KUALA LUMPUR: Tour operators are demanding a higher commission to take tourists to the Eye of Malaysia — the latest attraction in Kuala Lumpur.
Barely a week since the biggest Ferris wheel ride in the country was launched, the Tourism Ministry received complaints that some in-bound operators are expecting a 50 per cent commission on the cost of the ride.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor, displeased with the complaints, said yesterday the licences of these tour operators might be revoked if they persisted.
"They are negotiating with the Ferris wheel operator because they want to send bus-loads of tourists daily," Tengku Adnan said.
"I’m not happy with this ‘mafia’ system. The operators had earlier agreed to a 30 per cent commission but now they are demanding an additional 20 per cent."
The Eye on Malaysia ride costs RM15 for adults and RM8 for children and senior citizens.
"We will look into the matter and take appropriate action," Tengku Adnan said after chairing the annual Tourism Malaysia overseas directors’ meeting.
He said the ministry had been given RM250 million this year for promotion activities. Estimated receipts from tourism this year are expected to be RM44.5 billion.
The ministry is also developing contingency plans to ensure that tourists would continue to arrive in droves after Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
"We are looking at new marketing strategies, including Internet advertising," he said.
Next year, the ministry has projected a tourism revenue of RM48 billion.
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Traders Hotel Penang New CHA Bistro
Traders Hotel Penang proudly unveiled a new concept in dining, CHA, on 24 December 2006.
CHA, formerly known as Shang Palace, is now a casual tea-dining bistro introducing Huaiyang specialities and serving local Chinese favourites.
The interior of the bistro remains unchanged, with its rich gold and black colours, and a touch of maroon for that modern touch. The table settings, however, have been converted into a self-service setting, with cutlery and menu order forms already available the moment guests take their seats. Once guests have chosen their order, the dishes are served as soon as they are ready.
Meanwhile, tea trolleys serve guests eight exclusive or four regular types of fragrant tea, which are brewed immediately and served in seconds.
CHA is the first to introduce Huaiyang cuisine in Malaysia.
Huaiyang cuisine is made from variety of regions in China, including Yangzhou, Suzhou, Changzhou and Nanjing. This style of cuisine is characterised by its emphasis on carving and slicing workmanship, and selected ingredients. Huaiyang dishes are mostly cooked by stewing or braising, thus retaining their freshness and the taste of the ingredients. The taste is not too bland and not too spicy, and each dish usually has a historical story that dates back to the Sui and T’ang Dynasties. There are 19 Huaiyang specialities among the 63 Chinese favourites in the a la carte menu.
CHA is open for lunch and dinner at the following times:
Tuesday – Saturday 11.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. / 6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.
Sunday and Public Holidays 8.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. / 6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
Tuesday – Saturday 11.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. / 6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.
Sunday and Public Holidays 8.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. / 6.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
For reservations, please call 04 262 2622 extn 8205 .
Sabah now a Shopping Paradise as well
KOTA KINABALU: Warisan Square, a new street mall in the heart of this Sabah capital city, will enable the state to be a shopping centre apart from being a “nature and adventure” destination, State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat said.
The new street mall is now a hot spot for tourists as it houses international retailers like Esprit, Quiksilver, Roxy, Padini Concept, SODA, Extreme Billabong, Charles & Keith, Starbucks and San Francisco Coffee.
“Previously, we could not sell Sabah as a shopping destination. Now, with Warisan Square, we can,” said Chong, who is also Sabah deputy chief minister, at the soft launch of the property here recently.
He also said he was impressed by the confidence shown by international retail investors who were mostly first-time investors in the state. – Bernama
For Best Shopping Deals - Visit shoppingNsales
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]
The new street mall is now a hot spot for tourists as it houses international retailers like Esprit, Quiksilver, Roxy, Padini Concept, SODA, Extreme Billabong, Charles & Keith, Starbucks and San Francisco Coffee.
“Previously, we could not sell Sabah as a shopping destination. Now, with Warisan Square, we can,” said Chong, who is also Sabah deputy chief minister, at the soft launch of the property here recently.
He also said he was impressed by the confidence shown by international retail investors who were mostly first-time investors in the state. – Bernama
For Best Shopping Deals - Visit shoppingNsales
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]
Fatal Swim for Russian Tourist
KOTA KINABALU: A Russian tourist died after a swim off Karambunai near here yesterday.
Boris Puchkov, 59, took a dip at about 10am and a lifeguard at a nearby resort spotted him struggling in the water and rushed to help him.
Puchkov was pulled ashore but was pronounced dead at the Sabah Medical Centre 30 minutes later.
He was among the first group of Russian tourists who arrived here on a chartered flight from Moscow on Dec 30, for a month-long visit.
Kota Kinabalu district police chief Asst Comm Ku Chin Wah confirmed the incident.
The Russian's death is the latest in a series of tragedies involving tourists in Sabah. Earlier this week, a boat carrying 11 people, including seven tourists, capsized in rough seas near Sandakan.
Just after the New Year, two women – South Korean Baek Misook, 48, and Japanese Junko Noguichi, 63 – drowned a day apart while swimming around Pulau Sapi near here.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]
Boris Puchkov, 59, took a dip at about 10am and a lifeguard at a nearby resort spotted him struggling in the water and rushed to help him.
Puchkov was pulled ashore but was pronounced dead at the Sabah Medical Centre 30 minutes later.
He was among the first group of Russian tourists who arrived here on a chartered flight from Moscow on Dec 30, for a month-long visit.
Kota Kinabalu district police chief Asst Comm Ku Chin Wah confirmed the incident.
The Russian's death is the latest in a series of tragedies involving tourists in Sabah. Earlier this week, a boat carrying 11 people, including seven tourists, capsized in rough seas near Sandakan.
Just after the New Year, two women – South Korean Baek Misook, 48, and Japanese Junko Noguichi, 63 – drowned a day apart while swimming around Pulau Sapi near here.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]
MAS defers 0% policy for agents to 2008
In line with the new airfare structure that Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will be implementing on Monday, it will reduce the commission it pays travel agents for ticket sales to 2% from 5% instead of pushing ahead with the 0% commission policy.
The 0% commission policy has been deferred to Jan 1, 2008. This was what the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) told its travel agents in a memorandum dated yesterday, a copy of which was obtained by StarBiz. MAS had originally planned to implement the 0% commission policy on Monday.
The move to implement the 0% policy is not unique. Singapore Airlines implemented that policy several years ago and carriers from the US, Britain, Germany, Switzerland, France and elsewhere do not pay commissions for sale of their tickets to travel agents.
Matta said in the memo that the reduction to 2% was to help travel agents defray cost and help them cope with the new business model. This arose after several consultative meetings between the airline and the association. It is learnt that officials from Matta and MAS had met early this week to decide on the 2% and the deferment of the 0% commission.
The memo stated that the 2% was applicable for all MAS reservation booking fare types but, for full Iata-published fares and government warrants, the 5% commission remained.
MAS in a statement yesterday said it would offer from Monday new competitive fares for customers to enjoy 16 new fare options from eight previously, confirming a report in The Star yesterday.
MAS said it was moving towards a net fare environment in 2008 where MAS, Matta and Bumitra Malaysia (representing wholly bumiputra-owned agencies) would adopt a service fee model.
MAS had been warning agents that a 0% commission policy was inevitable. The move would certainly deprive travel agents of their traditional income of earning commissions on ticket sales, with commissions having fallen from 9% initially to 7% and now 5%.
The commission is partly to pay for agents’ costs but agents that have shifted their focus to offering value-added services such as hotel accommodation, tour and sightseeing packages and even cruises, will not feel the impact as much as those that rely solely on ticket sales. Some agents earn nearly 80% of their income from service fees.
The onus is on smaller agents to venture into value-added services to avoid the crunch in 2008. But in the memo, Matta did recommend its agents to “keep the 2% commission and start charging service fee” effective Monday.
It said the MAS administrative fee remained unchanged for financial year 2007 and MAS ticketing offices would begin charging a ticketing fee to replace the existing service fee for ticket issuance from Monday onwards.
MAS, like other airlines, is pushing for online bookings so that it does not have to pay agents commissions to save costs.
MAS offers some discounts for fares for Internet bookings but some travellers feel MAS can do better with its online offers. To them, the best deals are still offered by travel agents. Who will benefit from the new fare scheme remains to be seen, but travellers are hoping that fares will continue to come down and the fuel surcharges be reviewed given the slide in oil prices.
Tourist Suffers Terror Ride in Taxi
I READ “Ensure Cabbies are friendly, polite and responsible” (StarMetro, Dec 7) with some interest in the light of an experience recently suffered by a visiting friend.
A few weeks ago, she took a taxi, hailed on the street from the KLCC area, to Jalan Sultan. The normal fare for this trip would be around RM6 but the meter showed a fare of RM49, which the driver demanded.
When the lady remonstrated with him about this and offered to pay RM15, he became aggressive, started shouting and threatened to go to the police. As my friend knew the correct fare she had no concerns about involving the police, and said so.
At this point the matter took a sinister turn, the driver, no doubt realising that this passenger was not going to give in to his bullying, decided to take drastic action.
He drove off at high speed, ending up on the Federal Highway where, despite the now frantic requests of his passenger, he refused to stop, not even when she opened the passenger window and started waving at other vehicles in order to attract their attention.
Eventually she prevailed, but only when she agreed to pay a fare now totalling RM70.
She was left by the roadside near Shah Alam and was fortunate to manage to hail another taxi that took her safely back to her hotel.
We can only speculate what might have happened had she not finally given in, but I would suspect she is extremely lucky to be unharmed.
Needless to say, she was extremely upset and shaken by this experience, to such an extent that when pressed by friends to file a police report, she refused, saying she just wanted to forget the event.
However, the matter is very serious and clearly involves criminal acts. Extortion of money under duress and kidnap come to mind.
It seems to me that this is not the first time this person had carried out this sort of action, and would likely do the same again in the future.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]
A few weeks ago, she took a taxi, hailed on the street from the KLCC area, to Jalan Sultan. The normal fare for this trip would be around RM6 but the meter showed a fare of RM49, which the driver demanded.
When the lady remonstrated with him about this and offered to pay RM15, he became aggressive, started shouting and threatened to go to the police. As my friend knew the correct fare she had no concerns about involving the police, and said so.
At this point the matter took a sinister turn, the driver, no doubt realising that this passenger was not going to give in to his bullying, decided to take drastic action.
