working with the Taipei-based Chinese Muslims Association over the past few years to create a Muslim-friendly environment that would include the certification of Muslim restaurants and hotels.

With the focus on Muslim tourists, “we now need to step up our efforts” to understand and cater to their needs to make Taiwan more attractive to them, he said.

To this end, the bureau commissioned the association to invite experts on the Muslim travel market to meet Monday with representatives of restaurants and hotels in Taiwan.

Darhim Dali Hashim, chief executive officer of the Malaysia-based International Halal Integrity Alliance, said that the majority of the world’s Muslims live in the Asia-Pacific region. Taiwan is within short distance by air from many Muslim countries in Asia such as Malaysia, he said. “That represents an opportunity for Taiwan,” he added.

On the subject of restaurant services, one expert said Muslim diners would need to have Halal food and a prayer facility. Halal restaurants do not serve certain foods such as pork or wine, as these are not permissible under Islamic law.

There is no big difference, however, between Muslim tourists and other travelers, said Fazal Bahardeen, founder and CEO of Crescent rating, a travel portal dedicated to Muslim tourists. Muslim visitors just need to be able to preserve their religious values, he added.

After the briefing, the tourism bureau held a ceremony at which it granted Halal certificates to an additional 16 restaurants around Taiwan.

By: Elaine Hou

Copyright@2001-2012 MuslimVillage Incorporated

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.

 Copyright@1995-2012 Star Publications (M) Bhd

DRH reveals two new developments in Nusajaya.

27th March, 2013

DRH reveals two new developments in Nusajaya.

Key projects by Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH) to boost Johor’s tourism and commercial sector

KUALA LUMPUR – Formed to be a catalyst of premier and integrated destination resorts in Malaysia, Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH), is proud to announce two new premier developments under its investment portfolio – Traders Hotel and Little Red Cube, both located in Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya.

As one of the major leisure and tourism (“L&T”) investments located at the southern tip of peninsula Malaysia, these two developments undertaken by DRH will contribute immensely to elevate Puteri Harbour as the new destination of Johor.

Nadziruddin Basri, Managing Director of DRH said, “As a catalyst for the development of Malaysia’s L&T sector, this is a very exciting time for DRH. Last November, we announced our first integrated resort development in Johor; Desaru Coast. Today, we are proud to introduce Traders Hotel along with Little Red Cube, our key developments in Puteri Harbour – the jewel of Nusajaya. These developments will add to the leisure offerings in the region, stimulate the economy in the surrounding areas, create employment for our local talents as well as develop a pool of hospitality professionals.”

DRH has formed a strategic partnership with world-renowned Shangri-La Group, to operate the first international hotel brand in Nusajaya – Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour. Located at the waterfront marina, guests will be able to enjoy world-class facilities complemented with Traders signature warm hospitality. Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour boasts five multi-function meeting and event rooms including a banquet hall with the capacity to cater up to 600 guests. It also features key Traders signature facilities including a skybar lounge located on the rooftop overlooking the stunning Straits of Johor, three swimming pools, along with a spa and gym. In addition, it is fully equipped with a contemporary business centre, pre-function area and VIP room  to cater to local and international business and MICE travelers. To prepare for its opening in Q2 2013, the hotel has started its recruitment with more than 350 job offerings to professionals in the hospitality industry.

Within the same integrated development is Little Red Cube; a lifestyle and family entertainment complex covering over 4.2 acres that hosts a premium mix of retail, leisure, F&B and entertainment outlets. Its 88 lots are sprawled on two levels, consisting of a promenade that faces the harbour, offering a spectacular view of the Straits of Johor. Little Red Cube is also home to the newly opened Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, an indoor theme park comprising Hello Kitty Town and Little Big Club, with the latest addition LAT’s Place that has recently opened its doors to eager diners to experience the first interactive dining experience within the region.

With a total investment of more than RM400 million, both Little Red Cube and Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour are expected to create over 1,000 employment opportunities and to bring in the 500,000 target visitors during the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

“DRH’s portfolio is growing steadily and we are eager to share our latest projects as they unveil. Ultimately, our success is largely attributed to our collaborations with key partners, such as the Shangri-La Group. They share our strong commitment to further elevate the L&T landscape with world-class developments and innovative infrastructure in realizing the strong growth potential in our region. Today, we begin by catering to the booming commercial and tourism industry in Nusajaya, which is one of the five flagship development zones in Iskandar, Johor,” he added.

By: Tatiana Rokou

Copyright@1999 - 2013, TravelDailyNews www.traveldailynews.com

Capitalising on Sarawak’s tourism opportunities.

26th March, 2013

Capitalising on Sarawak’s tourism opportunities.

KUCHING: For Sarawak to succeed in providing new tourism opportunities in order to attract more travellers and reach its target, it will have to resolve the issue of air connectivity. In its 2012 report on the state, Inside Investors highlighted that the Sarawak government and its Sabah counterpart were in agreement with Malaysia Airlines Systems Bhd (MAS) subsidiary MASwings to be East Malaysia’s own airline.

