Tourism Malaysia to woo more wedding tourists from India.

Date: 7 March 2013

Tourism Malaysia to woo more wedding tourists from India.

TOURISM Malaysia, which is eyeing 780,000 tourists from India in 2013, is all geared up to woo more wedding tourism from the country, its Director, Amran Abdul Rahman said. Last year, a total of 691,271 Indians visited Malaysia

"Indians spend lavishly on weddings, especially in the northern region. It is a great market indeed," he said, adding, spending between RM3 million to RM4 million for weddings is very common.

Tourism Malaysia, he said has identified places such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Lucknow, as the major markets for wedding related tourism. There have been a few weddings held to date in Malaysia and the favourite destination of wedding couples was Langkawi, Pangkor, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

"We started this tourism strategy just four to five years ago and really want to go big on it. The market is so huge that the package could also include chartering a whole aircraft," he told Bernama. "Malaysia also offers exotic destinations like Sabah and Sarawak for Indians who are seeking locations closer to nature," said Amran.

On why there have been only a few weddings, despite the huge potential, he said, the segment is still at a very early stage of development. “One reason why we receive less weddings in Malaysia compared to Thailand, is that the product owners, namely hoteliers are not ready to host such big weddings. Of course, they are used to having Malaysian weddings. But the requirements for Indian weddings are different, especially in terms of food, which a majority of the hoteliers can't cater for," he added.

However, a number of hotels now understand the market and are well prepared to host, "Big Fat Indian Weddings."

On the part of Tourism Malaysia, he said, India’s leading wedding planners have been taken on hosted tours to Malaysia, to discover the best on offer. "We have also tied-up with wedding related magazines to showcase our products as well as participate in wedding fairs," he said. The aim, he added, is to attract more quality weddings and not just quantity.

Besides weddings, he said Tourism Malaysia also aims to promote high-end tourism like spas, eco tourism, golf, exotic destinations as well as event related tourism such as the Formula One, Moto GP, and International Shoe Festivals.

Amran said there is also a huge demand for "single women" outbound travellers, which Tourism Malaysia would tap on, by coming up with customised travel packages. "Besides spa, entertainment and shopping, we are also promoting diving activities for them in places like Tioman and Redang.

"Indian holidaymakers will continue to spend this year despite the global economic strain. Hence, we will be promoting various attractive destinations in Malaysia through various media and other activities, including campaigns on television, newspapers, magazines and the social media," he added.

Amran said Tourism Malaysia also does joint promotions with local tour operators, airlines, other tourism boards and select brands, to entice the tourism traffic from India. – Bernama

Copyright @ BERNAMA

Tour Putrajaya On A Bicycle.

Date: 7 January 2013

Tour Putrajaya On A Bicycle.

PUTRAJAYA (Bernama) - Putrajaya is popular among cyclists these days, with more and more people riding their cycles on weekends in this city. Added with facilities like bicycle lanes, bicycles for rent, a BMX circuit and an off-road cycling track, the administrative capital is an alluring destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Therefore, it is not surprising to see cyclists from Klang Valley and other parts of the country in Putrajaya. In fact, there are a number of cyclists from Singapore and Indonesia too.

Some of the popular cycling events in Putrajaya include the Putrajaya Inter-Park Ride, Putrajaya Critical Mass and MTB Jamboree @ Putrajaya. These events are well received by local and foreign cyclists. During these events, Putrajaya appears as the bicycle capital of the country. Thousands of riders with their colourful bicycles add to the picturesque landscape of Putrajaya.

To increase the number of cycling activities in Putrajaya, two more cycling activities were introduced in December 2012. The two activities are Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia Putrajaya Bike Ride (CC1MPBR) and Paya Indah Wetlands (PIW). After launching the two cycling activities, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen said the Tourism Ministry will promote Putrajaya as a bicycle-friendly city and a green destination. This is in line with the garden city concept promoted by the city's administrator - Putrajaya Corporation.

"Now, the Bike Ride activity is present in almost every state in Malaysia," she said. Currently, about 38 cycling tour packages are available in Putrajaya, with one package extending to Paya Indah Wetlands in Banting, Selangor, about 25 km from Putrajaya. The packages are tailored to meet the requirements of tourists, families and even big groups of visitors. The prices of the packages are fixed for the year 2013. So, visitors can plan their cycling tours without worrying about additional charges during peak hours.

