UK tourist arrivals may hit 450,000 this year

Date: 25 February 2013

UK tourist arrivals may hit 450,000 this year

  

MALAYSIA is projecting 450,000 tourist arrivals from Britain this year, surpassing 2010's 429,900 arrivals. However, over the past two years, tourist arrivals from Britain have declined slightly due to the discouraging economic conditions in the country and the European Union.

Last year, there were 402,207 tourists from Britain while in 2011, there were 403,140 arrivals. Despite that, for both years, the UK was still among the top 10 tourist generating markets for Malaysia.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Britain Datuk Seri Zakaria Sulong said despite Britain's lacklustre economic growth, its currency is still very strong. "The British can stretch the pound by visiting Malaysia," he said.

Zakaria said this year's growth in tourist arrivals is expected to be driven by Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) A380 aircraft, exciting tour packages offered by private operators, as well as the ongoing promotions by Tourism Malaysia. "The deployment of the A380 aircraft for the 12-hour non-stop flight between KL and London will contribute to more tourists visiting Malaysia. This is because for long-haul flights, passengers prefer comfort. MAS is the only non-stop direct flight from London to KL," he said when met in London recently.

MAS started two A380 flights a day for the KL-London-KL route from November 24 last year. The superjumbo passenger jet, which can carry 494 passengers, has higher fuel efficiency, the lowest environmental impact and a more comfortable cabin.

Zakaria said tour operators play an important role in attracting tourists to Malaysia, citing the honeymoon packages initiated by the private sector. He said the media from the UK are also brought to Malaysia to familiarise themselves with new tourism products.

"We also promote luxury holidays in Malaysia, weddings and homestay programmes," he said, adding that the Malaysia My Second Home scheme has also been successful in attracting the British people to live in Malaysia.

He noted that the quality of life in Malaysia, which is at par with Britain, the good exchange rate, excellent infrastructure and all-year-round sunny weather are among factors that have attracted British citizens to Malaysia under the scheme.

"The upmarket hotels in Malaysia are popular with the British people. We had a lot of repeat visitors. We also target military veterans and retired civil servants who've done their service in Malaya. They usually come with their families," he added.

Various events held in the UK by Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation have also helped to promote Malaysia to people in the UK. These include the Malaysia Kitchen Programme, Malaysia Night and Malaysian Spice Kitchen.

By Hamisah Hamid

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

Travel (Face)bookings.

Date: 25 February 2013

Travel (Face)bookings.

MALAYSIA - While browsing through the Facebook pages of family and friends, you may feel a sudden urge to experience the places they have visited ... and soon, you find yourself engrossed in travel blogs. Worst, you book tickets! But know this: you are not alone.

In the recent Text100's Digital Index: Travel And Tourism study by Redshift Research, 46 per cent of Malaysian respondents - compared to a global average of 26 per cent - regard Facebook as important to help inspire and reaffirm travel decisions. The same percentage of Malaysians would also share travel content that their family and friends might enjoy seeing. The likelihood of Malaysians valuing eco-tourism locations is high as well - much more than the rest of the world.

The survey polled 4,600 respondents in 13 countries, and was carried out last October through online interviews.

Although a substantial number of Malaysians would prefer travel blogs to fine-tune travel decisions, the reliance on social media is much stronger than the other 12 countries surveyed. "As customers are increasingly short of time to carry out exhaustive research, we suspect recommendations from friends or from those within a specific circle may become a more important part of the online travel landscape," said Robert Rosenstein, chief executive office of Agoda.com.

The importance placed on peer experience and digital reviews has surpassed that of traditional travel agents. A solid 78 per cent of Malaysians are enthused by family and friends, and are inclined to trust travel columns and websites with holidaymaker reviews over professional travel guides.

While on vacation, 89 per cent of Asia-Pacific travellers - of which 75 per cent are from Malaysia - use travel apps on their smartphones or tablets primarily for information about local attractions and finding their way around. And 80 per cent of Malaysians would be connected to social media if free WiFi is available.

And this "always connected" tendency stretches across the region as travellers from Asia-Pacific are the most enthusiastic about social media - according to the survey, they are the most attached to their mobile devices in the world.

As a whole, 72 per cent Asia-Pacific travellers used social media to inspire at least one element on their itinerary of recent travels, compared to 51 per cent globally. "The presence of the mobile device is quietly but dramatically changing how we behave when we travel," said Anne Costello, Text100 Asia-Pacific's regional director. "As a result, these technology-savvy travellers feel the travel industry needs to do more to keep up with their fast-growing reliance on the mobile device and social media as part of the overall experience," she said.

  

By Karyn Anne, The Star

Copyright © 2013 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd

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

Happy New Year 2013

Happy New Year 2013


'Selamat Tahun Baru' or a happy new year wish to all. 

Its time to welcome a new year with fresh hope and fresh expectations. May every moment of new year brings happiness and prosperity in life. Enjoy every moment of life, at home at work or while travelling. May your dreams come true in 2013. 

All the best and we look to have a prosperous and best of luck for tourism and hospitality industry especially for Malaysia. 

Thank you for your support in 2012. Keep on supporting and reading the blog...

p/s: We are so sorry for the long silence, a bit busy during the school holidays with the tours and activities, plus long festive holiday too. Looking forward for a better year ahead!

By Tourism Services Malaysia 

'Happy Deepavali' - The Festival of Lights.

Date: 13 November 2012

'Happy Deepavali' - The Festival of Lights.

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

Happy holiday too to all Malaysians.

'Happy Eidul Adha'

Another celebration and holiday in Malaysia. 

26th October 2012 is the celebration for 'Eid-ul-Adha' in Malaysia, celebrating the 'feast of the sacrifice' in the Islamic Calendar. Also known as Hari Raya Haji, this festival marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca which is performed by millions of Muslims annually. It is also known as Hari Raya Qurban in Malaysia and it is celebrated by muslims all over the world.

Happy Eidul Adha and happy holidays to all Malaysian!