The latest developments indicated that this was the right decision. With added air capacity, the state could evolve into a tourism destination of choice for people who were not necessarily looking for the usual mass treatment but more for adventure, nature, cultural heritage and festivals.

Sarawak has recently found a niche in the so called musical tourism by staging several events the most famous of which were the Rainforest World Music Festival and the Miri International Jazz Festival. Both events are big draws for people who otherwise will probably bypass Sarawak compared to other tourism destinations.

“One other area is eco-tourism, which is part of the state’s development plan for the tourism sector. The government has indicated that all industry players will have to be responsive to the new plan, as it aims to create Sarawak’s own niche market to make its tourism offers more attractive,” Inside Investors enthused.

Meetings, incentives conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector is also gaining traction. This form of tourism in Sarawak could be easily related to projects in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), an area in which the Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) was focusing on. As far as the conferences related to SCORE, there would be, for example, the upcoming Hydropower Association conference in Kuching in May.

The government would use this as a platform to showcase how they could move forward in terms of hydropower utilisation and related technologies. All the events around SCORE offer a perfect opportunity for stakeholders to network with others who were also active in sub-sector business.

The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) responsible for the conventional tourism, hopes to see more funds allocated for the tourism sector in the future. Under the Tenth Malaysia Plan, the state government had allocated a five year RM30 million fund to cover all tourism activities as well as its operation costs to the board, which made RM6 million a year.

This was however deemed too low by STB which meant that funds need to be raised from private investors to ensure the tourism industry stays on track.

By: Jonathan Wong, jonathanwong@theborneopost.com

Copyright@2010-2013 BorneoPost Online

Tourism Malaysia's New Frankfurt Director To Reach Out To Consumers.

26th March, 2013

Tourism Malaysia's New Frankfurt Director To Reach Out To Consumers.

FRANKFURT - Tourism Malaysia's new Frankfurt director will not only reach out to the tourism and travel trade but also directly communicate with the German consumers through a reach-out strategy that aims to add to the shine of Malaysia's image as an attractive tourist destination.

Maizan Ahmad, who assumed the post of director of Tourism Malaysia's Frankfurt office just two months back, said she would not just promote business-to-business contacts but also sharpen the consumer awareness about Malaysia's attributes as an attractive destination that would especially appeal to German tourists.

"It is equally important to directly communicate with the German consumers who are known to be passionate about foreign travel, and experience new lands and cultures," Maizan said in an interview with Bernama.

German tourists spent a mind-boggling 65 billion Euros (about RM262.3 billion) during 2012 on travel and tourism-related activities, according to Maizan.

"German tourists are among the world's top spending-tourists. Indeed, travel is an important part of a German's life. Germans are trend-setters. But Germany is also a challenging market. There has been a shift in the ranking of Germany which was until a couple of years back the second highest source of tourism traffic to Malaysia, behind the UK, in Europe. Meanwhile, Germany has been overtaken by France in terms of tourist arrivals in Malaysia ... while 131,277 German tourists were clocked in Malaysia in 2012, we received 136,172 French tourists visited Malaysia in the same year.

"In 2011, we had 124,670 German tourists visiting Malaysia compared with 127,980 French tourists," Maizan said. "One possible reason for the surge in French traffic could be the air connectivity. AirAsia operated a daily flight to Paris until early 2012, in addition to the daily flight operated by Malaysia Airlines," she explained adding that in contrast, MAS operates only five flights a week to Frankfurt.

"Consequently, our strategy is to also work with foreign airlines which operate flights to Malaysia through their hubs, even though these are not direct flights which German tourists usually prefer to take," she said.

But she is also planning to intensify contacts with German tour and travel operators and also going to break into a niche segment -- the upper-market segment -- in the area of luxury travel and lifestyle.

Also on the cards are several events planned in Germany in connection with the Visit Malaysia Year 2014, which would include organising familiarisation tours for travel and tour operators as well as the media.

By: Manik Mehta

Copyright@BERNAMA

Malaysians spread wings to new destinations.

25th March, 2013

Malaysians spread wings to new destinations.

Malaysians are taking advantage of new air links to explore a broader range of tourist destinations, a new study of online bookings has shown.

Travel search site Wego looked at the behaviour of 100,000 travellers using the company’s Malaysian site, www.wego.co.my. The results found that Malaysians searched for 2,500 flight destinations in 2012 – 900 more than in 2011. This trend was matched in terms of accommodation searches, with a rise of 400 hotel destinations taking the total to almost 2,000.

And while Wego noted that regional hubs such as Bangkok, Jakarta, Taipei and Singapore are still most popular, Malaysians appear to be developing an appetite for new destinations, driven by the proliferation of new low-cost air routes being launched from Kuala Lumpur.