The Paya Indah Wetlands are rich in flora and fauna provide a unique experience for those visiting the place on the cycle. Covering an area of 450,76 hectares, and they are home to many hippopotamuses, crocodiles, 226 species of birds, 63 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians and 14 species of fish. Cycling is permitted on the 18 km off-road track in this nature park, which is part of the 60 km track that links Banting to Putrajaya. Other activities that can be carried out in the Paya Indah Wetlands are bird watching, feeding hippopotamuses and crocodiles, kayaking, and a boat ride to Gibbon Island.

Tour agents are hopeful that cycling programmes will increase the number of tourists to Putrajaya. They also feel that Putrajaya will be known as a green city. Saidinar Mohd Noor, owner of Dinar Holidays Sdn Bhd, said these cycling packages promote a healthy lifestyle.

Meanwhile, Haizan Mohd Nor, General Manager of IMG Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd, said new attractions, including the Paya Indah Wetlands, appeal to the general public. "We are coming up with affordable packages so that everyone can take park in cycling activities," said Haizan, whose agency offers three cycling packages.

Director of Pesaka Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd, Zakiah Yunus, when met noted that her company chose the concept of 'hunt' to promote learning while touring. Cycling packages offered by this company are ideal for students. "Students can learn and have fun at the same time," explained Zakiah.

Last year, Tourism Malaysia Jakarta (TMJ) introduced the 3D/2N Special Package to encourage Indonesians to tour Putrajaya on bicycles. Close to 80 Indonesians took part in the programme. The package was developed by TMJ and Anditar Tour costing USD405 (about RM1,250) includes flight tickets, accommodation, tours and meals.

TMJ's Director, Nor Aznan Sulaiman, said many Indonesians will take part in cycling activities as they love cycling. "So, we approached a local tour agency to take the package to the next level," he said. Janto Hassan, 50, said he was impressed by the event. "The Indonesian government encourages cycling. Certain roads in Jakarta cannot be used by motor vehicles on weekends. Only cyclists can use these roads. This way, the country can overcome energy crisis," he said, adding that Malaysia should come up with similar activities.

For further information about these packages, contact Tourism Malaysia at 1 300 88 5050 or enquiries@tourism.gov.my or visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.

By Ali Imran Mohd Noordin

Copyrights @ BERNAMA

Labuan folks urged to support tourism events.

Date: 2 January 2013

Labuan folks urged to support tourism events.

LABUAN: Labuan MP Datuk Yussof Mahal has called on the people here to support this year’s tourism agenda to attract more visitors to come to Labuan. He said many tourism programmes had been planned and listed in this year’s Labuan Tourism Event Calendar in efforts to attract more domestic and foreign visitors in his speech while officiating at the New Year Celebration 2013 at Labuan International Sea Sport Complex here on Dec 31.

“Visit Malaysia Year 2014 will be launched on Jan 18 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and I am making this call to the people here to support the campaign on this island. The concept of ‘Think Tourism’ is not only to equip ourselves with tourism knowledge, but what is more important is how we treat tourists coming here so they will return in the future. We must become a society that upholds cleanliness, show honesty to tourists and not take advantage of them,” he said.

Yussof went on to say that apart from the beauty of tourism hotspots, the local people’s welcoming attitude was also a reason many tourists kept on visiting world-class tourism destinations such as Bali, Hawaii and Mauritius.

Meanwhile, on Jan 12, Culture, Communication and Information Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim would be launching a campaign to promote the waving of the Federal Territory flag. Labuan would also be the host for the closing ceremony of Federal Territory Celebration on Feb 23 which would be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“In February, more programmes will be held here such as the ‘Feast 1Malaysia’ and ‘Integration Sports’ among the Federal Territories. I would like to ask traders here to make February the month to give special discounts on their products as part of efforts to attract more visitors to come here,” he said.

Meanwhile, Yussof is inviting bloggers here to take part in the Blog For FT Expression competition through photo and video display. This blog contest is held to instil love and caring among the people towards the Federal Territories, including Labuan, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.

