Mega development with lifestyle elements on the rise in Iskandar.

Date: 7 February 2013

Mega development with lifestyle elements on the rise in Iskandar.

JOHOR'S Iskandar region, already home to tourist attractions Legoland and Hello Kitty Town, is plumping up its offerings with a new RM300 million (US$96.8 million) integrated project aimed at tapping Singapore's strong tourist traffic.

According to local broadsheet The Straits Times, Singapore retail and property company Link (THM) Holdings’s Media Village will be built over four phases on close to six hectares of land.

When completed in 2018, it will offer 2,000 Soho apartments and business suites, and 102,193m2 of retail space with 70 per cent going to F&B outlets. Shops will be divided into seven categories reflecting cultural themes: Japan, India, South Korea, China, Europe, the US and a Malay kampung.

It will be located beside Pinewood Studios, 10 minutes away from Singapore’s Tuas checkpoint.

Link founder and group chief executive, Kenny Tan, said in a report that he had been hesitant to invest initially, but the opening of Legoland and Pinewood Studios had proven that the Malaysian government could deliver.

Tan predicts that 50 per cent of tourists in Singapore will stop over in Iskandar in the future.

Copyright @ TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd 2013

Response growing to BIMP-EAGA flights.

Date: 5 February 2013

Response growing to BIMP-EAGA flights.

BALIKPAPAN: MASwings began its service to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan on Feb. 1 - its fourth BIMP-EAGA destination after Bandar Seri Begawan, Pontianak and Tarakan. "Today we created history on Borneo. Exactly on Feb 1, 2012 MASwings expanded into a bigger regional area of BIMP-EAGA with the first flight from KK and Kuching to BSB.

"With this fourth route, MASwings is ready to welcome Visit Malaysia Year 2014 which was announced by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen last month," said MASwings Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Capt. Mohd Nawawi Ahmad.

"Being the only national carrier that fully supports the BIMP-EAGA goals to increase transportation within the region, MASwings is proud to collaborate with local tourism bodies and agencies to further promote tourism in Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak in particular" added Nawawi at a press conference in Balikpapan.

He said MASwings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, embarked on this expansion solely to meet the objectives of BIMP-EAGA.  "There are 16 million people in this sub region and eight million people in the nine main cities. Our flight to Balikpapan is the fourth destination of that nine cities that we are targetting."

Nawawi said for the past year that they have been operating in BIMP-EAGA, the passenger load has been very encouraging. "Initially some destinations were slow to pick up but later especially Pontianak and Tarakan has been very overwhelming. When we started operations into Tarakan, initially we operated three times a week but after two months we increased to daily flights.

From Tawau to Tarakan and from Kuching to Pontianak the load factor has been good. "For the past one year, MASwings had an average of 50pc load factor serving Bandar Seri Begawan, Pontianak and Tarakan. "With the additional flights flying into Balikpapan, we are looking at increasing the load factor to an average of 70pc with 3,968 seats being offered on a weekly basis.

"We thank the people of Kalimantan for responding to our flights into Tarakan and Pontianak." With Indonesia and Malaysia being neighbours, Nawawi hoped this "air bridge" connectivity they can create even closer relations between the people of both countries.

"Today is a new chapter for MASwings. But we are not stopping here. We are also looking at expanding into the other parts of Kalimantan i.e. Banjarmasin and into towns and cities in the Makassar area such as Ujung Pandang and Manado as part of phase two of MASwings expansion into BIMP-EAGA.

"Today we are here but probably by end of March or early April latest, we hope to launch our first operation into the Philippines, Palawan island and the beautiful city of Puerto Princesa. So probably people from here, by end of March, can come to Kota Kinabalu and onwards into the Philippines,' he said.

The first scheduled MASwings flight departed Kota Kinabalu International Airport carrying a group of invited guests and members of the media. The troupe arrived in Sepinggan International Airport, Balikpapan. The second scheduled flight flew from Kuching and arrived in Balikpapan similarly with a group of invited guests including Assistant Minister of Tourism Sarawak Datuk Talip Zulpilip, as well as members of media from Kuching.

In conjunction with its inaugural flights into Balikpapan, MASwings is offering a special introductory fare of USD58 for a one way trip or USD78 for a return trip (all in fare) from Balikpapan to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching.

"I urge the public to start browsing our website to get the best fares and secure your booking before Feb. 14," said Nawawi.

Also present at the launching was East Kalimantan Governor Dr Awang Faroek Ishak, Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Tengku Zainal Adlin, Sarawak Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Datuk Rashid Khan and Bimp-Eaga Business Council's Datuk Roselan Johar Mohamed.

Copyright @ 2013 Sabah Publishing House Sdn. Bhd.

MAS Travel Fair Offers Special Fares.

Date: 4 February 2013

MAS Travel Fair Offers Special Fares.

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is now offering value fares for travellers via the Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair (MATF), and in commemoration of its entry into the oneworld alliance on Feb 1. Attractive fares to various new and existing destinations up for grabs through the promotion which is available until Feb 11, for travel from now until Nov 30, 2013.