“Users are constantly finding new routes with AirAsia, Jetstar, Malindo Air and other carriers which soon become popular, especially if they are seen to be affordable,” said Dean Wicks, Wego’s Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s driving a shift away from the traditional selections of Bali and Phuket in favour of destinations like Bandung, a favourite weekend retreat with Jakarta residents, Hat Yai, Macau and Perth.”

Only a quarter of flight searches on www.wego.com.my are domestic, with Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu trending up, according to Wego, along with Penang and Johor Bahru. And Wicks said he expects Malaysians to expand their horizons further in future, as airlines continued to add new routes.

“AirAsia’s push into India with Chennai as the hub, Malaysia Airlines joining oneworld and teaming up with partners Cathay Pacific, British Airways and Qantas will change the mix again, especially on the mid- to long-haul. Istanbul, for example is another destination gaining share of our Malaysian users’ attention,” he said.

Malaysians are also now moving more up-market. A record 16% searched for five-star properties in 2012, up from less 14% in 2011.

By: Mark Elliott

Copyright@www.traveldailymedia.com

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

Asian arrivals helping set new Umrah record.

23^rd March, 2013

Asian arrivals helping set new Umrah record.

Jeddah - A large number of Umrah pilgrims arriving from Asian countries this week are about to set a new record. The Ministry of Haj has indicated that more than 6 million pilgrims are likely to come for Umrah this year, up from 5.5 million last year. Hotels in Makkah have a capacity of 1.4 million pilgrims a month.

The season opened on Dec. 14 last year, and will close on Aug. 22.

Airlines operating flights to Jeddah are reportedly fully booked for Umrah pilgrims and as a result expatriates in the Kingdom are finding it difficult to get seats. Almost all airlines have raised airfares to Jeddah by nearly 25 percent, according to figures posted by various airlines.

Despite recent efforts by the government to streamline the procedure at airports, some Umrah operators are not following procedures. This year, the ministry announced a new system for foreign travel agents to provide contract details of pilgrims. Pilgrims, however, are arriving without stickers containing that information on their passports.

Pilgrims are also complaining that upon arrival they are clueless about their Umrah companies or tour operators. “This is continuing to result in chaos, ” said one pilgrim as he arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

The ministry insists that Umrah companies provide proper accommodations and transport for pilgrims. Over 200 Umrah companies were closed down for violating regulations.

The post-Umrah tourism packages are currently only for pilgrims from the US, Europe, Malaysia and Singapore and a few other countries. Meanwhile, costs of Umrah packages are rising in Pakistan, India and Turkey.

By: Irfan Mohammed

Copyright@arabnews.com

Malaysians ride to Europe on weak Euro.

22^nd March, 2013

Malaysians ride to Europe on weak Euro.

ESCORTED tours to Europe are seeing healthy growth in demand from the Malaysian market, partly due to the depreciation of the euro and US dollar against the Ringgit.

Insight Vacations reported a 25 per cent year-on-year spike in bookings for Europe for the January to March 2013 period. Insight Vacations regional director, Asia, Sheryl Lim, said: “When the euro and US dollar were strong against the ringgit, an eight- to 10-day tour to Europe would cost about RM10,000 (US$3,207). Now, one can take a 12- to 14-day tour at the same cost.”

According to Lim, popular destinations are Italy, Britain, and a combination of Spain and Portugal. Mature Malaysian travellers are now eyeing Eastern Europe destinations such Croatia and Poland. Destinations such as the Balkans, which were less popular in the past, have also seen a five to eight per cent year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2013, and this upward trend is expected to continue through to 2014.

Likewise, Sedunia Travel’s marketing & community manager, e-commerce division, Hannah Pearson, said her company’s upcoming Cosmos multi-destination holidays for the summer season to eastern European cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest had been well received by the Malaysian public. Also hot were eight-day itineraries combining Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France.

By: S Puvaneswary, Kuala Lumpur

Copyright@TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd © 2013

2,000 hotel bookings cancelled.

22^nd March, 2013

2,000 hotel bookings cancelled.

Sandakan: About 2,000 rooms that were booked online with the various hotels here were cancelled following the Suluk terrorist intrusion in Lahad Datu and Semporna recently. It is feared that the situation would lead to the closure of many businesses.

A newly-opened international-class hotel suffered a great loss when 600 guest rooms booked by foreign tourists over the next few months were cancelled.

Tourism industry player, Datuk John Lim Shau Ket, also revealed that renowned local hotels here incurred huge losses when about 90 arrangements were cancelled within one day on March 6. "The misleading information disseminated (by foreign countries) contributed to this phenomenon," he said.

Foreign tourists, he said, were given travel advisory by their respective governments that the East Coast of Sabah had turned into a battlefield. "But the hotspot is actually about 200km from here," he said.

He urged the Federal Tourism Ministry to negotiate with countries that imposed travel advisories through Malaysia's diplomats to lift the ban. "They must explain to the foreign tourists the actual situation here. Especially the hotspot in Felda Sahabat, which is well under control by our security forces," he said.