“A blog site www.blog4ft.com has been created to make citizens in the federal territories have access and interact with each other through the internet. It will also become a platform to promote the three federal territories,” he said.

Copyright 2010-2012 BorneoPost Online

Foreign Tourists Laud Dataran Merdeka Heritage Walk.

Date: 15 December 2012

Foreign Tourists Laud Dataran Merdeka Heritage Walk.

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) - The free-of-charge Dataran Merdeka Heritage Walk, complemented with professional tour guides, was a big hit with foreign tourists when it was launched for the first time Saturday. The tourists described the heritage walk as interesting and spectacular. It is jointly organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Development Council.

First-time tourist from Russia, who wanted to be identified only as Vladimir, said he was "extremely delighted" to be given the opportunity to experience such an interesting tour. "I think this is the most spectacular guided tour that I have ever joined. Very interesting, not only we were exposed to the different functions of the historical buildings, but also given a tour to see the magnificient architectures of the buildings. I recommend this programme to everyone," the 37-year-old told Bernama here Saturday.

The two-and-a-half hour tour which kicked off at 9.30am, covered 11 heritage sites in the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka which includes the Sultan Abdul Samad Building built in 1894, former High Court Building (1909), Federated Malay States Railway Station (1905) and the old City Hall (1896). It also covers the Government Printing Office (1898), Chartered Bank (1919), St Mary Cathedral (1895), Royal Selangor Club (1884) and the field where the British Union Jack was lowered and the flag of an independent Federation of Malaya raised for the first time on Aug 31, 1957.

Italian tourist Giovanni, 27, here on his maiden visit, described the heritage walk as a good activity since most tourists did not know much about the historical aspect of Dataran Merdeka, which is the focal point for the British Administration before the country's independence.

For Briton, Frida Halvarssor, 24, who is in the country for her second visit, the walk was truly educational. "This is my second time in Kuala Lumpur and for me, this programme is very good for foreign tourists because we can discover 11 historical sites around Dataran Merdeka...we can learn and know details, everyone should join in the walk," she said.

Tourists who joined the heritage walk need to register at pelacongan@dbkl.gov.my before taking part in the tour which is being carried out thrice a week for free, namely Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. They can also logon to www.visitkl.gov.my for details on the heritage walk.

By Noor Adila Ali

Copyrights @ BERNAMA

Delightful insights from heritage tour.

Date: 12 December 2012

Delightful insights from heritage tour.

KUALA LUMPUR: UNKNOWN to many, the Royal Selangor Club fronting Dataran Merdeka is nicknamed “The Spotted Dog”. This moniker came about when a pair of Dalmatians belonging to the wife of one of the club’s founders were left to guard the building’s entrance whenever they visited the club. This is among the insights and untold stories that visitors can discover as they take the newly-launched Dataran Merdeka Heritage Guided Tour.

The tour, a collaboration between City Hall and KL Tourism Development Council, will take tourists  on a walk around Dataran Merdeka (once known as Padang), and the historical buildings nearby such as the former High Court, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, National Textile Museum (formerly Federated Malay States Railway station), Victorian Fountain, Restoran Warisan (formerly known as The Chartered Bank), Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, City Library, Cathedral of St Mary, and the City Theatre (Panggung Bandaraya).

During the launch of the tour at Majestic Hotel, Mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib said although listed as the sixth most visited city in the world (nine million arrivals last year), it was found that those who visited Dataran Merdeka did not know that there are other interesting buildings aged over 100 years nearby.

"They will learn more about the architecture and history of each landmark during this guided walk, which is part of the National Key Economic Area's (NKEA) Greater KL project initiatives for tourism, namely EPP 7 (Entry Point Project): Iconic Places. This tour is being promoted to tourists through flyers available at hotels as well as other efforts overseas with the help of Tourism Malaysia.

"It is to make visiting Kuala Lumpur an enjoyable experience apart from its other attractions such as being a shopping paradise as we are ranked fourth after New York, Tokyo and London," said Phesal. "The city also appeals to foreign tourists for other reasons, including a safe environment and a rich cultural heritage," he said, adding that he hoped there would be more tourism products and services launched in future. He added that upgrading works were already underway for the heritage trail.