MAS Regional Senior Vice President Malaysia and Asean Region, Muzammil Mohamad said the MATF is designed for avid travellers, looking for good offers to plan their yearly travels. "Now, with the addition of the oneworld offers, an extensive range of alliance fares are also available. This automatically enables customers to fly on multiple airlines with attractive savings on regular published fares," he said in a statement.

The offers cover economy and business class fares to various Malaysian domestic destinations and international destinations in North Asia, China, Australia and New Zealand, North America and Europe. An all-in return fare for flights to Bali from Kuala Lumpur starts from only RM679 on economy class and RM2,179 on business class, and Bangkok from as low as RM509 on economy class travel and starting from only RM1,579 on business class.

Customers can enjoy the Chinese New Year holidays in Kunming, China, with an all-in return fare that starts from only RM1,199 on economy class and RM2,979 on business Class. MAS is also mounting four extra flights on this route for the holiday season.

The MATF is also offering wonderful fares for the South Asia destinations. Customers can fly to Chennai from Kuala Lumpur for an all-in return fare as low as RM1,169 on economy Class and RM2,239 on business class.

A journey from Kuala Lumpur to Los Angeles for a much deserved holiday starts from an all-in return fare of only RM3,909 on economy class and RM14,879 for business class travel. Customers can also choose to fly to London from Kuala Lumpur on MAS' latest A380 aircraft with an all-in return fare from only RM3,409 on economy class and RM13,689 on business class.

Fares to domestic destinations also see discounts up to 40 per cent. The all-in return fare to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching from Kuala Lumpur starts from only RM428 on economy class travel and RM1,960 and RM1,560 respectively on business class.

Economy class travel to Penang from Kuala Lumpur is up for grabs starting from only RM238, while for business class, the MAS offer starts from RM760. The Kuala Lumpur-Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur route is offered at an all-in return fare from only RM248 on economy class travel, and RM760 on business class.

MAS is also offering attractive fares out of its Kota Kinabalu hub to destinations such as Perth, Hong Kong and Taipei. Customers can fly to Perth, Hong Kong and Taipei with an all-in return fare starting from only RM 1,439, RM839 and RM969 respectively on economy class travel.

Meanwhile, the all-in return fares on business class are RM4,879, RM2,189 and RM2,479 respectively for Perth, Hong Kong and Taipei.

As for the oneworld fares, the all-in return fare from Kuala Lumpur to San Francisco and New York via Los Angeles, starts from only RM4,170 and RM5,030 respectively on economy class, while on business class it is RM17,150 and RM21,140 respectively.

Over at North Asia and China, the all-in return fare from Kuala Lumpur to Sapporo via Tokyo starts from only RM2,730 on economy class and RM6,630 on business class. Customers can now fly to Chengdu in China via Hong Kong for fares that start only from RM1,760 and RM4,698 on economy class and business class respectively.

Experiencing the beautiful city of Barcelona in Spain is now possible with an all-in return fare to that Spanish city via London, from only RM4,524 on economy class and on business class from only RM16,202. All-in fares to Manchester via London starts from only RM4,629 on economy class and starts from only RM15,963 on business class.

Those who wish to explore the land Down Under now can plan travels to Canberra via Sydney with fares that start from only RM3,809 on economy class and RM11,369 on business class.

These offers are available to customers at all MAS distribution channels, namely, www.malaysiaairlines.com, 24-hour toll free number 1 300 88 3000, MH Buddy in Malaysia Airlines Facebook, MHmobile, MAS and subsidiary ticket offices as well as appointed agents throughout Malaysia.

Copyright @ BERNAMA

20 new planes for Firefly.

Date: 24 January 2013

20 new planes for Firefly.

FLEET EXPANSION: The airline will now have five flights daily, from Subang to Johor Baru

JOHOR BARU: FIREFLY will add seven more weekly flights between Subang and Johor Baru beginning Feb 4 this year. This will increase the number of flights on this route to five per day. Previously the budget airline had 28 weekly flights plying this route. The additional flights were made possible as the airline had recently acquired 20 new ATR 72-600 aircraft.

Firefly's expansion plans for this year, is following an agreement between its parent company Malaysia Airlines and ATR, the French-Italian aircraft manufacturer. To celebrate the fleet expansion and the additional flights and to coincide with the festive season, Firefly is offering special flights starting from RM35 for its domestic and regional destinations.

Bookings start from Jan 14 to 27, 2013, for travel between Jan 21 to March 29 2014. Passengers are urged to book their flights early to enjoy this limited offer. Tickets can be purchased from Firefly's website, mobile application, airport and city ticketing offices, call-centre and through travel agents. For details on Firefly's routes and flight schedule, log on to www.fireflyz.com.my.

