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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.
23rd 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.
22nd 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.
22nd 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.
International Sporting Events Help Boost Sports Tourism In Malaysia.
24th 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.
21st 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.
21st 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.
21st 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.
Copyright@BERNAMA
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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