The tours will commence on Saturday at 9.15am and last for two-and-half hours. Apart from Saturdays, the tours are available on Mondays and Wednesdays. Tourists can book the tour by sending an email to pelancongan@dbkl.gov.my.

Also present at the launch were KLTDC co-chairman Tunku Datuk Seri Iskandar Tunku Abdullah, YTL Hotels and Properties Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Mark Yeoh and KL Tour Guide Association vice-chairman Jane Rai.

By NURADZIMMAH DAIM | streets@nstp.com.my

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

DBKL To Launch Free Heritage Guided Walk At Dataran Merdeka From Dec 15.

Date: 11 December 2012

DBKL To Launch Free Heritage Guided Walk At Dataran Merdeka From Dec 15.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 – Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will be offering thrice a week free heritage guided walk around Dataran Merdeka in a move to promote the history and architecture of the city beginning this Saturday. Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib said the tour would be jointly organised by DBKL and the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Development Council (KLTDC).

Dataran Merdeka was chosen as the pilot project due to its status as the focal point for the British Administration before the country’s independence, he added when launching the heritage walk and opening the 4th KLTDC Meeting, here, today.

He said the tour would be conducted by professional tour guides every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 9.15am for a duration of two and a half hours, covering 11 heritage sites in the area including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building which was built in 1894, former High Court Building (1909), Federated Malay States Railway Station (1905) and the old City Hall (1896).

It also covers the Government Printing Office (1898), Chartered Bank (1919), St Mary Cathedral (1895), Royal Selangor Club (1884) and the field where the British Union Jack was lowered and the flag of an independent Federation of Malaya raised for the first time on Aug 31, 1957.

Ahmad Phesal said tourists who joined the heritage walk needed to register at pelacongan@dbkl.gov.my before taking part in the tour, and they could also log on to www.visitkl.gov.my for details on the walk. He said tourists registered under the walk would also be able to stop at the Royal Selangor Club, which is a private club, for refreshments and be entertained with a cultural dance performance at Panggung Bandaraya.

Ahmad Phesal said the decision by DBKL to organise the heritage walk at Dataran Merdeka was due to the finding of its Tourism Unit that the fascinating history of the buildings around Dataran Merdeka was not well exposed to tourists. He also said that the Dataran Merdeka guided walk programme was part of the Greater KL/Klang Valley National Key Economic Area (NKEA) under the seventh Entry Point Projects (EPP 7) on creating iconic places and attractions.

Touching on Visit Malaysia Year 2014, Ahmad Phesal said DBKL hoped to attract 12 million tourists during that period. Last year, KL attracted nine million tourists, making it the sixth most visited city in the world. “In order to reach the new target, we will look at ways to leverage on existing attractions and enhance them to maximise KL’s potential in providing  better overall ground experience for all visitors,” he said. – Bernama

Copyright © 2012 The Malaysian Insider

KL fourth best shopping city.

Date: 27 November, 2012

KL fourth best shopping city.

SURVEY: It offers high quality experience with affordable prices

KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIA bagged  another global award when its capital was ranked the  fourth best shopping city in the world in a survey by CNN Travel. The survey saw Kuala Lumpur beat Paris, Hong Kong and Dubai. The top three cities are New York, Tokyo and London

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said: "We have arrived at the point where we are on a par with major cities and we will continue to pursue this effort by moving up the ladder." She said this at a press conference on the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale, here, yesterday.

The survey was based on four categories: ease of getting around, value, variety and experience. It was measured on a scale from one to 10. Kuala Lumpur scored 30 points and was the only city that obtained a full 10 points under the value category. It provided a high quality shopping experience at affordable prices, said CNN Travel.

Dr Ng said: "Our next step is to upgrade our infrastructure and transport services to attract high-end tourists. We should also look at producing more Malaysian theatre events similar to the ones in New York and London."

She acknowledged that the private sector played a crucial role in making KL an important shopping destination. The ministry is looking at tweaking certain areas such as public transport and bettering the tourism experience. "Based on the survey, we acquired six points for experience and getting around with ease. We're going to work hard to improve that figure and I believe we are on the right track."