Firefly, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, began operations in April 2007. Currently, it operates a fleet of 12 ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft out of Penang and Subang, connecting secondary destinations within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle as well as providing air linkages between Malaysia and Singapore. Passengers travelling on Firefly will get 20kg of checked-baggage allowance, complimentary in-flight refreshments, assigned seating and enjoy the convenience of city airports.

By JASSMINE SHADIQE | johor@nst.com.my

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

Efforts underway to correct tourist arrivals receipt imbalance.

Date: 24 January 2013

Efforts underway to correct tourist arrivals receipt imbalance.

VIENTIANE: Efforts are in the pipeline to correct the imbalance between Malaysian tourist arrivals and tourism receipts, Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said here. 

The opening of the new low-cost carrier terminal, known as Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2), and the expansion of air linkages into the country could contribute to addressing the issue, he said. 

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Malaysia was the ninth most-visited country in the world in 2009, 2010 and 2011. However, when it came to international tourism receipts, UNWTO ranked Malaysia on 14th spot in 2010 and 2011.

Malaysia recorded 24.7 million tourist arrivals and RM58.3 billion in tourism revenue in 2011. Data for tourist arrivals and tourism receipts for 2012 are not available yet.

Mirza told Bernama on the sidelines of the Asean Tourism Forum here that shorter duration of stay and tourists' choices for more competitive activities were the two factors that had contributed to the low tourism receipts. He said international tourists coming to Malaysia consisted of 10 per cent from long-haul arrivals; 30 per cent, medium-haul; and 60 per cent, short-haul; with an average duration of stay of 4.6 days at the moment.  

"With such a scenario, we cannot expect tourists from short-haul countries like Singapore to stay in Malaysia for two weeks. We need more long-haul tourists, for example from the United States and Europe, to stay longer during their visits," he said.

Basically, the longer tourists stay, the more they spend on accommodation, transportation, food and activities. 

Mirza said the opening of KLIA2, which is scheduled for completion in May, could attract more tourists as it can accommodate 45 million passengers a year. KLIA, located next to KLIA2, can accommodate 25 million passengers a year.

The resumption of flights between Kuala Lumpur and Paris by Malaysia Airlines, scheduled for March, and the introduction of flights between Kuala Lumpur and Paris by Air France in April could bring in more long-haul tourists, he said. Furthermore, he said, MAS' plan in ordering new aircraft and reviewing its long-haul routes could contribute to the arrival of more long-haul tourists. He said the factor of MAS joining other airline alliances would also add more tourists, especially from the long- and medium-haul arrivals. 

The new Malaysia-Indonesia low-cost airline, Malindo Airways, which would take off in March, would also increase the momentum for tourist arrivals, he said.

Mirza also said that the opening of new luxury hotels, such as Grand Hyatt KL (2012), the Majestic Hotel KL (2012), St Regis (2014), The Regent (2015) and Four Seasons Place KL (2015), could enhance further the country's tourism receipts, especially from tourists who were after luxury tourism.

Apart from that, the fast-growing economy in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the creation of the Asean Community by 2015, which allows easier mobility in the region, would further increase tourist arrivals and receipts for Malaysia.

On Tourism Malaysia, he said, efforts would be made to enhance promotional activities at all levels in attracting more tourists, especially during Visit Malaysia Year 2014. "All these may change the tourist arrivals-receipt imbalance we have experienced in the past," he said. The tourism industry in Malaysia has provided 1.8 million jobs and contributed RM168 billion to the national gross income.  - BERNAMA

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

TRAVELLER: Feel at home in Malaysia: Perfect for weddings, families, or business travellers.

Date: 23 January 2013

TRAVELLER: Feel at home in Malaysia: Perfect for weddings, families, or business travellers.

If you could spend just $900 (Rs48,262) for a trip and still feel like a king, what would stop you?  That's exactly why Malaysia has been and still is on the top of every Indian's getaway list. With a total of 514,926 tourists from India in 2012 (from January to September), which accounts for a 2.6 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2011, India is a top ten market for Malaysia.

Being a family destination also helps, says Zulkifly Md. Said, the director of Malaysian tourism, South Asia, West Asia and Africa Division. "Malaysia, apart from being a good family destination, is also a country mostly preferred by women, as it's comparatively safer. The shopping, bicycle riding and diving activities make the country desirable for all age groups," says Said.

As much as $6 million has been kept aside by the tourism authorities of Malaysia in 2013 for India. For South Asia, the total budget is eight to ten million US dollars. Apart from luring Indians with its lush green forests and serene beaches, the country also hosts events such as the rain forest music festival, which attracts around 3,000 foreign visitors every year.

Also, international concerts and big names such as Jennifer Lopez came down to Malaysia last year and it proved to be a major crowd puller. "We are looking forward to widen our tourism horizons to include medical tourism and incentive travels for business travelers," points out Said.

For instance, in the Malaysian homestay programme, you will get to experience life in a kampong or a traditional village. Apart from housing spas such as Spa Village at Pangkor Laut Resort on Pangkur Laut Island, Malaysia's cuisine is also worth exploring.