He drove off at high speed, ending up on the Federal Highway where, despite the now frantic requests of his passenger, he refused to stop, not even when she opened the passenger window and started waving at other vehicles in order to attract their attention.
Eventually she prevailed, but only when she agreed to pay a fare now totalling RM70.
She was left by the roadside near Shah Alam and was fortunate to manage to hail another taxi that took her safely back to her hotel.
We can only speculate what might have happened had she not finally given in, but I would suspect she is extremely lucky to be unharmed.
Needless to say, she was extremely upset and shaken by this experience, to such an extent that when pressed by friends to file a police report, she refused, saying she just wanted to forget the event.
However, the matter is very serious and clearly involves criminal acts. Extortion of money under duress and kidnap come to mind.
It seems to me that this is not the first time this person had carried out this sort of action, and would likely do the same again in the future.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]
Travellers Laud MAS’ Cheaper Airfares
KUALA LUMPUR: Frequent travellers are excited about the cheaper airfares MAS is offering.
Lecturer Datin Noraini Shariff, 48, who likes to travel, said: “It sounds great. I think it is a good move for consumers as long as they maintain their quality of service.
“I have been thinking about a trip to Europe and since it's going to be cheaper, I'll go for it.”
Executive Leong Seng Keat, 42, who travels often on domestic routes, said the move would allow more people to consider flying on MAS.
“Previously, business people used AirAsia for its relatively cheap prices,” he said.
“I can postpone my flight and the ticket I’ve bought is still valid. This is not the case with some of the other carriers.”
Leong also remarked that if MAS could operate with the new fare structure and still make money, why not, as it would benefit in the long run.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]
Lecturer Datin Noraini Shariff, 48, who likes to travel, said: “It sounds great. I think it is a good move for consumers as long as they maintain their quality of service.
“I have been thinking about a trip to Europe and since it's going to be cheaper, I'll go for it.”
Executive Leong Seng Keat, 42, who travels often on domestic routes, said the move would allow more people to consider flying on MAS.
“Previously, business people used AirAsia for its relatively cheap prices,” he said.
“I can postpone my flight and the ticket I’ve bought is still valid. This is not the case with some of the other carriers.”
Leong also remarked that if MAS could operate with the new fare structure and still make money, why not, as it would benefit in the long run.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]
Friday, January 12, 2007
Tourist Arrival Numbers Jump 5.6% with Russians as Highest
KUALA LUMPUR: The number of tourists visiting Malaysia has gone up.
Tourists arrivals climbed 5.6% between January and September last year compared with the corresponding period in 2005, said Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim.
He said 12,903,178 tourists arrived in Malaysia from January to September last year compared with 12,213,767 in 2005.
The highest increase in tourist arrivals was from Russia.
“The increase in Russian tourists was 64% for the period. The next highest increase was visitors from Brunei (50%), followed by tourists from China, Indonesia, France (25%), India (20%) and South Korea (17%),” he said.
Lim told a press conference this after chairing the coordination meeting on tourist arrival to Malaysia and other tourism-related problems at his office yesterday.
However, he said, the number of tourists from Thailand only increased by 1.7%, with a tremendous drop recorded in July, August and September.
“This is due to the uncertainty in their own country,” he noted.
“This year following the New Year's Eve bombing in Bangkok, a group of 120 tourists cancelled their trip to Malaysia.”
On other issues, such as taxis, Lim said a special committee, chaired by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board, would hold a meeting next week with taxi drivers and taxi owners associations and Malaysia Airports Bhd to discuss the matter.
Asked if shopping hours would be extended, he said the issue was still being discussed with various government agencies.
“We are looking at implementing longer business hours at shopping complexes from July to September,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Tourists arrivals climbed 5.6% between January and September last year compared with the corresponding period in 2005, said Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim.
He said 12,903,178 tourists arrived in Malaysia from January to September last year compared with 12,213,767 in 2005.
The highest increase in tourist arrivals was from Russia.
“The increase in Russian tourists was 64% for the period. The next highest increase was visitors from Brunei (50%), followed by tourists from China, Indonesia, France (25%), India (20%) and South Korea (17%),” he said.
Lim told a press conference this after chairing the coordination meeting on tourist arrival to Malaysia and other tourism-related problems at his office yesterday.
However, he said, the number of tourists from Thailand only increased by 1.7%, with a tremendous drop recorded in July, August and September.
“This is due to the uncertainty in their own country,” he noted.
“This year following the New Year's Eve bombing in Bangkok, a group of 120 tourists cancelled their trip to Malaysia.”
On other issues, such as taxis, Lim said a special committee, chaired by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board, would hold a meeting next week with taxi drivers and taxi owners associations and Malaysia Airports Bhd to discuss the matter.
Asked if shopping hours would be extended, he said the issue was still being discussed with various government agencies.
“We are looking at implementing longer business hours at shopping complexes from July to September,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Don’t take advantage of tourists
KUALA LUMPUR: Tour operators have been warned against taking advantage of tourists. If they do so, their licences could be revoked, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
“I have heard complaints that tour operators are seeking a bigger commission to take tourists to the giant ferris wheel, Eye on Malaysia.
“Their licences can be revoked. If you are given 30%, don’t ask for 50%. That would be a mafia syndrome,” he said yesterday after a meeting here with Tourism Malaysia directors based at 44 offices worldwide.
During the meeting, ongoing and future tourism marketing strategies were reviewed, including ways to increase the in-flow of tourists.
Tengku Adnan said his ministry was revamping its marketing strategy, which included heavier reliance on Internet advertising through working with Yahoo and MSN to attract more tourists into the country.
He said there were 498,506 tourist arrivals for the first 10 days of the year.
The ministry's target is to have 20.1 million tourist arrivals and RM44.5bil revenue by the year-end, or an average 60,000 tourists daily.
“We are looking for a change in strategy to increase the present ratio from 20:80 to 30:70 for long-haul visitors compared with regional visitors,” he said.
He said the ministry was also working with Malaysia Airlines to introduce an eight-minute in-flight tourism video and to offer seats for outbound tour operators.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Ngiam Foon said he had not received any complaint about tour operators requesting exorbitant commission rates, and urged those with complaints to come forward.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
“I have heard complaints that tour operators are seeking a bigger commission to take tourists to the giant ferris wheel, Eye on Malaysia.
“Their licences can be revoked. If you are given 30%, don’t ask for 50%. That would be a mafia syndrome,” he said yesterday after a meeting here with Tourism Malaysia directors based at 44 offices worldwide.
During the meeting, ongoing and future tourism marketing strategies were reviewed, including ways to increase the in-flow of tourists.
Tengku Adnan said his ministry was revamping its marketing strategy, which included heavier reliance on Internet advertising through working with Yahoo and MSN to attract more tourists into the country.
He said there were 498,506 tourist arrivals for the first 10 days of the year.
The ministry's target is to have 20.1 million tourist arrivals and RM44.5bil revenue by the year-end, or an average 60,000 tourists daily.
“We are looking for a change in strategy to increase the present ratio from 20:80 to 30:70 for long-haul visitors compared with regional visitors,” he said.
He said the ministry was also working with Malaysia Airlines to introduce an eight-minute in-flight tourism video and to offer seats for outbound tour operators.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Ngiam Foon said he had not received any complaint about tour operators requesting exorbitant commission rates, and urged those with complaints to come forward.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Couple's 3 Months Stay at Pangkor Hotel
PANGKOR ISLAND: This year may be Visit Malaysia 2007 but for an elderly Norwegian couple, their stays here are an annual affair.
Arriving for their sixth visit to the island, Sir Leif Aagaard and Lady Kari Aagaard were given a warm welcome by former badminton great Tan Yee Khan and his hotel staff on Wednesday.
“Every time we visit the island here, we feel much younger than our actual ages,” said Kari. Both she and Leif are 87 years old.
“We come here every year because we love the island. The people are friendly, the food is delicious and the scenery is beautiful.”
“Sea View Hotel (and Holiday Resort) has become our second home during the winter season because it is close to the sea and is cheap. The staff here treat us like family.”
Kari, who fell in love with the island since her first visit in 2001, said: “Pangkor Island is a paradise. Everything here is nice.”
During their three-month stay, the couple will keep busy with various activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing and taking walks along the beach.
Known to the staff as “grandpa and grandma,” the couple were also greeted by hornbills that visit the hotel in the mornings and evenings.
Tan, who is managing director of the hotel, said the hornbills had been the latest attraction for many visitors.
“I expect more local and foreign visitors this year,” said Tan, whose hotel also provides various activities such as beach volleyball and island trips.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Arriving for their sixth visit to the island, Sir Leif Aagaard and Lady Kari Aagaard were given a warm welcome by former badminton great Tan Yee Khan and his hotel staff on Wednesday.
“Every time we visit the island here, we feel much younger than our actual ages,” said Kari. Both she and Leif are 87 years old.
“We come here every year because we love the island. The people are friendly, the food is delicious and the scenery is beautiful.”
“Sea View Hotel (and Holiday Resort) has become our second home during the winter season because it is close to the sea and is cheap. The staff here treat us like family.”
Kari, who fell in love with the island since her first visit in 2001, said: “Pangkor Island is a paradise. Everything here is nice.”
During their three-month stay, the couple will keep busy with various activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing and taking walks along the beach.
Known to the staff as “grandpa and grandma,” the couple were also greeted by hornbills that visit the hotel in the mornings and evenings.
Tan, who is managing director of the hotel, said the hornbills had been the latest attraction for many visitors.
“I expect more local and foreign visitors this year,” said Tan, whose hotel also provides various activities such as beach volleyball and island trips.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Chinese Muslim Cuisine at Novotel Hydro Majestic
CHINESE Muslim cuisine from Kunming is rarely found in Malaysia but that is now a thing of the past with the presence of master chef Zhou Shu Hua.
Kunming is the capital of Yunnan and Zhou, a Chinese Muslim master chef, hails from this city known as China’s City of Eternal Spring.
Zhou helms the recently opened Qing Zhen Chinese Muslim Restaurant at Novotel Hydro Majestic KL.
His biggest challenge as the new chef onboard of this brand new hotel is to add variety to the local food scene.
“I have introduced Yunnan Province-inspired cuisine to broaden Malaysia’s food enthusiasts’ knowledge on the various Chinese cuisines available,” said Zhou.
He said these new selections also comple mented the authentic Cantonese favourites created by local Chinese chef Ricky Tan.
The restaurant’s daily a la carte menu offers a variety of dishes ranging from appetisers to Cantonese and vegetarian dishes as well as desserts.