He said even the inbound tours here were badly affected with similar cancellations the past few weeks. The former Sabah Tourism Board Director said a committee co-named as Sandakan Tourism Association (STA), of which he is protem chairman, has been set up to monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, former Sandakan Municipal Council deputy president, Thomas Lau Chi Keong, said the participation of government departments is vital to stop the rumours that were created by irresponsible elements, including by the media in the Philippines. Lau said that by ceasing business operations, it would only create panic among the public. "We must have confidence in our security forces," he said, adding that his cafŽ business dropped by 50 per cent. Lau advised the people to verify the information they received by checking with the police.

Copyright@2013 Sabah Publishing House Sdn. 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.

Copyright@BERNAMA

Asia can take in more planes to sustain travel demand.

21^st March, 2013

Asia can take in more planes to sustain travel demand.

HONG KONG: Asia will be able to take in more aircraft as economic growth and a population of more than three billion people will sustain travel demand, said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, head of AirAsia Bhd, the region's biggest low-fare carrier.

Asia, which has 10 times the population of the US, has about a third of the number of aircraft, Fernandes, group chief executive officer of AirAsia, said in a Bloomberg Television interview at the Credit Suisse Group AG Asian Investment conference in Hong Kong. "So it can take a lot of planes."

The comments come after Indonesian budget carrier PT Lion Mentari Airlines ordered 234 aircraft from Airbus SAS this week - its second commitment to purchase more than 200 planes in two years - stoking concerns of overcapacity in Asia. More than a dozen budget airlines began operations in Asia Pacific in the past 15 years as economic growth in China, India and Southeast Asia enables more people to fly for the first time.

"The Asia-Pacific aviation industry is still booming," said Angeline Chin, a Kuala Lumpur-based analyst with Alliance Research Sdn.  "Nonetheless, we believe industry may need to adopt a more disciplined approach to capacity in the near-to-medium term." A massive "aircraft flood" may create yield depression and put airlines in financial difficulties, Chin said.

The growing population in Asia is expected to help fill the planes, said Fernandes, whose AirAsia group expects to carry 43 million passengers this year. Eleven years ago, the airline carried 200,000 passengers, he said yesterday. "I wouldn't say there are too many planes in Asia," Fernandes said. "We have 500 planes and we fly in six countries. Lion Air is in Indonesia and a hybrid in Malaysia. Asia can take the planes they have and we have."

Discount carriers have secured about a quarter of the region's air travel market in the past decade. The region will account for 33 per cent of global passengers in 2016, according to the International Air Transport Association, and HSBC Holdings plc has said four out of five airports in Asia are operating at or above their designated capacity.

AirAsia has grown into Asia's biggest discount airline since its takeover by Fernandes and partners in 2001. The Sepang, Malaysia-based carrier has set up ventures in the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, India and Indonesia. In 2011, AirAsia ordered 200 Airbus A320neo aircraft valued at US$18 billion (RM56.1 billion) in the biggest order for the planemaker. AirAsia plans to pick an engine for the 100 A320 planes it ordered from Airbus by April 18, Fernandes said.

Lion Air, which serves more than 36 destinations, is establishing a low-cost carrier in Malaysia to challenge AirAsia, Airbus's biggest A320 customer. Low-cost carriers are increasing their fleet as air travel is expected to increase more than 6.4 per cent annually through 2031. Lion Air has 700 planes on order and expects to have ordered 1,000 planes within "two to three years," president Rusdi Kirana said on March 18. The Indonesian carrier ordered 230 Boeing Co 737 planes last year.- Bloomberg

Copyright@BERNAMA

Bandung Popular Among Malaysian Tourists.

21^st March, 2013

Bandung Popular Among Malaysian Tourists.

TEMPO Interactive, Kuala Lumpur: Despite increasing trends in other tourist destinations, Bandung remains a favourite among Malaysian tourists spending their holidays in Indonesia. As such was evident during a tourism exhibition or MATTA 2013 held by Malaysian Travel Agents Association Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur on March 15-17.

“So far Bandung is still a main destination for Malaysian tourists with a percentage of more than 30 percent”, said ASEAN tourism promotion deputy-director Chrismiastutie met by Tempo during the closing ceremony on Sunday, March 17.

In addition to Bandung, tourists from Malaysia are also eyeing other destinations “such as Bali, Yogyakarta, Medan and other destinations in Sumatra”, said Chrismiastutie.

Copyright@TEMPO 2003

Health Tourism Generates RM570 Million In Revenue Last Year.

21^st March, 2013

Health Tourism Generates RM570 Million In Revenue Last Year.

KUALA LUMPUR - The health tourism sector has generated RM570.5 million in revenue last year, following improved customer experience, proactive alliances and niche marketing.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said: "We have seen a more than 20 percent growth in terms of health tourism since the past three years."