You can join a culinary tour where you can be a part of a cooking workshop or go on a market tour to shop for local ingredients. Also, foodies may want to be a part of the annual food and fruits fiesta, usually held in July, to learn about the country's fare.

Foreign patients also consider Malaysia a wise choice for treatment due to the state-of-the-art private medical centres in the country. "After a surgery or during the recuperation period, these patients become tourists, enjoying a spot of sightseeing, playing a round of golf or two, or going for spa treatments," says Said. But the country is yet to explore the prospect of Indian tourists heading to Malaysia for treatment.

"English is widely spoken in Malaysia. So Indians do not find communication as a big issue," adds Said.

Malaysia's first international theme park, Legoland opened in September. With over 40 interactive rides, shows and other attractions, it is on its way to become a favourite among Indians. What makes Legoland different from other popular theme parks?  Said has an immediate answer: "Well, we do not see other theme parks around the tourist destinations in the world as competition. "Legoland caters to every age group, and also its proximity to Singapore will make it a perfect stop-over for tourists who want to experience both Malaysia and Singapore in the same trip."

Malaysia also received an award by CNN for being the fourth best shopping destination in the world behind New York, London and Tokyo.

Shopping, relaxation, entertainment - you name it and Malaysia hands it over to you.

By Adila Matra

Copyright @ Associated Newspapers Ltd

Trade lauds AirAsia X's new KL-Jeddah flights.

Date: 23 January 2013

Trade lauds AirAsia X's new KL-Jeddah flights. 

MALAYSIA's tour operators have welcomed AirAsia X's new Kuala Lumpur-Jeddah service which will ease the sector's year-round seat crunch especially during the Middle East peak season between August 10 and September 10 this year.

Weekly seat capacity on the route will soar to 4,173 with the addition of 1,131 seats from February 16, when the thrice-weekly flight launches. Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) and Saudia also ply the route five and six times weekly, respectively.

Andy Muniandy, director of sales and business development, Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel in Kuala Lumpur, said: “The new flights will bring more tourists to Malaysia as many seats on MAS are taken up by pilgrims returning from Mecca (accessed primarily via Jeddah). “AirAsia X’s competitive airfares also helps as Saudi Arabians usually travel with big families of six or more people.”

Mani Ponniah, manager of Explore the Wonders Wholesale Travel, remarked that AirAsia’s new service provides travellers with more price options and would grow Malaysia’s share of tourists from Saudi Arabia, in the face of aggressive competition from Thailand and Singapore.

Malaysia’s arrivals from Saudi Arabia saw a 21.8 per cent year-on-year increase in the first nine months of 2012 – from 66,131 to 80,547.

While it is common for travellers to take a Gulf-based airline in Europe and transit in the Middle East to Kuala Lumpur, some European travel consultants are not biting. Valentin Ciofiac, manager, outgoing & ticketing department at Atlantic Tour Bucharest, said: “Airline delays are a risk when taking a connecting flight on AirAsia X to Kuala Lumpur as the carrier does not have any airline agreements. Travellers prefer to purchase a single ticket.”

Meerbusch-based Agentur fur Reisen Tourismus und Exklusivitat project assistant, Melanie Potthast, said the service would appeal to Germany’s budget travellers who wished to stop over in Saudi Arabia.

By S Puvaneswary, reporting from ASEAN Tourism Forum, Vientiane

Copyright @ TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd 2013

Steady Growth In Global Air Traffic: IATA.

Date: 18 January 2013

Steady Growth In Global Air Traffic: IATA.

NEW DELHI (Bernama) - Global air traffic saw a steady growth in November last year, with airlines' body IATA predicting easing of pressure on the air travel markets across the world in the coming months.

"The downward pressure on air travel markets seen throughout 2012 is now showing signs of easing in the months ahead," Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as saying in its Traffic Monitor for the month. It, however, said, "This growth may not translate to acceleration in air travel growth, but it could provide enough support, particularly to premium markets, to prevent a further slowdown in growth."

While the premium (first and business class) traffic was 4.4 per cent higher in November compared to a year ago, economy travel was up 5.8 per cent in November year-on-year. Premium travel within the Far East was the key driver of year-on-year growth in November, with the market 13.7 per cent higher than a year ago, it said.

A majority of the growth in premium travel was driven by demand within the Far East. This was marked by China's economic recovery and increased Asian trade growth which supported air travel in the region, the study said. Improvements in Asia's economic backdrop have also offered support to demand for air travel segments that connect to the region.

The study said premium travel on Europe-Far East was up 4.4 per cent in November compared to a year ago. Similarly, Africa-Far East routes also experienced a notable rise in premium travel, 14.6 per cent higher than a year ago. "Continued growth in trade between Africa and Asia has supported premium travel on this market, with China currently being Africa's largest trade partner," the IATA said.

Copyrights @ BERNAMA

Ferry service to Acheh will boost Penang medical tourism.

Date: 16 January 2013

Ferry service to Acheh will boost Penang medical tourism.