To spice up the dining experience, sections featuring meats, seafood and a mix of fusion recipes as well as favourites from the Middle East have also been included in the menu.
Zhou, will be serving some of his signature Chinese Muslim dishes like Hui Hui Chicken, Xinjiang Yang Rou Chuan, and Braised Mandarin Fish, which many diners might taste for the first time.
Hui Hui Chicken has roasted marinated chicken cooked in traditional herbs served with broad beans and chilli sauce.
“The chicken is first deep-fried, then braised with stock that has been mixed with spices,” said Zhou.
“We use kampung chicken for this dish as the meat is more tender and tastes better,” he said.
Xinjiang Yang Rou Chuan is a lamb dish where the marinated meat is char-grilled after it is braised with stock.
Xinjiang Yang Rou Chuan is a lamb dish where the marinated meat is char-grilled after it is braised with stock.
“The meat absorbs the fragrance from the stock,before it is deep-fried with spices,” said Zhou.
The fish dish, Braised Mandarin Fish, is a serving of fish fillet braised in fermented soya bean and capsicums.
“We use only freshwater perch imported either from Guangdong or Guangxi in China as this fish has a nice texture that makes the dish unique,” said Zhou.
“I have also imported special spices only found in China for my marinades,” he said.
Zhou said Chinese Muslim cuisine used a lot of lamb, beef and chicken and that it was part of the local culture to add chilli and spices to the dishes although not all of them were extremely spicy.
The chef has 23 years of experience in Chinese Muslim cuisine and his career began in 1983 when he trained at a hotel restaurant in Chengdu, China.
The chef has 23 years of experience in Chinese Muslim cuisine and his career began in 1983 when he trained at a hotel restaurant in Chengdu, China.
Qing Zhen Chinese Muslim Restaurant has an impressive setting, with strong influences of Chinese Muslim-themed design and décor incorporating classic and contemporary furnishings.
The cutleries and furniture such as the tables are imported from China, while its wall screens and architecture reflect Muslim culture.
The cutleries and furniture such as the tables are imported from China, while its wall screens and architecture reflect Muslim culture.
It adopts a show kitchen concept with two private dining rooms that can seat up to 120 guests for lunch and dinner.
On every Saturday from 11am to 2.30pm an All-you-can-eat dim sum promotion is available at RM38++ per adult and RM28++ per child (six to 12 years old).
The Sunday Buffet Brunch is from 11am to 2.30pm priced at RM48++ per adult and RM28++ per child (six to 12 years old).
There is a 50% discount for senior citizens above 55 years old when they are accompanied by two full-paying guests for both promotions.
QING ZHEN CHINESE MUSLIM RESTAURANT, First Floor, Novotel Hydro Majestic Kuala Lumpur, 2 Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur (Tel: 03-2147 0888). Business Hours: Daily, lunch (noon-2.30pm); dinner (6.30pm-10.30pm).
PNB Darby Park gets ISO Certified
PNB Darby Park Executives Suites proved its service excellence in sales and marketing, front office administration, housekeeping, food and beverage and support areas when it received MS ISO 9001:2000 certification from Sirim International Sdn Bhd.
“The ISO certification has set a distinctive benchmark for us and there is no turning back. From now on, we must keep improving,” the company’s general manager, Yusof Ramli, said. PNB Darby Park expects to expand its business in the hospitality industry as part of the company’s effort to enhance its brand identity locally and internationally.
It will also continue to improve its service quality and products to stay competitive. PNB Darby Park recently also won an award for The Best Serviced Apartment 2006/2007 and was among KL’s Top 5 Serviced Apartments.
Source : Sun
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Best Western Seri Pacific Embarks on Massive Refurbishment
KUALA LUMPUR - Best Western Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur (formerly Pan Pacific Hotel) has embarked on a large scale refurbishment of its rooms.
The hotel has 570 rooms which will be revamped in stages, in addition to other public areas like the lobby.
Said Jean F Wasser, “Our rooms will only be ready by end November so we hope the spill over effect from the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 will benefit us in 2007.”
Following a contemporary design, the refurbishment costs RM50 million.
Source : TravelWeekly
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The hotel has 570 rooms which will be revamped in stages, in addition to other public areas like the lobby.
Said Jean F Wasser, “Our rooms will only be ready by end November so we hope the spill over effect from the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 will benefit us in 2007.”
Following a contemporary design, the refurbishment costs RM50 million.
Source : TravelWeekly
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Malacca Aims for Six Million Tourists this Year
MALACCA: The state government is targeting to receive six million tourists in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said 137 events had been planned for the year to attract tourists.
Mohd Ali had earlier welcomed the first batch of 40 tourists from Pekan Baru, Indonesia, to Malacca at Batu Berendam airport.
He said there were more than four million visitors to the state last year.
He expressed gratitude to Riau Airlines for bringing tourists from Pekan Baru.
“The Pekan Baru-Malacca flight is on a daily basis, and with our new aircraft, we can fly in more tourists than before,” said Riau Airlines manager Heru Nurhayadi.
“In 2005, we flew in a total of 12,600 passengers and 17,000 last year. We hope to increase the number flying into Malacca to 27,000 this year,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said 137 events had been planned for the year to attract tourists.
Mohd Ali had earlier welcomed the first batch of 40 tourists from Pekan Baru, Indonesia, to Malacca at Batu Berendam airport.
He said there were more than four million visitors to the state last year.
He expressed gratitude to Riau Airlines for bringing tourists from Pekan Baru.
“The Pekan Baru-Malacca flight is on a daily basis, and with our new aircraft, we can fly in more tourists than before,” said Riau Airlines manager Heru Nurhayadi.
“In 2005, we flew in a total of 12,600 passengers and 17,000 last year. We hope to increase the number flying into Malacca to 27,000 this year,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Chief Minister orders Full Probe into Tour Boat Capsizing
KOTA KINABALU: A full investigation has been ordered into Tuesday’s tour boat capsize off Pulau Libaran in the east coast Sandakan in which a local woman drowned.
Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said statements would be taken from the tour operators who took the group from Sandakan to Pulau Libaran.
“I am waiting for a full report on the matter. We will see what to do next,” he told reporters when asked what action would be taken against the tour operator.
In view of the uncertain weather conditions, he said, tour operators should not go out to sea.
This was one of the safety aspects emphasised by the state government.
“This (incident) will not affect the tourism industry, but we hope it will not be repeated,” he said in thanking those involved in rescuing the victims.
Musa also extended his condolence to Mariahmah Kawari's family.
The survivors were rescued by villagers and taken to Libaran Lodge on the island.
They are Ross Webber, Megan Johns, Kimberly Chinpoy and Prudence Verco (Australians), Russel Holdsworth and Christina Grant (British) and New Zealander Suzanne Clifton; And Malaysians tour guide Robert Ernest, 26, boatman Emping Chekol, 59, and another company staff identified as Wahid, 27.
Their boat had overturned in choppy waters in bad weather at about noon on Tuesday.
The navy’s KD Sandakan base commanding officer Jamalludin Mohd Saman urged tour operators and fishermen to heed the Red Alert weather warning and not go out to sea.
The navy had despatched KD Pahang to bring the survivors back here as leisure craft are too dangerous.
The survivors are now staying at Sandakan Hotel.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said statements would be taken from the tour operators who took the group from Sandakan to Pulau Libaran.
“I am waiting for a full report on the matter. We will see what to do next,” he told reporters when asked what action would be taken against the tour operator.
In view of the uncertain weather conditions, he said, tour operators should not go out to sea.
This was one of the safety aspects emphasised by the state government.
“This (incident) will not affect the tourism industry, but we hope it will not be repeated,” he said in thanking those involved in rescuing the victims.
Musa also extended his condolence to Mariahmah Kawari's family.
The survivors were rescued by villagers and taken to Libaran Lodge on the island.
They are Ross Webber, Megan Johns, Kimberly Chinpoy and Prudence Verco (Australians), Russel Holdsworth and Christina Grant (British) and New Zealander Suzanne Clifton; And Malaysians tour guide Robert Ernest, 26, boatman Emping Chekol, 59, and another company staff identified as Wahid, 27.
Their boat had overturned in choppy waters in bad weather at about noon on Tuesday.
The navy’s KD Sandakan base commanding officer Jamalludin Mohd Saman urged tour operators and fishermen to heed the Red Alert weather warning and not go out to sea.
The navy had despatched KD Pahang to bring the survivors back here as leisure craft are too dangerous.
The survivors are now staying at Sandakan Hotel.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
MAS stocks Among the Top Gainers
PETALING JAYA: The threat of cheap flights by AirAsia X for long-haul destinations come July, has yet to dampen the stock price of national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS).
MAS shares were, in fact, among the top gainers in yesterday’s trading. The counter climbed to a day’s high of RM5.20 before settling at RM4.98, up 12 sen. In contrast, AirAsia Bhd (AirAsia X’s sister company) closed four sen lower at RM1.52.
The full impact of the cheap flights will only be felt in the second half of the year and travellers will be the obvious winners with better fare offerings and more choices.
But, for now, analysts remain bullish on MAS and the pace of restructuring the airline has charted. After an investor briefing early this week, some analysts have reviewed their target price for MAS, with one research house changing it from RM5.20 to RM6.25 a share. Others have bets of nearly RM7. To them, the MAS restructuring story was “truly compelling” and the target price of RM6.25 was based on a “high forward price earnings multiple of 12 times” by the research house.
In its note, the research house said the “impact of AirAsia X is hardly noticeable at this juncture, given that the new long-haul low-cost carrier may not be able to fly to the same international cities that MAS services, at least for some time.”
That may be true. But the Malaysian Government has given AirAsia X rights to 36 destinations. More will be added over time. For now, AirAsia X is preparing to fly to Britain (probably Gatwick Airport) by July. Tanjian and Hangzhou in China will be next.
Melbourne and Osaka should follow and its entry into India may be via Amritsar. A source said currently, Singapore Airlines (SIA) enjoyed good load factor on the sector and that might be the cue for AirAsia X.
A research house also had a “hold” call on AirAsia and the listed target price was RM1.72 a share. The house said “AirAsia is set for explosive growth in the coming years, but it would need to raise funds for fleet expansion.
That aside, the aviation scene in Malaysia is set for a dramatic change when AirAsia X takes to the skies. Experts are saying that with fares at below RM10 (excluding taxes) for one-way travel to Britain, even though only a small pocket of the travellers will enjoy that rate, full service airlines are not going to sit back and let AirAsia X enjoy a free ride.