Health tourism has been outlined as one of the entry point projects under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA), and the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council was established to drive the promotion.

Speaking at the launching of the Healthcare in Asia 2013 conference, here, today, Liow said as for the national budget allocation, the ministry hoped to push for at least 10 percent to be allocated for the health sector compared to the current eight percent.

However there would be no cut back in budget allocation for the health sector, he added.

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Rape fears fuel tourists’ anxiety in India.

20th March, 2013

Rape fears fuel tourists’ anxiety in India.

NEW DELHI - Danish tourist Judith Jensen has a long list of don’ts to help her feel safe during her holiday in India. She won’t hail a taxi off the street, she won’t stay in an obscure hotel and she won’t go out after dark—all decisions made in response to the growing reporting of sexual crime in the country.

“I have read and heard so much about rape in India that now I feel this persistent sense of danger,” Jensen, 42, told AFP as she walked through a popular market in downtown Delhi.

The tourism ministry’s ubiquitous Incredible India marketing campaign has helped raise the number of foreign visitors over the past decade to around 6.6 million a year—albeit still way behind the likes of China and Malaysia. But that push is now hampered by a growing sense that India is simply not a safe destination, particularly for women.

The fatal gang-rape of an Indian student in December shone a disturbing light on the level of sexual violence and a series of subsequent attacks on foreigners has added to the sense of unease.

A British holidaymaker in the northern city of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, suffered a leg injury when she jumped out of a hotel window before dawn on Tuesday. Police said she feared a sex attack after two men tried to enter her room.

Last Friday a Swiss woman was gang-raped while on a cycling holiday in central India. Her husband was tied up by the gang, which is also accused of stealing a laptop, a mobile phone and 10,000 rupees ($185). On the same night a group of men in a city near Delhi briefly kidnapped an Indian male executive working for the French engineering giant Alstom.

Other incidents reported since the December gang-rape include that of a South Korean student who said she had been raped and drugged by the son of the owner of the hotel where she stayed during a holiday in January. A Chinese woman working in Gurgaon, a town bordering the Indian capital, was also reportedly raped by an acquaintance last month.

Indian officials say there is no need for alarm, pointing out that foreigners are victims of crime the world over and the vast majority of visitors experience no safety problems. But travel advice from a host of countries stresses the need for visitors to take care. An advisory from the Swiss foreign ministry, issued before Friday’s attack, urged men and women visiting India to travel in large groups and with guides.

The US State Department’s website asks female travelers to “observe stringent security precautions” and “avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially at night.” Britain’s foreign office updated its advisory for India on Tuesday, warning female tourists to “exercise caution when traveling in India even if they are traveling in a group.”

In a notorious case five years ago, 15-year-old British schoolgirl Scarlett Keeling was raped and left to die on a beach in the tourist resort of Goa.

Jensen, who stands out in an Indian crowd with her blonde hair, recalled how she spent a carefree week backpacking around southern India a decade ago. But now, traveling with her 10-year-old daughter, it is a different story and her husband texts her several times a day to check on their safety.

“There is no question that these stories will have an impact on foreign visitors,” she said. “Women will prefer to visit other places like Singapore or Bali or Thailand, where safety is not such a big concern.”

At the Delhi office of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, executive director Gour Kanjilal said it was unfair to portray India as dangerous. “Our industry is the first casualty when crime against foreigners is reported in India, but the reporting does not always reflect the truth,” he told AFP. “Tourists should be responsible. They should follow some do’s and don’ts.”

A state minister in Madhya Pradesh, where the attacks on the Swiss and South Korean tourists took place, told reporters on Sunday that travelers must inform local police officials whenever they move from one town to the next. That suggestion is hardly realistic for most tourists like 26-year-old Peruvian Marilu Labarthe, who squeezed in visits to seven cities during a two-week trip to the country.

Labarthe, shopping for ethnic trinkets in Delhi on the last day of her vacation, travelled to the country with 11 other women. “You have to always be careful. And after hearing of these recent incidents, one obviously feels a sense of fear,” she said, as one of her companions nodded in agreement.— Ammu Kannampilly

By: Agence France-Presse

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Mexico may drop out of top 10 tourist destinations; border tourism, cruise ship stops affected.

20th March, 2013

Mexico may drop out of top 10 tourist destinations; border tourism, cruise ship stops affected.

MEXICO CITY - Mexico’s top tourism official said the country may drop out of the world’s top 10 tourist destinations, a spot it has held for years. Tourism Secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu hasn’t said why the drop occurred, but there were declines in 2012 in two areas that have been affected by violence: border tourism and cruise ship stopovers.

The number of cruise ship passengers stopping in Mexico dropped 3 percent in 2012 and more than 15 percent over the past two years. The number of border visitors dropped 5.3 percent in 2012, according to Tourism Department figures.

Mexican border cities such as Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo have experienced continued waves of drug cartel violence, and a number of cruise operators have dropped port calls along Mexico’s western Pacific coast. Both areas have been affected by drug-fueled violence that has cost more than 70,000 lives in the past six years.