GEORGE TOWN - A new ferry service connecting Penang to Langsa in Acheh, Indonesia is set to boost the state’s medical tourism, according to facilitators Penang Port Sdn Bhd. The service, operated by Langkawi Ferry Services and managed by TYC Resources, will start on February 21 with two trips to and from Langsa each week.

Penang Port managing director Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar said the new service will bring in more medical tourists to Penang as well as foster trade between the locations. “We start with a passenger ferry service but it is hoped that in future there will also be a cargo ferry service to encourage trading ties between Acheh and Penang,” he said.

He said Acheh has a population of around five million and of this, 20 per cent are affluent and expected to travel frequently to Penang for medical treatment and leisure.

PPSB is facilitating the new service, which will operate from Swettenham Pier. TYC Resources executive director Thong Yow Chuan said the company aims to ferry 100 passengers per trip between both cities. The capacity of the ferry is up to 138 passengers and the company will first evaluate the demand for the service in the first three months before increasing the number of trips between Langsa and Penang.

“For now, we target 100 passengers each trip and as demand increases, we may increase the number of trips,” he said in a press conference held at PPSB’s office this afternoon. Tickets for a return trip from Penang to Langsa is RM180 for adults and RM120 for children. The tickets are available for purchase at the Langkawi Ferry Services Ticketing counter.

By Opalyn Mok

Copyright © 2013 The Malaysian Insider

MASwings’ BIMP EAGA expansion sees smooth progress.

Date: 15 January 2013

MASwings’ BIMP EAGA expansion sees smooth progress.

KUCHING: MASwings Sdn Bhd’s (MASwings) expansion plan within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP EAGA) is progressing smoothly with the announcement of its thrice-weekly flight to Balikpapan yesterday.

Dato’ Mohd Nawawi, MASwings chief executive officer, noted that MASwings’ route expansion was in line with the government’s initiative to lure more tourists into the Borneo states in particular, and also into Peninsular Malaysia especially with the recent announcement made by Federal Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen in making Malaysia a destination haven during a promotional campaign for Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

“Being a Malaysian carrier, we will collaborate to support all initiatives planned by the state and federal government,” Nawawi stated. “Transportation connectivity is a key element in realising the BIMP EAGA goals of increasing trade, investment and tourism within the sub region. As a major supporter of the BIMP EAGA objectives, MASwings is proud to be able to contribute towards the growth in the sub region.”

He noted that the implementation of the phases was just the first step to promote and ensure connectivity between points and that with the 60 million people in the targeted cities, it would no doubt help move the initiative in the right direction.

Nawawi highlighted that past performance for the BIMP EAGA region was rocky at first but towards the end, the load factor averages out to over 50 per cent for the year with December figures registering up to 80 per cent to some destinations. Passenger growth for 2012, Nawawi noted that both domestic and international figures registered 1.584 million passengers, 84,000 more than the target of 1.5 million passengers and achieved a year on year growth of 12 per cent. Sabah and Sarawak passenger growth registered at between two and three per cent.

“Last year, MASwings commenced its first phase of international network by adding three destinations namely, Bandar Seri Begawan as well as Pontianak and Tarakan in Kalimantan. It is now gearing up to add more international routes within the BIMP EAGA region through the second phase of expansion which will see it spreading its wings to Puerto Princesa in Palawan, by March 2013 and Zamboanga in Mindanao by June,” Nawawi enthused.

As for phase three, the MASwings CEO noted that the company was already looking into linking up Makassar in Indonesia as well as Manado and Davao in the Philippines.

Nawawi explained that with the introduction of flights linking Balikpapan to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, MASwings weekly passengers capacity for its international network would increase from 3,200 to 3,968. The company also plans to expand its aircraft fleet in the near future with an expansion rate from the current 10 to an additional 16 new aircraft.

He further added that with the large expatriate community at Balikpapan as well as the higher spending power due to the presence of many international oil companies, mining companies, and related industries, it would no doubt leave an economic footprint as well.

The commencement of the flights on February 1 would also serve another purpose as Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS) would officially be part of ‘Oneworld’ meaning that MASwings customers would be able to have access to MAS’ network and also Oneworld.

By Jonathan Wong, jonathanwong@theborneopost.com

Copyright @ 2010-2013 BorneoPost Online

Visa On Arrival A Hit With Tourists To India.

Date: 15 January 2013

Visa On Arrival A Hit With Tourists To India.

NEW DELHI, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- India's move to introduce visa on arrivals (VOA) to attract more tourists to the country is bearing fruits with the visa number growing 26 per cent in 2012. A total number of 16,084 VOAs were issued in 2012 compared with 12,761 VOAs issued in 2011, the Ministry of Tourism said in a statement.

The highest number of 4,604 VOAs were issued to tourists from Japan followed by New Zealand (3,150) and the Philippines (2,444). Indonesia took 2,426, Singapore 1,974, Finland 914, Vietnam 186, Cambodia 157, Luxembourg 110, Myanmar 109 and Laos 10. During 2012, the highest number of VOAs were issued at the Delhi airport (9,596), followed by Mumbai (3,276), Chennai (2,273) and Kolkata (939).