A price war can be expected. Full service carriers would want to guard their turf and improvement in service levels could be expected, said an aviation expert.
Currently, 48 airlines fly out of KL International Airport (KLIA) and two more are expected this year – Eithad Airways is likely to make its debut next week and Finnair in May.
A check on the respective airline websites showed that flights from KLIA to London’s Heathrow Airport for end-January cost RM2,950 to RM3,011 for a return trip. MAS is charging RM2,950, SIA RM3,000, and Emirates (stopover in Dubai) RM3,011, all excluding taxes and other charges.
Thus far, the only low-cost long-haul carrier in the region that flies to Britain is Hong Kong’s Oasis for HK$1,000 one-way and that fare is applicable throughout the year.
Besides the RM9.90 tickets, AirAsia X is promising to charge half the fares offered by full service carriers. That will certainly bode well for tourism. If AirAsia X can manage its cost and not over-stretch its low-cost model, it can help the Government turn the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) into a hub in the region.
And while starting the long-haul low-cost carrier is a superb idea, many will still ask when the Malaysian and Singapore Governments will agree to open the much-protected KL-Singapore-KL route to budget carriers.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
MAS shares were, in fact, among the top gainers in yesterday’s trading. The counter climbed to a day’s high of RM5.20 before settling at RM4.98, up 12 sen. In contrast, AirAsia Bhd (AirAsia X’s sister company) closed four sen lower at RM1.52.
The full impact of the cheap flights will only be felt in the second half of the year and travellers will be the obvious winners with better fare offerings and more choices.
But, for now, analysts remain bullish on MAS and the pace of restructuring the airline has charted. After an investor briefing early this week, some analysts have reviewed their target price for MAS, with one research house changing it from RM5.20 to RM6.25 a share. Others have bets of nearly RM7. To them, the MAS restructuring story was “truly compelling” and the target price of RM6.25 was based on a “high forward price earnings multiple of 12 times” by the research house.
In its note, the research house said the “impact of AirAsia X is hardly noticeable at this juncture, given that the new long-haul low-cost carrier may not be able to fly to the same international cities that MAS services, at least for some time.”
That may be true. But the Malaysian Government has given AirAsia X rights to 36 destinations. More will be added over time. For now, AirAsia X is preparing to fly to Britain (probably Gatwick Airport) by July. Tanjian and Hangzhou in China will be next.
Melbourne and Osaka should follow and its entry into India may be via Amritsar. A source said currently, Singapore Airlines (SIA) enjoyed good load factor on the sector and that might be the cue for AirAsia X.
A research house also had a “hold” call on AirAsia and the listed target price was RM1.72 a share. The house said “AirAsia is set for explosive growth in the coming years, but it would need to raise funds for fleet expansion.
That aside, the aviation scene in Malaysia is set for a dramatic change when AirAsia X takes to the skies. Experts are saying that with fares at below RM10 (excluding taxes) for one-way travel to Britain, even though only a small pocket of the travellers will enjoy that rate, full service airlines are not going to sit back and let AirAsia X enjoy a free ride.
A price war can be expected. Full service carriers would want to guard their turf and improvement in service levels could be expected, said an aviation expert.
Currently, 48 airlines fly out of KL International Airport (KLIA) and two more are expected this year – Eithad Airways is likely to make its debut next week and Finnair in May.
A check on the respective airline websites showed that flights from KLIA to London’s Heathrow Airport for end-January cost RM2,950 to RM3,011 for a return trip. MAS is charging RM2,950, SIA RM3,000, and Emirates (stopover in Dubai) RM3,011, all excluding taxes and other charges.
Thus far, the only low-cost long-haul carrier in the region that flies to Britain is Hong Kong’s Oasis for HK$1,000 one-way and that fare is applicable throughout the year.
Besides the RM9.90 tickets, AirAsia X is promising to charge half the fares offered by full service carriers. That will certainly bode well for tourism. If AirAsia X can manage its cost and not over-stretch its low-cost model, it can help the Government turn the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) into a hub in the region.
And while starting the long-haul low-cost carrier is a superb idea, many will still ask when the Malaysian and Singapore Governments will agree to open the much-protected KL-Singapore-KL route to budget carriers.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Two Die in scaffolding mishap at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR: Two men were killed and 12 others injured when an upper-level scaffolding with several granite slabs collapsed and hit them.
Police said the scaffolding could have collapsed from the weight of the slabs, each weighing about 50kg.
The tragedy occurred at 12.30pm yesterday at the 5ha construction site of the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a residential cum boutique hotel project, in Jalan Bukit Bintang here.
The dead are 52-year-old Malaysian Liew Wan Chew and Myanmar national Boi Nei Tang, 35.
It is believed that the two were in a lift outside the second level of the building when were hit by the slabs, which fell 15m from the seventh level.
Twelve slabs, each weighing about 50kg, were said to have fallen from a platform on the scaffolding.
The falling slabs also injured 12 workers who were on the ground floor. Four of them are in serious condition.
The injured have been identified as Balraj Singh, 21, Pretap Singh and Arjan Singh both 22, Aman Singh, 23, Kala Singh and Gurbachan Singh, both 24, Salam Khan, 25, Subash Kumar, 26, Gurnam Singh, 30, Jamuna Prasad, 33, Rampal Singh, 37 and Kashmeer Singh, 40.
Except for Salam who is from Bangladesh, the rest are from Punjab, India.
At press time, Balraj Singh, Gurbachan Singh, Subash Kumar, Salam Khan, Arjan Singh, Rampal Singh and Kashmeer Singh were still warded in Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Mohammad Zulkarnain said the police have classified the case as sudden death.
When met at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital mortuary, Lim's wife, who declined to be named, demanded action to be taken against those responsible.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Police said the scaffolding could have collapsed from the weight of the slabs, each weighing about 50kg.
The tragedy occurred at 12.30pm yesterday at the 5ha construction site of the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a residential cum boutique hotel project, in Jalan Bukit Bintang here.
The dead are 52-year-old Malaysian Liew Wan Chew and Myanmar national Boi Nei Tang, 35.
It is believed that the two were in a lift outside the second level of the building when were hit by the slabs, which fell 15m from the seventh level.
Twelve slabs, each weighing about 50kg, were said to have fallen from a platform on the scaffolding.
The falling slabs also injured 12 workers who were on the ground floor. Four of them are in serious condition.
The injured have been identified as Balraj Singh, 21, Pretap Singh and Arjan Singh both 22, Aman Singh, 23, Kala Singh and Gurbachan Singh, both 24, Salam Khan, 25, Subash Kumar, 26, Gurnam Singh, 30, Jamuna Prasad, 33, Rampal Singh, 37 and Kashmeer Singh, 40.
Except for Salam who is from Bangladesh, the rest are from Punjab, India.
At press time, Balraj Singh, Gurbachan Singh, Subash Kumar, Salam Khan, Arjan Singh, Rampal Singh and Kashmeer Singh were still warded in Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Mohammad Zulkarnain said the police have classified the case as sudden death.
When met at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital mortuary, Lim's wife, who declined to be named, demanded action to be taken against those responsible.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
120,000 Free AirAsia tickets Snapped Up
KUALA LUMPUR: About 120,000 of the one million free seats offered by AirAsia were snapped up by noon yesterday, barely 12 hours after the promotion began.
The local low-cost airline’s executive vice-president of commercial Kathleen Tan described the response as “massive.”
“On an average day, our website’s network usage capacity is 30%, but now it is 90%,” she said.
The flight bookings have leapt to 20 times more than the normal rate.
The flight bookings have leapt to 20 times more than the normal rate.
With this promotion, local and international flight tickets may be reserved online between yesterday and Jan 19.
“Due to the heavy traffic, the IT team has been working around the clock since midnight to monitor the bookings hourly,” Tan added.
The most popular destination so far is Macau, where the number of free tickets has already hit “limited” status.
Other places receiving good response included Hanoi and Bali.
“We have been receiving numerous SMSes and our phone has been ringing non-stop,” she said.
“We want to tell everyone to be patient as it is only the first day of the promotion.”
“We have been receiving numerous SMSes and our phone has been ringing non-stop,” she said.
“We want to tell everyone to be patient as it is only the first day of the promotion.”
Those registered with the AirAsia Malaysia website were given notification about the promotion via e-mail a day before the booking period.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Plans for Spas and Recuperating Centres in Port Dickson
SEREMBAN: Port Dickson, famed for its tranquil beaches, may soon be used for “healing” purposes.
This is by way of setting up spas and centres for the sick to recuperate.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the plan was to establish the country’s first “wellness zone” in Port Dickson.
He said incentives would be provided to companies interested in opening such health-tourism businesses there.
“There are companies interested in setting up international spas and other health tourism facilities.
“There could even be an international medical centre there one day,” he told reporters after chairing the weekly state exco meeting.
The MB assured that there would not be any over-development, adding that things would be properly managed.
Mohamad also spoke of a plan to create a “python centre” to display the snakes from various countries.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
This is by way of setting up spas and centres for the sick to recuperate.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the plan was to establish the country’s first “wellness zone” in Port Dickson.
He said incentives would be provided to companies interested in opening such health-tourism businesses there.
“There are companies interested in setting up international spas and other health tourism facilities.
“There could even be an international medical centre there one day,” he told reporters after chairing the weekly state exco meeting.
The MB assured that there would not be any over-development, adding that things would be properly managed.
Mohamad also spoke of a plan to create a “python centre” to display the snakes from various countries.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Transport Minister orders Probe on Delay in Finishing Runway
KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy has ordered an investigation into allegations that the recent resurfacing of the Penang International Airport runway could not be finished on time due to inadequate premix material.
As a result, the airport in Bayan Lepas had to be closed from 12.30pm to 3pm on Tuesday for extended work on the runway.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said in Penang on yesterday that the appointed contractor could not finish resurfacing the runway on Monday night.
He slammed the contractor for failing to complete the task because of a lack of premix.
“This is not a good excuse as the contractor must anticipate the requirement based on the work schedule,” he told pressmen, adding that the airport closure affected 20 domestic and international flights.
Chan has directed Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and the Department of Civil Aviation to look into the matter.
“I’m very unhappy,” said the minister who wants MAHB and DCA to submit a report as soon as possible.
Chan told MAHB and the DCA to find out whether proper procedures and practices were applied when the resurfacing work was carried out.