The drops contributed to a 1.2 percent decline in overall international tourism to Mexico in 2012. “We have indications that we may drop one or two places, but we’re not sure because the figures aren’t ours, they are from the World Tourism Organization,” Ruiz Massieu said Monday.

The WTO regional director for the Americas, Carlos Vogeler, said Tuesday it may be less a story of Mexico losing tourists, than about other countries making big gains and overtaking Mexico. “You have to take into account that there are countries that have made a great deal of progress in attracting international visitors,” Vogeler said. “For example, Russia has improved its figures, Malaysia has improved its own, and Austria. There are a number of countries that have increased their numbers significantly.”

And he noted Mexico has continued to gain in tourism revenues. Income from International tourists rose 7.1 percent in 2012, despite the decline in the number of visitors. “According to our initial data, Mexico has increased its income, apparently because people who arrive by air (rather than crossing a land border or arriving on a cruise ship) generally spend more time, and more money, in the country,” Vogeler said.

Ruiz Massieu seemed fairly calm about the whole affair. “What this administration and the Tourism Department are doing is looking to the future. ... We want to be more competitive globally. We want to diversify our tourism industry,” Ruiz Massieu said, referring to efforts to diversify beyond what has long been the country’s staple: American tourists visiting beach resorts.

While she did not offer specific figures, Ruiz Massieu said Mexico had attracted a large number of spring break visitors this year.  “The spring breakers season is ending and we had a very strong turnout at our main resorts. ... We’re very happy that we continue to be a favorite destination for that sector,” she said.

Tourism industry sources say that some Mexican resorts such as Cancun appear almost immune to problems in other parts of the country. The Travel Leaders Group, a network of independently owned and operated travel agencies in the U.S., noted that Cancun continues to be the second-most popular destination among Americans.

“It appears that travelers are quite savvy on the situation in Mexico and understand that there are many popular and safe destinations to visit,” Travel Leaders spokeswoman Kathy Gerhardt wrote earlier this year. “Also, many people are repeat visitors to Mexico. Based on their past experience in a particular destination or at a particular resort, they feel very comfortable traveling there again.”

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First-ever tourism hospitality, technology confab in Nov.

20th March, 2013

First-ever tourism hospitality, technology confab in Nov.

KUCHING: The first-ever conference on travel technology and hospitality automation will be held here in November this year.

Initiated and organised by UCSI Communications Sdn Bhd (UCSI Communications), the Asia Pacific Tourism Hospitality and Technology Conference (Apthat) 2013, will be held on Nov 21 and 22 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

Among the objectives of the conference are to prepare the travel and tourism industrialists to be resilient in the competitive market that is technology driven as well as to introduce them to the latest gadgets. The conference also aims at identifying opportunities that are propelled by innovations.

“This is a home-grown made in Sarawak Malaysian conference. In this conference, we are going more into innovation and technology. We feel that these two topics are very important in today’s travel trends because technology has evolved to be part of the tourism and hospitality industry,” said UCSI Communications managing director Gracie Geikie at a press conference yesterday.

The conference will include workshops, master classes, buyer-seller sessions, hotel inspections and exhibitions. Six papers will be presented. “It will be a different style of conference as there will be a lot of fun. The conference will touch on several areas especially on Professional Conference Organiser (PCO). We also have a section on association matters where we feel that there is a need to educate the audience about association and be part of an association.

“We have exhibitor booths and a very small version of buyer-seller session where delegates can meet with the members of the industries. As for master classes, we will be covering the Blue Ocean Strategy and the role of PCO,” she explained.

Gracie said the director-general of Tourism Malaysia Dato Mirza Mohammad Tayed had consented to deliver the keynote address while a letter of invitation had been sent out to the Tourism Minister who will be the guest-of-honour. Among the confirmed speakers are Prof Dr Ross Dowling and Selina Power from Australia, Dr Madahmohan Roa, E M Najeeb, both from India and Rohizam Md Yusoff from Malaysia.

Apart from gathering the industry experts and players from within the Asia Pacific region, UCSI Communications also hopes the event could further enhance the state’s effort in making Sarawak a MICE (meeting, incentive, conference and exhibitions) destination.

UCSI Communications is hoping to attract some 300 participants. Early bird special discount for the delegate fee is ongoing until April 30 and the price per delegate from May 1 onwards will be RM1,380 (US$460). Corporate discount is also available whereby corporate delegates will just have to pay the price of five delegates for six delegates. The delegate fee is inclusive of two days of conference, two pre-selected workshops and two buyer- seller sessions (first come, first served basis), four tea breaks, two luncheons, two pre-dinner networking cocktail receptions and a closing dinner party.

Registered delegates who intend to attend the master class will have to pay RM180 per person and each class is limited to 80 people, on a first come, first served basis.