India had earlier launched the VOAs scheme in January 2010 for citizens of five countries, namely Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore. The scheme was extended to six more countries, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar in January 2011.

Malaysia does not enjoy the scheme.

Copyrights @ BERNAMA

AirAsia plans to launch Indian airline.

Date: 11 January 2013

AirAsia plans to launch Indian airline.

NEW DELHI: AirAsia Bhd plans to launch an Indian airline in partnership with a local promoter, Videocon Group, The Economic Times reported. Quoting two people close to the development, the newspaper said Asia’s largest budget carrier was exploring options to set up a company that would be majority-owned by an Indian promoter, preferably a well-known business group.

AirAsia would hold 49% in the venture that would apply for an aviation licence, it said.

The Malaysian carrier had broached the issue with the Videocon Group and the talks were at a preliminary stage, one person said. Venugopal Dhoot, the chairman of the Videocon Group, confirmed that they had been approached by the airline. “They had approached us. These were preliminary discussions. There’s nothing I can say now,” Dhoot said.

Though initially not very enthusiastic about the liberalisation of foreign direct investment in aviation in India, he is believed to have changed his mind recently. Videocon Group’s core areas of business are consumer electronics and home appliances.

In another development, London-based magazine Euromoney has named AirAsia Bhd the overall best managed company in Malaysia and the best managed company in Asia in the aviation/airline sector. – Bernama

Copyright @ 1995-2012 Star Publications (M) Bhd

DOT expects more Malaysian visitors in 2013.

Date: 7 January 2013

DOT expects more Malaysian visitors in 2013.

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) is expecting an influx of Malaysian tourists here and neighboring destinations this year after recording a significant increase in arrivals of Malaysian tourists to the country. Eduardo Malaya, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia, said Davao Region and the entire Mindanao in particular will directly benefit from the country's upbeat tourism projections particularly in the increased arrivals of Malaysian tourists as well as the signing of the Bangsamoro framework agreement.

"We expect that this significant growth to continue and also see more foreign tourists going to Davao, Siargao and other destinations in Mindanao in the light of the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. This may unlock the terrific tourism potentials of the region," Malaya said in an article published in the official website of the DOT.

As of October 2012, DOT recorded a 21.925 percent increase in Malaysian tourist arrivals which translates to 91,230 Malaysians who visited the country for first 10 months of 2012. From being the 12th biggest market for Philippine tourism in 2012, the Malaysians became 11th in 2012. Among the factors attributed to the hefty influx of Malaysian tourists in the country for 2012 include the increased air connectivity between the country and Malaysia as well as the government's aggressive tourism.

In 2012, various airline companies launched several direct flights to Malaysia from different points in the country and these include AirAsia Philippines. The AirPhil Express also opened their Kuala Lumpur-Clark and Kuala Lumpur-Manila flights while the Cebu Pacific airlines opened their Kuala Lumpur-Cebu route in December.

Countries in the top 10 sources of tourist arrivals to the Philippines as of October 2012 are Korea (832,437), United States (534,899), Japan (341,676), China (215,814), Taiwan (188,862), Australia (147,237), Singapore (111,200), Hongkong (98,967), and Canada (96,089).

By Jereco O. Paloma

Copyright © 2012 Sun.Star Publishing, Inc.

Mahathir promotes Satun-Langkawi links.

Date: 6 January 2013

Mahathir promotes Satun-Langkawi links.

Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad vowed yesterday to push for various joint development projects along the Thai-Malay border. Projects to improve tourist immigration procedures between the two countries would be at the top of the list, Mr Mahathir said during a visit to Satun province yesterday.

The proposals would benefit tourism in Satun and Malaysia's neighbouring Langkawi in particular, he said.

The former Malaysian PM described Satun and the Malaysian archipelago as "sister cities", saying a large number of tourists and businesspeople travelled between them. Malaysia's continuing development of Langkawi International Airport would help boost tourism in Satun, he said.

Mr Mahathir's visit to Thailand was aimed at strengthening relations between Satun and Malaysia's Perlis state. Each year, large numbers of Malaysian tourists travel to Satun, mostly on their way to Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe, he said.

Thai businessmen in Satun would also be encouraged to invest in Langkawi, which is renowned for its tax free shopping, he said.

Copyrights @ The Post Publishing PCL 1996-2012

KLIA2 likely to open on June 28.

Date: 6 January 2013

KLIA2 likely to open on June 28.

NO RUSH: PM wants any teething problems to be settled first.

              

SEPANG: JUNE 28. This is the date that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has chosen for the launch of  KLIA2, the new low-cost airport, to coincide with the date the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)  was launched in 1998.