“I also want to know who should be responsible, the contractor or the officials supervising the work,” he said.
Chan conveyed the Goverment’s apology to passengers affected by the flight snags.
MAHB said in a statement on Tuesday that the airport was closed for safety reasons after loose pebbles were found on the runway and repair work had to be carried out immediately.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
As a result, the airport in Bayan Lepas had to be closed from 12.30pm to 3pm on Tuesday for extended work on the runway.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said in Penang on yesterday that the appointed contractor could not finish resurfacing the runway on Monday night.
He slammed the contractor for failing to complete the task because of a lack of premix.
“This is not a good excuse as the contractor must anticipate the requirement based on the work schedule,” he told pressmen, adding that the airport closure affected 20 domestic and international flights.
Chan has directed Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and the Department of Civil Aviation to look into the matter.
“I’m very unhappy,” said the minister who wants MAHB and DCA to submit a report as soon as possible.
Chan told MAHB and the DCA to find out whether proper procedures and practices were applied when the resurfacing work was carried out.
“I also want to know who should be responsible, the contractor or the officials supervising the work,” he said.
Chan conveyed the Goverment’s apology to passengers affected by the flight snags.
MAHB said in a statement on Tuesday that the airport was closed for safety reasons after loose pebbles were found on the runway and repair work had to be carried out immediately.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Terengganu all geared up to put its best face forward
KUALA TERENGGANU: Even the storm has not dampened their spirits. The tourism authorities are all geared up to continue with their Visit Malaysia 2007 promotion and woo more tourists.
On Monday, the state tourism board held a simple event at a taxi stand here and briefed taxi drivers on the importance of being courteous to tourists.
Board director Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said it would not be issuing a travel advisory on the flood situation because it was “not as bad as what occurred in Johor”.
“We will continue our efforts to promote Terengganu, as the weather is expected to improve over the next couple of days,” he added.
Mohd Amirul Rizal said Sunday’s floodwaters on all major roads in the state had already receded.
“The weather seems fine and we welcome tourists to visit Terengganu,” he added.
Meanwhile, strong winds forced two flights to reroute on Sunday after the planes could not land at the Sultan Mahmod airport here.
A Malaysia Airports Bhd spokesman said the MAS and AirAsia flights carrying almost 300 passengers had to turn back due the weather.
Both airlines, he said, rescheduled the flights and were given the green light by the air traffic controller here to land at 10pm.
He said the situation was back to normal yesterday.
In another development, the state Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (Tumec) would comb the shorelines following a report that several marine turtles had beached there due to the choppy sea and high waves.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
On Monday, the state tourism board held a simple event at a taxi stand here and briefed taxi drivers on the importance of being courteous to tourists.
Board director Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said it would not be issuing a travel advisory on the flood situation because it was “not as bad as what occurred in Johor”.
“We will continue our efforts to promote Terengganu, as the weather is expected to improve over the next couple of days,” he added.
Mohd Amirul Rizal said Sunday’s floodwaters on all major roads in the state had already receded.
“The weather seems fine and we welcome tourists to visit Terengganu,” he added.
Meanwhile, strong winds forced two flights to reroute on Sunday after the planes could not land at the Sultan Mahmod airport here.
A Malaysia Airports Bhd spokesman said the MAS and AirAsia flights carrying almost 300 passengers had to turn back due the weather.
Both airlines, he said, rescheduled the flights and were given the green light by the air traffic controller here to land at 10pm.
He said the situation was back to normal yesterday.
In another development, the state Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (Tumec) would comb the shorelines following a report that several marine turtles had beached there due to the choppy sea and high waves.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Loose Pebbles cause Flight Delays at Penang Airport
PENANG: Loose pebbles on the runway brought air traffic to a standstill at the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas.
Several flights were cancelled and delayed yesterday as a result of repair work being carried out.
According to a press statement by Malaysia Airports Bhd (MAB), immediate repair work was carried out at 12.30pm on the runway when the loose pebbles were discovered.
“The runway had to be closed because of safety concerns. The runway was re-opened for operations at 3pm after the necessary repairs had been completed,” the statement said.
Nine flights were delayed while two were cancelled during the two-and-a-half-hour closure.
The delayed flights included those from Penang to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Medan and Taipei.
The flights cancelled were the Kuala Lumpur-Penang-Kuala Lumpur route.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said although the Government was sorry for the inconvenience caused to passengers on the 10 affected flights, it would not compromise on their safety.
“There were repairs carried out on the runway the night before – between 1am and 6am,” he said after meeting with representatives from the Association of Allied Advertisers at his office in Putrajaya.
“Today, the airport was operational in the morning but we still found that there problems in the runway even after the repairs.
“MAB found that the problem could pose a danger to aircraft, especially big airplanes, so they suggested the airport be closed for repairs and we agreed to it.”
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Several flights were cancelled and delayed yesterday as a result of repair work being carried out.
According to a press statement by Malaysia Airports Bhd (MAB), immediate repair work was carried out at 12.30pm on the runway when the loose pebbles were discovered.
“The runway had to be closed because of safety concerns. The runway was re-opened for operations at 3pm after the necessary repairs had been completed,” the statement said.
Nine flights were delayed while two were cancelled during the two-and-a-half-hour closure.
The delayed flights included those from Penang to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Medan and Taipei.
The flights cancelled were the Kuala Lumpur-Penang-Kuala Lumpur route.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said although the Government was sorry for the inconvenience caused to passengers on the 10 affected flights, it would not compromise on their safety.
“There were repairs carried out on the runway the night before – between 1am and 6am,” he said after meeting with representatives from the Association of Allied Advertisers at his office in Putrajaya.
“Today, the airport was operational in the morning but we still found that there problems in the runway even after the repairs.
“MAB found that the problem could pose a danger to aircraft, especially big airplanes, so they suggested the airport be closed for repairs and we agreed to it.”
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Tap the Indian tourism mart
There is a need for a promotion blitz to woo Indian tourists to make Malaysia the springboard for their visits to Asean and the Far East.
MIC-owned Social Strategic Foundation executive director Datuk Denison Jayasooria said the number of Indians going on tours had increased tremendously.
“It is expected that over 300 million middle-class Indians are expected to go overseas over the next two years,” he said.
Speaking at a panel on South, South-East and East Asia at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) here yesterday, he said strategic cooperation between Malaysia and India would benefit both countries.
“This is the market we have to tap, and the intense promotions for Visit Malaysia 2007 should continue to ensure the increase in arrivals from India in 2008 and 2009,” he said.
He said the Malaysian Tourism Board and the Tourism Ministry should play a catalytic role in developing links with the Indian government and Indian tour companies this year.
Jayasooria said about 65,000 to 70,000 Malaysians visited the sub continent last year, with the majority going on spiritual pilgrimages, as against 250,000 Indians who came to Malaysia during the same period.
He also called on the Indian government to establish formal mechanisms for networking to address problems faced by overseas Indians.
“Every year in the last five years, we have been coming here and it has always been a talk shop without any structure or specialised groups or forum. There is a need for secretariats focused on long-term targets and specific outcomes,” he said.
Jayasooria welcomed Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s pledge to set up a university for People of Indian Origin (PIO) in India, and urged the Indian government to consider the MIC-owned Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) in Semeling, Kedah as a PIO university outside of India.
Earlier, MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel said India had emerged as one of the world’s leading economic power houses, but it had to ensure that its rise would also benefit its own diaspora.
Palanivel, who is Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister, said tourism was one industry which would be promoted as it would bring economic benefits and promote and strengthen people to people relationship.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
MIC-owned Social Strategic Foundation executive director Datuk Denison Jayasooria said the number of Indians going on tours had increased tremendously.
“It is expected that over 300 million middle-class Indians are expected to go overseas over the next two years,” he said.
Speaking at a panel on South, South-East and East Asia at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) here yesterday, he said strategic cooperation between Malaysia and India would benefit both countries.
“This is the market we have to tap, and the intense promotions for Visit Malaysia 2007 should continue to ensure the increase in arrivals from India in 2008 and 2009,” he said.
He said the Malaysian Tourism Board and the Tourism Ministry should play a catalytic role in developing links with the Indian government and Indian tour companies this year.
Jayasooria said about 65,000 to 70,000 Malaysians visited the sub continent last year, with the majority going on spiritual pilgrimages, as against 250,000 Indians who came to Malaysia during the same period.
He also called on the Indian government to establish formal mechanisms for networking to address problems faced by overseas Indians.
“Every year in the last five years, we have been coming here and it has always been a talk shop without any structure or specialised groups or forum. There is a need for secretariats focused on long-term targets and specific outcomes,” he said.
Jayasooria welcomed Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s pledge to set up a university for People of Indian Origin (PIO) in India, and urged the Indian government to consider the MIC-owned Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) in Semeling, Kedah as a PIO university outside of India.
Earlier, MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel said India had emerged as one of the world’s leading economic power houses, but it had to ensure that its rise would also benefit its own diaspora.
Palanivel, who is Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister, said tourism was one industry which would be promoted as it would bring economic benefits and promote and strengthen people to people relationship.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Sarawak Targets 30,000 China Tourists
KUCHING: At least 30,000 tourists from China are expected to visit Sarawak in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 (VMY2007).
Sarawak Tourism Board marketing executive Catherine Lau said with the aggressive VMY 2007 promotional drive abroad, Sarawak is expected to assist Malaysia to achieve the target of 20.1 million tourist arrivals for 2007.
According to the board’s statistics, some 19,000 tourists from China visited the state in 2005, and the arrivals increased by 15% the following year, she told reporters on Sunday.
Earlier, she welcomed the arrival of 24 media representatives from Beijing at Kuching International Airport.
Lau said the effort to bring foreign media into the country should have a positive impact on the development of Malaysia’s tourism sector.
“Such measures to promote Malaysia will have a positive impact. It is less expensive and has been practised by other countries,” she said.
The foreign media group from China will be in Sarawak for seven days. They will visit several places including Miri, Sibu, Mukah, Kuching and Mulu.
“They will be taken to visit several interesting places like Mulu National Park, Niah Caves and longhouses,” she said. — Bernama
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Sarawak Tourism Board marketing executive Catherine Lau said with the aggressive VMY 2007 promotional drive abroad, Sarawak is expected to assist Malaysia to achieve the target of 20.1 million tourist arrivals for 2007.
According to the board’s statistics, some 19,000 tourists from China visited the state in 2005, and the arrivals increased by 15% the following year, she told reporters on Sunday.