There will also be exhibition booths available for tours, travel related, travel accessories, hoteliers at RM1,700 (US$590) per booth for two full days. The booth includes 3m x 3m shell scheme, a table, two chairs, a dustbin, a socket/plug point and fascia. Each booth is entitled to a conference delegate pass with full entitlement.

Online registration is possible at www.ticketxpress.com.my or call the booking hotline at +6(0)1112677388 or +6(0)82577911. For further information, visit www.apthat.com or www.ucsicommunications.com. Hilton Kuching is the official hotel while Planet Borneo Tours & Travel Services Sdn Bhd is the official tour operator of the conference.

By: Jonathan Chia reporters@theborneopost.com

Copyright@2010-2013 BorneoPost Online        

Industry players welcome country's tourism achievement.

20th March, 2013

Industry players welcome country's tourism achievement.

KUALA LUMPUR: The success enjoyed by the country in the tourism sector through 50 million tourist arrivals in 2011 and 2012 with a Gross National Income reaching RM100 billion, received positive reaction from the industry players.

According to Dinar Holidays Sendirian Berhad executive, Saudi Muhd, the achievement showed that the country was on the right track towards achieving developed nation status and hitting the 36 million tourist arrival target even before 2020.

"Many programmes have been initiated to encourage more tourists to the country, including the Homestay programme and I am proud with the achievement of the tourism sector," he told Bernama when commenting on the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) annual report tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, here last night.

As for Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) vice president Jeffri Sulaiman, the achievement would be a stepping stone for those in the travel and tourism industry to enhance the quality of their services.

"Tourism industry players must be wise in seizing the opportunities available through research to study the latest trend and new developments and initiatives offered by the government to attract tourists," he said.

He said the availability of many hotels, cheap flight tickets, cheap holiday packages and qualified and experienced tour guides has been able to attract more tourists who come to learn the traditions, culture and way of living in multi-racial Malaysia. - BERNAMA

Copyright@2011 The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad

Joint committee to help Sabah tourism.

19th March, 2013

Joint committee to help Sabah tourism.

KOTA KINABALU: The State and Federal tourism ministries have agreed to set up a joint ‘Tourism Recovery Committee’ to look at ways to help Sabah tourism industry which has taken a toll because of the ongoing conflict in Lahad Datu.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said that the committee would look into getting people to travel to Sabah again as the intrusion in Lahad Datu had affected the state’s tourism sector.

Masidi said that the committee would start off by setting up a RM500,000 fund on a 50-50 basis between the state and federal governments. “We are trying to put up aggressive advertisements to woo back visitors and the fund will be used to do all the public relations work as we need to ‘sell’ back Sabah to the world.

“The fund that we proposed is going to be jointly managed by the state and federal tourism ministries,” he told reporters after officiating at the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014 briefing for tourism players in the state yesterday.

Masidi said the joint committee was not only an indication of good collaborative relationship between the state and federal governments as it reflects the federal government’s willingness to be fully involved in the recovery process of Sabah’s tourism industry.

“It will be set up and the Tourism Ministry’s Chief Secretary Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng has agreed we will start working immediately. We do believe that with the development that is going on in Lahad Datu and the various decisions that have been made by the government the recovery will be fast,” he said, adding that the fund for the public relations work would be reviewed from time to time.

Masidi also said that all planned tourism events in Sabah such as the annual Regatta Lepa Lepa which is held in Semporna every April would proceed according to plan. As far as Sabah is concerned, nothing has been cancelled or postponed, he said, adding that having the state as part and parcel of VMY 2014 was actually a stamp of confidence in Sabah’s security.

Masidi also lamented that for an industry that is quite young, a lot of people in the state’s tourism sector have been badly affected by the conflict in Lahad Datu. “The tourism receipts for Sabah last year was RM5.2 billion compared to the national revenue of RM60.6 billion and it is just a pittance. This is being divided by many players in the industry and obviously they feel the pinch. Maybe not now but definitely they will feel it after sometime,” he said.

Masidi also expressed hope that the media will publish more positive news about the security situation in Sabah as many people have expressed their wariness about travelling to the state due to what is happening in Lahad Datu. “I understand the fact that we need to amplify the seriousness of the intrusion but now I think that the security forces are on top of the problem so if possible, we should try to make it sound more positive for everyone. What is published in the media will indirectly influence people, I say this because people have told me that they get frightened by what they read,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board Director General Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said that work to be done by the recovery committee would be over and above the Board’s regular promotion program. “We have familiarization tours coming to different parts of the country and that will go on… RM500,000 may not look sufficient but on top of everything we will be doing what is necessary,” he said.

Ong added that the federal Tourism Ministry had confidence in the security situation in Sabah and would be supporting all the activities organised by the state government.

By: Nancy Lai

Copyright@2010-2013 BorneoPost Online

The race to woo more tourists.

18th March, 2013

The race to woo more tourists.