Najib said he was pleased with the progress of KLIA2, adding that it would be completed as scheduled by May. "But, I have expressed my desire that we should not rush to open KLIA2. Instead, we should solve the teething problems that would arise with the new terminal. Only when it is really ready would KLIA2 be fully operational.

"But, as a target, I have decided that the launch of KLIA2 should coincide with the opening date of KLIA -  June 28. Hopefully, I can open KLIA 2 on that date in my present capacity (as the prime minister)," he said at the launch of AirAsia's 1Malaysia aircraft livery to commemorate the start of the 1Malaysia Integration Programme with the budget airline.

Present were AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, his deputy, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd  managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad.

The 1Malaysia livery is painted on an Airbus A320 aircraft,  which can carry 180 guests. About 600 litres, or 121 cans of paint, were used by 20 workers to prepare the aircraft livery over 12 days. The aircraft will be plying routes served by AirAsia,  covering more than 70 destinations across 20 countries. They will bring  the 1Malaysia brand and experience to a bigger community across the globe.

On promoting integration, Najib said he had always championed the value of using the 1Malaysia concept. "I  see the 1Malaysia concept as a meaningful concept that can boost the nation to higher levels. Whatever we do, we must be inclusive. To achieve the nation's full potential, we must move as one."

Najib said AirAsia was a living example of the success of the 1Malaysia concept. "If we work collectively, we can achieve much, much more and AirAsia is  proof of that." Najib said the government had always wanted companies to be regional and global champions.

He was also upbeat over AirAsia's plan to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who had never flown before, by giving them free flights for a limited time. The free flights are for those involved in the AirAsia 1Malaysia Integration programme. The full details will only be announced tomorrow.

Najib believed this move by the low-cost carrier would allow Malaysians to be connected closely and   bring to life the vision of 1Malaysia. "This will give those from the various ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak a chance to fly to Kuala Lumpur. At the same time, it will bring Sabah and Sarawak closer to the peninsula."

Najib later took a flight to Kuantan on board the new aircraft, along with a group of community leaders from various ethnic and sub-ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak.

Earlier, Fernandes paid tribute to Najib's enormous part in AirAsia's success. "The reduction of airport tax during your tenure was a crucial catalyst in promoting air travel and turning AirAsia into a global airline. From this, both AirAsia and Malaysia have benefited substantially, allowing more Malaysians to fly."

He described Najib as Malaysia's best salesman who had put so much effort into getting the flight rights to Beijing and Shanghai, benefiting the Chinese community tremendously.

AirAsia has 10,000-strong employees with 126 aircraft serving almost 80 destinations and 172 routes. "Fifty per cent of these routes were never serviced before. We have made  travel dreams come true for more than 180 million 'guests'. Before AirAsia, only six per cent of Malaysians used to fly."

By AZURA ABAS AND AISYAH SULAIMAN | news@nst.com.my

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

KLIA2: We Are Ready, Says AirAsia.

Date: 2 January 2013

KLIA2: We Are Ready, Says AirAsia.

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) - AirAsia Bhd is prepared for its impending shift to the new low-cost airport, klia2, says Chief Executive Officer Aireen Omar. She said the low-cost airline was set and was awaiting the nod from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd to occupy the new airport, which was slated to start operations in May. Since the commencement of the new airport's infrastructure development, the airline has been gearing itself to move in all areas inclusive of operations, logistics and ground handling.

Aireen said AirAsia, which would be the biggest tenant at klia2, was closely monitoring developments at the airport. "We have an operational team to monitor developments. I am also in the team and we meet quite often to discuss issues pertaining to the new airport. However, we will always make sure that every aspect in klia2 such as the runway and other facilities will be suitable for a low-cost business module. For that, we will have continuous engagement with the airport operator (Malaysia Airports)," Aireen told Bernama.

She also said the current low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) has reached its maximum capacity of 15 million passengers per annum. "Malaysia AirAsia even carried 20 million passengers this year. The LCCT will not offer us and guests the right environment in coming times," she added.

The RM3.6 billion klia2, built to cater for the explosive growth expected in low-cost travel, is sprawled over 257,000 square metres and is envisaged to handle a maximum of 45 million passenger a year. The airport will have 60 gates, eight remote stands, 80 aerobridges, plus a retail space of 32,000 square metres to accommodate 225 retail outlets.

By Prem Kumar Panjamorthy

Copyrights @ BERNAMA

Malaysian tourists to the Philippines on the rise.

Date: 28 December 2012

Malaysian tourists to the Philippines on the rise.

KUALA LUMPUR: There is an increasing trend among Malaysians to make the Philippines their destination for vacation. According to the Philippines Ambassador to Malaysia, J. Eduardo Malaya, as of October 2012, tourist arrivals from Malaysia went up by 21.92 per cent to 91,230 and was expected to surpass the total 2011 tourist arrivals of 97,154.

He said in a statement today that the Philippine government expected such significant growth to continue and also see more foreign tourists going to Davao, Siargao and other destinations in Mindanao.