Earlier, she welcomed the arrival of 24 media representatives from Beijing at Kuching International Airport.
Lau said the effort to bring foreign media into the country should have a positive impact on the development of Malaysia’s tourism sector.
“Such measures to promote Malaysia will have a positive impact. It is less expensive and has been practised by other countries,” she said.
The foreign media group from China will be in Sarawak for seven days. They will visit several places including Miri, Sibu, Mukah, Kuching and Mulu.
“They will be taken to visit several interesting places like Mulu National Park, Niah Caves and longhouses,” she said. — Bernama
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Perak Aims for 3 Million Tourists
Perak hopes to attract some three million tourists during Visit Malay-sia 2007.
One million tourists are expected to visit places of interests in Ipoh, said Perak Tourism Action Council general manager Rahmad Ithnin.
“Each will be here for at least one-and-a-half-days and spend about RM400 on food and lodging.
“We project that Perak will rake in RM1.2bil from the industry this year,” he told reporters recently.
He was speaking after presenting goodie bags to passengers of Karti-ka airline who arrived in Ipoh from Medan, Indonesia.
Ipoh Datuk Bandar Datuk Rafiai Moktar, who was also present, urged shopping complexes to decorate their premises to attract tou-rists.
“This is in line with the Tourism Ministry’s aim of making the country a holiday destination and shopping haven,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
One million tourists are expected to visit places of interests in Ipoh, said Perak Tourism Action Council general manager Rahmad Ithnin.
“Each will be here for at least one-and-a-half-days and spend about RM400 on food and lodging.
“We project that Perak will rake in RM1.2bil from the industry this year,” he told reporters recently.
He was speaking after presenting goodie bags to passengers of Karti-ka airline who arrived in Ipoh from Medan, Indonesia.
Ipoh Datuk Bandar Datuk Rafiai Moktar, who was also present, urged shopping complexes to decorate their premises to attract tou-rists.
“This is in line with the Tourism Ministry’s aim of making the country a holiday destination and shopping haven,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Sports Tourism Draw
State Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said the Penang Municipal Council would organise two new sports events – the Penang Paintball World Cup and Penang Eco-Challenge.
The paintball event would be held at the Municipal Park from Dec 14 to Dec16 while the eco-challenge would be held in Balik Pulau on July 28 and July 29.
“We hope the Penang Paintball World Cup will be a major success.
“We have asked the 35 Tourism Malaysia officers based in foreign countries to promote these events,” he said after jointly opening the Pe-nang Municipal Council Calendar of Sports events together with state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Jahara Hamid on Monday.
Also present was council president Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan.
Teng said the sports tourism events would kick off with the Pe-nang X’treme Games at the Muni-cipal Park from March 17 to March 18.
“This year will see the return of the Penang Beach Carnival after a 10-year hiatus,” he said, adding that the event would be held in Batu Fer-ringhi on May 26 and May 27.
Teng said the Penang Bridge Ma-rathon on June 24 was poised to be the most popular sports tourism event this year as it would attract at least 18,000 participants.
The event would also attract about 2,000 spectators, he said.
The other sports tourism events lined up are the Penang Biathlon on Aug 5, Penang International Moun-tain Bike Challenge from Sept 1 to Sept 2, Kayuh Lasak Penang Mountain Bike Jamboree from Dec 1 to Dec 2. The three events will be held at the Municipal Park.
Abu Bakar said the respective associations and non-governmental organisations would be roped in to make the events a success.
Jahara said the state hoped more sports promoters and event companies would organise programmes in Penang.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The paintball event would be held at the Municipal Park from Dec 14 to Dec16 while the eco-challenge would be held in Balik Pulau on July 28 and July 29.
“We hope the Penang Paintball World Cup will be a major success.
“We have asked the 35 Tourism Malaysia officers based in foreign countries to promote these events,” he said after jointly opening the Pe-nang Municipal Council Calendar of Sports events together with state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Jahara Hamid on Monday.
Also present was council president Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan.
Teng said the sports tourism events would kick off with the Pe-nang X’treme Games at the Muni-cipal Park from March 17 to March 18.
“This year will see the return of the Penang Beach Carnival after a 10-year hiatus,” he said, adding that the event would be held in Batu Fer-ringhi on May 26 and May 27.
Teng said the Penang Bridge Ma-rathon on June 24 was poised to be the most popular sports tourism event this year as it would attract at least 18,000 participants.
The event would also attract about 2,000 spectators, he said.
The other sports tourism events lined up are the Penang Biathlon on Aug 5, Penang International Moun-tain Bike Challenge from Sept 1 to Sept 2, Kayuh Lasak Penang Mountain Bike Jamboree from Dec 1 to Dec 2. The three events will be held at the Municipal Park.
Abu Bakar said the respective associations and non-governmental organisations would be roped in to make the events a success.
Jahara said the state hoped more sports promoters and event companies would organise programmes in Penang.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Sabah Tourist Boat Sinks, Woman Killed
SANDAKAN: A tourist boat with 11 people heading to Libaran Island in stormy weather, capsized off the east coast of Sabah, leaving a woman dead.
The incident occurred near the Padas rivermouth at 12.15pm yesterday. The local victim in her 40s was identified as Mariahmah Kawari.
Tour guide, Robert Ernest, 26, who was reported missing earlier, was rescued at about 7.15pm.
Nine others, including seven Australians, were also plucked to safety.
The Australians were identified as Rusell Holdsworth, 49, Christina Grant, 58, Suzanne Clifton, Ross Webber, Megan Johns, Kimberley Chinpony and Prudence Vence.
Two others rescued were tour company staff – boatman Emping Chekol, 59, and a man named only as Wahid.
Sandakan acting police chief Supt Mohd Zain Yaacob said the boat had left the Padas River jetty at about 10.45am in bad weather and was hit by high waves near Tanjung Pisau off Pulau Libaran.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat thanked those responsible for rescuing the victims.
In the first week of 2007, a South Korean woman and a Japanese woman drowned at Pulau Sapi off Kota Kinabalu. Also last week seven Japanese and Chinese tourists were injured when a tourist bus crashed in Papar.
Source : STAR NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The incident occurred near the Padas rivermouth at 12.15pm yesterday. The local victim in her 40s was identified as Mariahmah Kawari.
Tour guide, Robert Ernest, 26, who was reported missing earlier, was rescued at about 7.15pm.
Nine others, including seven Australians, were also plucked to safety.
The Australians were identified as Rusell Holdsworth, 49, Christina Grant, 58, Suzanne Clifton, Ross Webber, Megan Johns, Kimberley Chinpony and Prudence Vence.
Two others rescued were tour company staff – boatman Emping Chekol, 59, and a man named only as Wahid.
Sandakan acting police chief Supt Mohd Zain Yaacob said the boat had left the Padas River jetty at about 10.45am in bad weather and was hit by high waves near Tanjung Pisau off Pulau Libaran.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat thanked those responsible for rescuing the victims.
In the first week of 2007, a South Korean woman and a Japanese woman drowned at Pulau Sapi off Kota Kinabalu. Also last week seven Japanese and Chinese tourists were injured when a tourist bus crashed in Papar.
Source : STAR NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
US Picks United for 1st-Ever Nonstop Washington-China Route
WASHINGTON (AP) - United Airlines won tentative approval to operate the first nonstop daily flight between Washington and Beijing, a 14-hour trip that links the countries' capitals as their economies become more intertwined.
The Department of Transportation's final OK would give UAL Corp.'s United a route coveted by executives and government officials and potentially worth $200 million (euro153.63 million) a year.
Washington-based fliers who make regular trips to Beijing applauded the news.
"It means that I probably save two to three hours in my flight,'' said Richard Bush, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
"Anything that gets you into the hotel ahead of the evening rush hour (in Beijing) is great.''
United did not immediately say on Tuesday how much it would charge for the flight.
Existing fares for travel between Washington and Beijing start at under $1,000 (euro768) for economy class and can top $15,000 (euro11,522) for first class.
If it wins final approval from the government, the Elk Grove Village, Illinois-based airline can begin nonstop service between Washington Dulles International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport on March 25.
"It's overdue,'' said James Millward, an associate professor of Chinese history at Georgetown University.
"It shortens the time and shortens the fatigue that is part of international travel.''
United beat out AMR Corp.'s American Airlines, which sought to fly between Dallas/Fort Worth and Beijing; Continental Airlines Inc., which applied for service between Newark, New Jersey, and Shanghai; and Northwest Airlines Corp., which applied for Detroit-Shanghai service.
The Transportation Department said United's rivals have 14 days to file objections.
The new route would strengthen United's already-extensive Pacific network and provide an injection of cash when the carrier is still trying to regain its former financial strength after a three-year bankruptcy restructuring that ended in February.
Airline analyst Roger King estimated that the route could bring United roughly $200 million (euro153.63 million) a year in additional revenue, based on daily 16,000-mile round-trip flights.
The flights, he said, are certain to draw executives and politicians willing to pay business-class fares, which can cost as much as $10,000 (euro7,682).
"It further cements their dominant position among the American carriers in Asia,'' said King, airline sector analyst at CreditSights Ltd.
The cachet of capital-to-capital flights was probably the deciding factor in United winning the route, King said, though he and other analysts said alternate regions of the U.S. and China would be better served by more nonstop service.
Terry Trippler, an airline travel analyst based in Minnesota, said a flight to Shanghai - the industrial and financial center of China - would have offered more economic benefits and he predicted it is likely to get stronger consideration for the next U.S. route in 2008.
The government said United's proposal had the potential to benefit the greatest number of passengers, since more people travel to China from the Washington metro area than any other city that does not have nonstop U.S.-China service.
United's service will offer more than 253,000 seats annually, the government said.
United noted that customers traveling from Dulles to Beijing will be able to connect to flights to 16 Chinese cities through its alliances with Air China and Shanghai Airlines.
American Airlines tried to make a last-minute change to its proposal to add a stop in Chicago before continuing to Beijing, but the government on Tuesday denied that motion.
The carrier said it was disappointed in the decision and that it would reapply for additional China service.
Northwest echoed those sentiments.
The Transportation Department evaluates U.S. air carrier proposals for new U.S.-China service as part of an aviation agreement between the two countries signed in July 2004 that called for a total of 195 new weekly flights phased in over a six-year period. - AP
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The Department of Transportation's final OK would give UAL Corp.'s United a route coveted by executives and government officials and potentially worth $200 million (euro153.63 million) a year.
Washington-based fliers who make regular trips to Beijing applauded the news.