Earlier this month, the city was crowned the second best shopping destination in Asia-Pacific by Globe Shopper Index, a survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit based in Switzerland.

By SUKHBIR CHEEMA | news@nst.com.my 

Copyright © The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad

KL & Putrajaya - Premium Half Day Tour.

Date: 24 November, 2012

KL & Putrajaya - Premium Half Day Tour.

Due to many request about Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya at our email, we now have the above tours available on daily basis. It is for half a day and will probably takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on the road traffic and weather conditions. It starts from 10.00am until about 2 to 3.00pm. The package is valid from Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya areas and we shall do pick-up from your hotel or at selected stops that we have engaged with.

The tour is using a premium vehicle which comforts your journey together with a driver that will also guide you to the places of interest that we have selected in the package inclusion. The package also include a meal plus mineral water for your journey convenience. The package meant for four (4) persons and suitable for friends and family.

Our advise is to do booking with us at least seven (7) days in advanced to secure your Premium Half Day Tour as we have limited vehicle and has been in demand especially during the school holidays. 

In addition, we also do the above for groups with different arrangement on the transfers using van or coaches at a different rate. We believe that the itinerary is suitable for the visit and with limitation of time for you to explore and visit more destination with activity at Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. We know that many travelers especially international tourists spend about less than a week at Peninsular Malaysia before going to other destination surrounding ASEAN. Therefore, it is best that tourists are able to do a tour to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya; and experience the differences between this two cities. We strongly advise that you have a camera with you to take on photos that will entice you to come back!

We are also able to provide you with itineraries and travelling advise for your trip to Malaysia. We offer many more travel and hospitality services and we do it through our license travel and tour company under Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia.   

Finally, do email us for further information on the above packages at tourismservicesmalaysia@gmail.com and we shall reply to your request.

Wilayah Persekutuan

Wilayah Persekutuan

1. Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur or also known as 'KL' is the capital city of Malaysia. It began as a mining settlement in late 19th Century with the discovery of tin at the confluence of Klang and Gombak rivers. A bustling city, KL offers a host of tourist attractions ranging from historic sites, lush gardens and colourful markets to exciting shopping. The city boasts numerous skyscrapers, including the Petronas Twin Towers and Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower).

Area:
243 sq km

Places to visit:
1. Petronas Twin Tower
2. KLCC Recreation Park 
3. KL Tower
4. Central Market
5. National Museum
6. Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve
7. Muzium Telekom (Telecommunication Museum)
8. National Mosque
9. China Town
10. National Palace



2. Putrajaya 
It is now the new official administrative city for the Malaysia government. The name is in recognition of the first Malaysian Prime Minister the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. A well planned city and also known as Malaysia's 'Intelligent Garden City'. 

Area:
46 sq km

Places to visit:
1. Botanical Garden
2. Putrajaya Wetland Park
3. Perdana Putra Building
4. Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC)
5. Putrajaya Maritime Centre
6. Taman Warisan Pertanian (Agriculture Heritage Park)
7. Putra Mosque
8. Seri Perdana Bridge
9. Putra Perdana Park
10. The Prime Minister's Office



3. Labuan 

The name Labuan derived from the Malay word 'pelabuhan' or 'labuhan' which means port or anchorage. The Federal Territory of Labuan comprises of one triangle-shaped island and six smaller ones. Labuan's capital is Victoria and is best known as an offshore financial centre offering international financial and business services via Labuan IBFC since 1990 as well as being an offshore support hub for deepwater oil and gas activities in the region. It is also a tourist destination for people traveling through Sabah, nearby Bruneians and scuba divers. Labuan, located in the South China Sea about 5 miles off the coast of Sabah, is a charming island port and Malaysia's only deep-water anchorage. Seen from the air, Labuan has often been likened to a star floating on a turquoise sea. A thriving duty-free port and international offshore financial center, Labuan has developed into an important venue for business and commerce. The island offers several excellent hotels and international venues for meetings, conventions and trade exhibitions.

Area:
92 sq km

Places to visit:
1. Exotic Bird Park
2. Peace Park
3. Botanical Garden
4. State Mosque
5. Labuan Square
6. Patau-Patau Water Village
7. Water Village
8. Labuan Museum


Source: Tourism Malaysia