KUALA LUMPUR: WITH the 15th edition of the Formula 1 Grand Prix taking place from Friday to Sunday, Tourism Malaysia  is set to take advantage of the spike in tourist arrivals to embark on another promotional blitz. The 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale, launched at the Pavilion in Jalan Bukit Bintang here recently, features 23 days of shopping mania with great discounts and promotions at participating outlets until April 7.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, who launched the event, said she was proud of the fact that last year Malaysia received some 25 million tourists who spent RM60.6 million, of which shopping contributed 30.7 per cent (or RM18.56 million) of the total tourism revenue. "The 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale is one of the promotional activities in the run-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2014. The government is targeting to receive 36 million tourists and RM168 billion in receipts by 2020," said Ng.

In a symbolic gesture, Ng flagged off one of three Ferraris stationed at Pavilion when launching the event. This was followed by a fashion show, with models displaying the latest creations from leading fashion brands.

Among the participating malls in the on-going promotion are Sunway Pyramid, where most outlets are offering discounts of up to 70 per cent and a chance to win F1 GP grandstand tickets, and Fahrenheit 88, which is having its 100 Pairs Giveaway special. The latter promotion has shoppers who spend RM100 in a single receipt at any specialty store, or RM300 at Uniqlo or selected branded outlets, standing to win a pair of shoes, with up to 100 pairs of footwear worth RM20,000 to be given away.

After the promotion ends, shopaholics can look forward to the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (June 29 to Sept 1) and the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale (Nov 16 to Jan 5 next year). The 1Malaysia GP Sale is jointly organised by Tourism Malaysia and Bukit Bintang-KLCC Tourism Association.

By: RICKY YAP | streets@nstp.com.my

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Indian airlines keen to fly to Malaysia.

18th March, 2013

Indian airlines keen to fly to Malaysia.

MUMBAI: Airlines from India, which have yet to make a foray into Malaysia are now keen to do so, says Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) general manager for marketing Mohamed Sallauddin Mat Sah. "We have had discussions with several Indian airlines that are keen to fly to Malaysia," he said.

The airlines might start flying to Malaysia by year-end, said Mohamed Sallauddin but he, however, declined to give details. "We can't reveal their names as yet as usually we give the benefit of announcing the new routes to the airlines themselves," he told Bernama on the sidelines of Routes Asia 2013, an annual networking gathering for airports, airlines, tourism authorities, policy leaders and exhibitors.

As for Indian Airlines which is currently operating in Malaysia, he said MAHB would try to see if there is an opportunity to increase capacity and expand its services.

Currently, only Air India Express operates direct flights to Malaysia while Jet Airways has ceased operations into Malaysia but continues its code-sharing for the Kuala Lumpur-Chennai sector with Malaysia Airlines. Besides the flag carrier, Air India, other major airlines in India are Indigo, Spicejet, GoAir, Jet Lite, Jet Airways.

Two of the fast expanding airlines are Indigo and Spicejet. - Bernama

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KLIA to be developed into major aeropolis soon.

19th March, 2013

KLIA to be developed into major aeropolis soon.

PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will soon be developed into a major aeropolis or airport city. Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad said this would be the airport’s next phase of growth.

“We will have Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA, the first upscale Japanese factory outlet park by Mitsui Fudosan Co Ltd in South-East Asia. Aside from retail and commercial offerings, KLIA will also host operations of a high-tech industrial and logistics complex to serve the need for aviation-related MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) activities as well as high-value, time sensitive cargo operations,” he said.

KLIA had come a long way since it was first opened in 1998. Bashir said MAHB airports handled 67.2 million passengers last year, of which 32.8 million were international passengers. KLIA handled 85.4% of the international passengers. He said KLIA handles 59.4% of Malaysia’s total passenger traffic and 84% of international cargo. “As such, most of the economic contribution by the aviation sector in Malaysia originates from KLIA,” he said.

He added that KLIA is also the main revenue generator for MAHB and supported 29 other non-profitable community and rural airports. “Some rural airports in East Malaysia operate on a corporate social responsibility basis, with no airport tax or passenger service charge being imposed on travellers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Plus Expressway Bhd (PLUS) managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Noorizah Abdul Hamid said those who worked on the North South Express-way (NSE) in 1986 – considered one of the country’s first major privatisated projects – had benefited from the experience in terms of knowledge transfer. She said locals learned from the foreign consultants working on the project. “This gave them international exposure and many are now working overseas,” she said.

Besides shaving off travelling time and cost, the NSE had also provided an economic lifeline to more than 700 traders as well as mobile hawkers operating at its rest and recreation (R&R) areas. As per Plus’ policy of benefiting the local community, only locals who are staying within a 20km radius of the R&R areas are allowed to trade there.

“In the early days, traders would hang their produce by the guardrails and not many vehicles stopped. “Because of that, we built the R&Rs so that they have safe and comfortable areas to sell their products. The expressway had also become the main artery around which townships, commercial centres and industrial parks have sprouted.

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