"It means that I probably save two to three hours in my flight,'' said Richard Bush, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
"Anything that gets you into the hotel ahead of the evening rush hour (in Beijing) is great.''
United did not immediately say on Tuesday how much it would charge for the flight.
Existing fares for travel between Washington and Beijing start at under $1,000 (euro768) for economy class and can top $15,000 (euro11,522) for first class.
If it wins final approval from the government, the Elk Grove Village, Illinois-based airline can begin nonstop service between Washington Dulles International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport on March 25.
"It's overdue,'' said James Millward, an associate professor of Chinese history at Georgetown University.
"It shortens the time and shortens the fatigue that is part of international travel.''
United beat out AMR Corp.'s American Airlines, which sought to fly between Dallas/Fort Worth and Beijing; Continental Airlines Inc., which applied for service between Newark, New Jersey, and Shanghai; and Northwest Airlines Corp., which applied for Detroit-Shanghai service.
The Transportation Department said United's rivals have 14 days to file objections.
The new route would strengthen United's already-extensive Pacific network and provide an injection of cash when the carrier is still trying to regain its former financial strength after a three-year bankruptcy restructuring that ended in February.
Airline analyst Roger King estimated that the route could bring United roughly $200 million (euro153.63 million) a year in additional revenue, based on daily 16,000-mile round-trip flights.
The flights, he said, are certain to draw executives and politicians willing to pay business-class fares, which can cost as much as $10,000 (euro7,682).
"It further cements their dominant position among the American carriers in Asia,'' said King, airline sector analyst at CreditSights Ltd.
The cachet of capital-to-capital flights was probably the deciding factor in United winning the route, King said, though he and other analysts said alternate regions of the U.S. and China would be better served by more nonstop service.
Terry Trippler, an airline travel analyst based in Minnesota, said a flight to Shanghai - the industrial and financial center of China - would have offered more economic benefits and he predicted it is likely to get stronger consideration for the next U.S. route in 2008.
The government said United's proposal had the potential to benefit the greatest number of passengers, since more people travel to China from the Washington metro area than any other city that does not have nonstop U.S.-China service.
United's service will offer more than 253,000 seats annually, the government said.
United noted that customers traveling from Dulles to Beijing will be able to connect to flights to 16 Chinese cities through its alliances with Air China and Shanghai Airlines.
American Airlines tried to make a last-minute change to its proposal to add a stop in Chicago before continuing to Beijing, but the government on Tuesday denied that motion.
The carrier said it was disappointed in the decision and that it would reapply for additional China service.
Northwest echoed those sentiments.
The Transportation Department evaluates U.S. air carrier proposals for new U.S.-China service as part of an aviation agreement between the two countries signed in July 2004 that called for a total of 195 new weekly flights phased in over a six-year period. - AP
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
1 Million FREE Seats from Air Asia
KUALA LUMPUR: A million seats are being offered for free as no-frills carrier AirAsia kicks off the new year with a big marketing bang that coincides with Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
Valid for flights out of Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Johor Baru, Bangkok and Jakarta – booking has to be done from today to Jan 19 for travel between April 1 and Oct 27.
AirAsia executive vice-president (commercial) Kathleen Tan said this was the second major campaign since the one in 2005 when two million free seats were offered in conjunction with the airline’s fourth anniversary and introduction of its first Airbus.
All free seats will be available only for online booking (www.airasia.com),and on a first-come-first-served basis. The offer excludes airport taxes and fees, fuel surcharges, and is applicable for one-way travel only.
More than 80 routes across 10 countries will be available for bookings
“A RM2 million regional advertising budget is in place to aggressively promote this 10-day campaign in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Macau, China, the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia and Myanmar,” said Tan.
“With 50 aircraft in place and more Airbus A320 rolling out this year, we have recently added more new points from our two newly set-up hubs in East Malaysia with direct flights connecting Sabah and Sarawak to Penang for the first time, new direct flights from Kota Kinabalu to Macau, Bangkok to Langkawi, Jakarta to Kuching and with our plans to expand further to Indochina region and Southern China, the timing is opportune,” she said.
She expected high internet traffic during this campaign period and tips are available on the website on how to best secure free seats, failing which super low fares are available.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
AirAsia Buys 50 Airbus A320s
PARIS - AirAsia signed contracts on Monday to buy 50 medium range Airbus A320 airliners and took an option for another 50, Airbus said.
The catalogue price for the initial 50 passenger jets comes to US$3.3 billion.
In 2005-2006, AirAsia had already bought 100 A320s. "We hope to have a fleet size of two hundred aircraft.
We are very happy with the A320, especially in terms of fuel use," deputy chief executive Kamarudin Meranum said.
Source : TravelWeekly
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The catalogue price for the initial 50 passenger jets comes to US$3.3 billion.
In 2005-2006, AirAsia had already bought 100 A320s. "We hope to have a fleet size of two hundred aircraft.
We are very happy with the A320, especially in terms of fuel use," deputy chief executive Kamarudin Meranum said.
Source : TravelWeekly
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
MAS Passengers Mad at being Kicked Off Overbooked Flights
KUALA LUMPUR: Overbooked passengers on Malaysia Airlines are hopping mad after they were told to give up their seats at short notice.
Things got so bad that several MAS ticketing staff at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) were apparently slapped and verbally abused by irate passengers.
"They shouted at us using foul language. Some of us were even slapped.
"The management had to put a policeman on standby at our counters to protect us," said a worker at the airport.
It is learnt that an average of 30 passengers were off-loaded from each flight heading to Europe, the United States and Japan.
Attempts by the New Straits Times to find out the total number of affected passengers was unsuccessful but it is believed that there were hundreds who were off-loaded.
The New Straits Times conducted a check after it was besieged by calls from angry passengers complaining about their plight.
The problem it seems had been occurring since the peak New Year period.
Passengers were especially angry as they were only informed that they were being off-loaded two hours before departure.
This, it seems, is unlike the practice of most other airlines which would ask passengers to voluntarily give up their seats.
These passengers would then be compensated with cash and meal vouchers.
If there were no volunteers, the airlines would then remove them from the flight based on "last-in-first-out".
According to several travel agents, on MAS flights, passengers who had paid the least would be the first to be removed when there is an overbooking.
However, the off-loaded passengers would be given meal vouchers, hotel accommodation, transportation, cash, compensation of RM600 each, free upgrade to business class (if there were any available seats) and free telephone calls.
Malaysia Airlines commercial director Datuk Abdul Rashid Khan said that controlled overbooking was a common industry practice by full-service carriers.
"In the case of some of our flights during the New Year period, we had an exceptionally high number of off-loaded passengers. This was partly due to overbooking and passengers who were on delayed flights from other parts of our network.
"The passengers who arrived on the delayed flights had to be given priority on the next available connecting flight. It was indeed unfortunate that we had to turn down confirmed passengers on these flights," he said in a statement.
Rashid said MAS activated its service recovery measures for the affected passengers, arranging alternative air travel, accommodation, ground transfers to and from KLIA and compensated them.
"We even transferred some passengers to other airlines at our cost. Our staff on duty at KLIA also conveyed our apologies to the passengers."
Rashid said the industry standard for denied-boarding among key European and US airlines is 10 to 14 passengers per 10,000 passengers.
"At Malaysia Airlines, we have a recommended denied-boarding benchmark of six per 10,000 passengers. Our actual performance, however, has been, on average, less than one person per 10,000 passengers."
Among those who were upset with MAS over its off-loading practice was Ajit Roy whose daughter, Shapna Roy, and her five-year-old son, Rahul Weston, were unable to board their flight to London last Friday.
Shapna was in a state of panic as she was due back at work yesterday while her son was due in school today.
"The MAS supervisor in charge of the situation was very apologetic and promised to put my daughter on the next available flight to London," Ajit said.
He said his daughter was given a total of RM900 in compensation, an upgrade to business class and also a free limousine ride to and from his house in Petaling Jaya.
Shapna and Rahul were put on the 11.55pm flight to London the next day.
"She could not understand why she was off-loaded despite having confirmed her seats two months ago. The Friday night flight would have given her enough time to overcome the jetlag," Ajit said.
Although upset, Ajit was happy with the way the MAS supervisor handled his daughter’s case. He said he noticed many passengers venting their anger on the staff.
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Things got so bad that several MAS ticketing staff at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) were apparently slapped and verbally abused by irate passengers.
"They shouted at us using foul language. Some of us were even slapped.
"The management had to put a policeman on standby at our counters to protect us," said a worker at the airport.
It is learnt that an average of 30 passengers were off-loaded from each flight heading to Europe, the United States and Japan.
Attempts by the New Straits Times to find out the total number of affected passengers was unsuccessful but it is believed that there were hundreds who were off-loaded.
The New Straits Times conducted a check after it was besieged by calls from angry passengers complaining about their plight.
The problem it seems had been occurring since the peak New Year period.
Passengers were especially angry as they were only informed that they were being off-loaded two hours before departure.
This, it seems, is unlike the practice of most other airlines which would ask passengers to voluntarily give up their seats.
These passengers would then be compensated with cash and meal vouchers.
If there were no volunteers, the airlines would then remove them from the flight based on "last-in-first-out".
According to several travel agents, on MAS flights, passengers who had paid the least would be the first to be removed when there is an overbooking.
However, the off-loaded passengers would be given meal vouchers, hotel accommodation, transportation, cash, compensation of RM600 each, free upgrade to business class (if there were any available seats) and free telephone calls.
Malaysia Airlines commercial director Datuk Abdul Rashid Khan said that controlled overbooking was a common industry practice by full-service carriers.
"In the case of some of our flights during the New Year period, we had an exceptionally high number of off-loaded passengers. This was partly due to overbooking and passengers who were on delayed flights from other parts of our network.
"The passengers who arrived on the delayed flights had to be given priority on the next available connecting flight. It was indeed unfortunate that we had to turn down confirmed passengers on these flights," he said in a statement.
Rashid said MAS activated its service recovery measures for the affected passengers, arranging alternative air travel, accommodation, ground transfers to and from KLIA and compensated them.
"We even transferred some passengers to other airlines at our cost. Our staff on duty at KLIA also conveyed our apologies to the passengers."
Rashid said the industry standard for denied-boarding among key European and US airlines is 10 to 14 passengers per 10,000 passengers.
"At Malaysia Airlines, we have a recommended denied-boarding benchmark of six per 10,000 passengers. Our actual performance, however, has been, on average, less than one person per 10,000 passengers."
