The race to woo more tourists.

18th March, 2013

The race to woo more tourists.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright@The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad

Singapore is favourite destination of Malaysians.

Date: 29 January 2013

Singapore is favourite destination of Malaysians.

MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE - Malaysian travellers prefer destinations that don't require a long-haul flight. Singapore's high exchange rate and rigid rules may cause us to pause, but apparently, it has done little to stop us zooming over the causeway in droves.

Based on internal data gathered from January to November 2012, Tripadvisor, one of the world's largest travel sites, has revealed the local and international destinations that Malaysian travellers looked up the most as the destinations for their next holiday, and The Lion City topped the list.

Eight other Asian destinations also made it to the list, showing Malaysian travellers to prefer flights within the six-hour duration. The second and third most viewed international destination belongs to Bangkok and Hong Kong respectively.

Thailand took the most spots with Bangkok, Krabi Town (#4) and Patong (#10). Only London (#9) made the cut for long-haul destinations.

Meanwhile, on the home front, Kuala Lumpur - city with the highest concentration of shopping malls and recreation facilities - has ranked tops within Malaysia.

This should come as no surprise, given that a majority of Malaysians travel domestically to visit friends and relatives, followed by shopping, vacation and entertainment and recreation, according to the Domestic Tourism Survey 2011 by the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

The other most-searched local destinations are, in a descending order, Malacca, Genting Highlands, Kota Kinabalu and Georgetown.

By Louisa Lim, The Star/Asia News Network

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