"This is in the light of the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Philippines Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. This may unlock the terrific tourism potentials of the region," Malaya said.

Malaya said with this surge, Malaysia has become the 10th biggest market for Philippine tourism, up from 11th place last year. "Other countries in the top 10 sources of tourist arrivals to the Philippines as of October 2012 are South Korea (832,437), the United States (534,899), Japan (341,676), China (215,814), Taiwan (188,862), Australia (147,237), Singapore (111,200), Hong Kong (98,967) and Canada (96,089)," he added.

Malaya said the increase was credited to the increased air connectivity between the Philippines and Malaysia with the launch of flights of two new airlines and the opening of another route by a third airline. AirAsia Philippines and AirPhil Express launched their Kuala Lumpur-Clark and Kuala Lumpur-Manila flights in June this year, respectively, while Cebu Pacific Airlines launched its Kuala Lumpur-Cebu route this month, he added.  - BERNAMA

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

Penang International Airport fully operational early 2013.

Date: 27 December 2012

Penang International Airport fully operational early 2013.

KUALA LUMPUR: The RM250mil Penang International Airport (PIA) expansion project is 99 per cent complete and will be fully operational by early next year, says Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.

He said the ministry was very pleased with the progress, thus far, although there were some delay due to unforeseen circumstances.

Speaking to Bernama after attending a briefing by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) at Malaysia's third busiest airport, he said many constraints were experienced during the renovation work as arrival and departure operations had to continue uninterrupted.

In certain areas, renovation work could only be carried out from midnight to early morning but constant security was maintained at the airport. The expansion of PIA is being funded by MAHB's internally-generated funds to increase passenger handling capacity to six million people per year or almost double the current capacity.

When completed, it will encompass the state-of-the-art architecture, facilities and interior design to provide better comfort level to airlines and passengers alike.

Rahim said the modernisation project, carried out with the approval of the Federal government, would cater to the rapid expansion of low-cost carriers in Asean including Malindo Airways which would commence operations next year.

He said passenger arrival was expected to surge from 2015 onwards when stage five of the open sky liberalisation policy is implemented among Asean nations.

Rahim said the Penang International Airport was the northern aviation hub that handled direct international flights. "The Federal government's earnestness in modernising the Penang International Airport proves that the Barisan Nasional leadership always honoured its promises to the people in line with the slogan 'Promises Fulfilled' which is central to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's leadership," he added. BERNAMA

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Development Of Border Tourism Should Be Reported Fairly.

Date: 24 December 2012

Development Of Border Tourism Should Be Reported Fairly.

SONGKHLA (Bernama) - The development of border tourism particularly in southern Thailand, which is sometimes affected by terrorist threats, should be reported fairly by the mass media to ensure that the sector remained relevant, said the president of the Press Association of Southern Thailand, Chaiyong Maneromsakun.

Thus, he hoped the media cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand could be strengthened to ensure that they received accurate information and assisted both countries to develop the border tourism sector more effectively.

Speaking through an interpreter at the meeting between the Perlis Media Club (KEMPs) and the Press Association of Southern Thailand at the Malaysian Consul General's office in Songkhla Monday, he hoped the meeting would become the beginning of a close cooperation between the two parties.

Chaiyong said he was happy at the turnout by the Malaysian media representatives at the meeting which indirectly gave a positive picture on the cooperation to be forged.

Meanwhile, KEMPs deputy president Shahidi Shahidan said he planned to develop a deeper relationship with the media in southern Thailand which could help to promote the Perlis tourism sector.

He said KEMPs had prepared a draft of understanding between the club and the Press Association of Southern Thailand which would be studied by both parties before the signing either in Songkhla or Perlis soon.

Copyrights @ BERNAMA

Go-KL bus service to serve new 9km route.

Date: 17 December 2012

Go-KL bus service to serve new 9km route.

KUALA LUMPUR: A revised route has been introduced for the green line (KLCC-Bukit Bintang) of the Go-KL free city bus service.

The new 9km route starts at KLCC and passes through Concorde Hotel, KL Life Centre and Wisma Genting in Jalan Sultan Ismail.

The revision, announced by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), will also cover routes such as Jalan Raja Chulan, near Pavillion KL, Jalan Imbi, and Jalan 1/77B Changkat Thambi Dollah, near SMK (P) Bandaraya.

The revised route is part of the Urban Public Transport NKRA efforts to expand the Go-KL bus route for the benefit of public transport passengers in the city centre. The new route has 18 stops, five more than the previous route.

The purple route for Go-KL city bus service remains unchanged.

Over 14,000 passengers use the free Go-KL bus service daily. The buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, disabled-friendly facilities and have CCTVs installed both on board and facing outwards.

The service has a frequency of five minutes during peak hours and 15 minutes during off-peak hours. It is part of an added service for locals and tourists as a seamless connectivity around the city centre and will set new standards for the bus industry.

For more information on the Go-KL City Bus, visit www.facebook.com/goklcitybus or call 1-800-88-7723.

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