Among those who were upset with MAS over its off-loading practice was Ajit Roy whose daughter, Shapna Roy, and her five-year-old son, Rahul Weston, were unable to board their flight to London last Friday.
Shapna was in a state of panic as she was due back at work yesterday while her son was due in school today.
"The MAS supervisor in charge of the situation was very apologetic and promised to put my daughter on the next available flight to London," Ajit said.
He said his daughter was given a total of RM900 in compensation, an upgrade to business class and also a free limousine ride to and from his house in Petaling Jaya.
Shapna and Rahul were put on the 11.55pm flight to London the next day.
"She could not understand why she was off-loaded despite having confirmed her seats two months ago. The Friday night flight would have given her enough time to overcome the jetlag," Ajit said.
Although upset, Ajit was happy with the way the MAS supervisor handled his daughter’s case. He said he noticed many passengers venting their anger on the staff.
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Malaysia has more Tourists than Thailand and Singapore
THE tourism industry has experienced rapid expansion and grown in importance over the last two decades.
Much of the progress that has been made by the tourism industry can be traced to the decision to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination through the Visit Malaysia Year campaign in 1990.
We’ve always had all the ingredients of a desirable tourist destination, from the beautiful beaches to the mountain retreats, historic settlements to ancient rainforests, and exotic cuisine to fascinating festivals.
What we’ve lacked to become a big player in the tourist trade in the past was the push to sell the country as a value-for-money destination. This deficiency has been overcome with the VMY campaigns which have provided excellent opportunities to showcase all that the country has to offer. Set a modest target of over four million arrivals and RM2.5 billion in revenue, VMY 1990 surpassed all expectations by bringing in almost double the visitors and earnings, and spurred greater efforts at putting the country on the international tourist map.
What the second VMY in 1994 failed to achieve in terms of numbers was more than made up for in the more than RM8 billion it generated in tourist receipts.
The goal of attracting 20.1 million tourists and generating a revenue of RM44.5 billion makes the third and latest edition of VMY, launched on Saturday, the most ambitious tourism drive by the country.
Now that adequate attention has been given to marketing our attractions, every effort must be expended to make sure that visitors have the good time and the pleasant experience which would make them want to come back for more and to spread the good word.
All the hundreds of millions and all that effort to promote VMY 2007 will go to waste if immigration officers do not smile, shopkeepers fleece their customers, toilets stink to high heaven, or buses are not on time. No detail is too small, and every complaint should be attended to.
If Malaysians back up their smiles with excellent service, there is no reason why we cannot look forward to another bumper year for tourism.
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Twenty years ago, the top performers in the tourist trade in the region wereLast year, we welcomed more than 17 million visitors and they spent more than RM37 billion. We are now the second-most visited Asian country after China, and tourism has become the country’s second largest foreign-exchange earner.
Thailand and Singapore. Today, more people come to Malaysia than either of the
two countries.
Much of the progress that has been made by the tourism industry can be traced to the decision to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination through the Visit Malaysia Year campaign in 1990.
We’ve always had all the ingredients of a desirable tourist destination, from the beautiful beaches to the mountain retreats, historic settlements to ancient rainforests, and exotic cuisine to fascinating festivals.
What we’ve lacked to become a big player in the tourist trade in the past was the push to sell the country as a value-for-money destination. This deficiency has been overcome with the VMY campaigns which have provided excellent opportunities to showcase all that the country has to offer. Set a modest target of over four million arrivals and RM2.5 billion in revenue, VMY 1990 surpassed all expectations by bringing in almost double the visitors and earnings, and spurred greater efforts at putting the country on the international tourist map.
What the second VMY in 1994 failed to achieve in terms of numbers was more than made up for in the more than RM8 billion it generated in tourist receipts.
The goal of attracting 20.1 million tourists and generating a revenue of RM44.5 billion makes the third and latest edition of VMY, launched on Saturday, the most ambitious tourism drive by the country.
Now that adequate attention has been given to marketing our attractions, every effort must be expended to make sure that visitors have the good time and the pleasant experience which would make them want to come back for more and to spread the good word.
All the hundreds of millions and all that effort to promote VMY 2007 will go to waste if immigration officers do not smile, shopkeepers fleece their customers, toilets stink to high heaven, or buses are not on time. No detail is too small, and every complaint should be attended to.
If Malaysians back up their smiles with excellent service, there is no reason why we cannot look forward to another bumper year for tourism.
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
K Terengganu First 5-Star Hotel
KUALA TERENGGANU: This town will have its first five-star hotel by year end.
The 64-room boutique resort in Cendering, which will target high-end tourists, is being developed by Wawasan Peremba Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Peremba Group, which owns the Saujana Golf Resort.
It is learnt Malay architecture will be incorporated into its design, with each room going at RM1,000 per night.
State Industrial Development and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Mohamed Awang Tera said the opening of the hotel would be in time for Visit Terengganu Year 2008.
He said high-end tourists could be expected to spend more during their stay in the state.
"They will be spending on things like songket, which we want to promote. This will bring immense economic benefits to many sectors."
More hotels are being built in the state to address the shortage of rooms while existing hotels are given a facelift.
By the end of the year, some 3,000 rooms are expected to be ready.
Mohamed Awang said the shortage of rooms was severely felt during last year’s Monsoon Cup where a lot of people complained that they could not get any room.
Ping Anchorage managing director Alex Lee said there had been a steady stream of high-end tourists, mainly from Europe, visiting Terengganu last year.
"They are attracted to our beaches, culture and heritage but since we did not have the facilities, they make Bali and Phuket their destinations. And most of them are repeat visitors."
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The 64-room boutique resort in Cendering, which will target high-end tourists, is being developed by Wawasan Peremba Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Peremba Group, which owns the Saujana Golf Resort.
It is learnt Malay architecture will be incorporated into its design, with each room going at RM1,000 per night.
State Industrial Development and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Mohamed Awang Tera said the opening of the hotel would be in time for Visit Terengganu Year 2008.
He said high-end tourists could be expected to spend more during their stay in the state.
"They will be spending on things like songket, which we want to promote. This will bring immense economic benefits to many sectors."
More hotels are being built in the state to address the shortage of rooms while existing hotels are given a facelift.
By the end of the year, some 3,000 rooms are expected to be ready.
Mohamed Awang said the shortage of rooms was severely felt during last year’s Monsoon Cup where a lot of people complained that they could not get any room.
Ping Anchorage managing director Alex Lee said there had been a steady stream of high-end tourists, mainly from Europe, visiting Terengganu last year.
"They are attracted to our beaches, culture and heritage but since we did not have the facilities, they make Bali and Phuket their destinations. And most of them are repeat visitors."
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) Photo Gallery
New Strait Times have dedicated a section of their website for photography with regards to the Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
NST also encourages the public to send Tourist Pictures taken in Malaysia to this email - mailto:mmailed@nstp.com.my
Tourists waiting to ride "Eye On Malaysia" at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
Polish tourist (from left) at the Clock Tower, Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
Tourists waiting to ride "Eye On Malaysia" at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
Tourists from Russia, Oxana, 33, snapping a photo of Arina, 11,
in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building.
Marte Bravdal , 21, (left) and friend Ingrid Sandved Nordli, 21, from Norway at Petronas KLCC.
View More Pictures at NST VMY Photo Gallery
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
MAS unfazed by AirAsia X's launch
KUALA LUMPUR - National carrier Malaysia Airlines is unfazed with the launch of AirAsia X, the new long-haul low-cost airline that was unveiled with much publicity here last Friday.
MAS said it is confident that there is room for both a full service airline and a long-haul budget carrier in Malaysia.
It added the concept of long-haul low-cost travel is already available via Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, which began operating Hong Kong-London-Gatwick flights in October last year.
Analysts said that AirAsia X will create a new market segment i.e. budget travellers and as such will not encroach MAS' long-haul routes that target high yield passengers and business traffic.
Source : TravelWeekly
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
MAS said it is confident that there is room for both a full service airline and a long-haul budget carrier in Malaysia.
It added the concept of long-haul low-cost travel is already available via Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, which began operating Hong Kong-London-Gatwick flights in October last year.
Analysts said that AirAsia X will create a new market segment i.e. budget travellers and as such will not encroach MAS' long-haul routes that target high yield passengers and business traffic.
Source : TravelWeekly
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Its More Than Just for Boob Jobs
Health tourism in Malaysia is more than just breast enlargement jobs, said Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
The Health Minister said that besides wellness programmes, low-end dental treatment and breast, nose and eyelid enhancement surgery that attract health tourists to our shores, Malaysia also offered heart surgery as well as sophisticated dental treatment and plastic surgery.
“Malaysia has great potential for health tourism and we want to establish a niche market with high value added services,” he told reporters after opening a health-related tourism seminar here yesterday.
He pointed out that in 2005, a total of 230,000 foreigners came to Malaysia for treatment, generating a revenue of RM105mil. This was an improvement over 2004, when 175,000 patients sought treatment here and spent up to RM104mil.
Dr Chua said while he was happy with the increased number of patients, revenue was still low because most went for low-end treatment costing around RM2,000 to RM3,000 per job.
On a related matter, Dr Chua said he wanted more coordination between private hospitals and the ministry on information that could help promote the hospitals better.
He said some private hospitals were reluctant to disclose such information.
“Of the 35 hospitals that provide treatment for foreigners, only 27 hospitals are willing to give information to the ministry,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The Health Minister said that besides wellness programmes, low-end dental treatment and breast, nose and eyelid enhancement surgery that attract health tourists to our shores, Malaysia also offered heart surgery as well as sophisticated dental treatment and plastic surgery.
“Malaysia has great potential for health tourism and we want to establish a niche market with high value added services,” he told reporters after opening a health-related tourism seminar here yesterday.
He pointed out that in 2005, a total of 230,000 foreigners came to Malaysia for treatment, generating a revenue of RM105mil. This was an improvement over 2004, when 175,000 patients sought treatment here and spent up to RM104mil.
Dr Chua said while he was happy with the increased number of patients, revenue was still low because most went for low-end treatment costing around RM2,000 to RM3,000 per job.
On a related matter, Dr Chua said he wanted more coordination between private hospitals and the ministry on information that could help promote the hospitals better.
He said some private hospitals were reluctant to disclose such information.
“Of the 35 hospitals that provide treatment for foreigners, only 27 hospitals are willing to give information to the ministry,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Addressing Woes Faced by Tourists
KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism Ministry will raise problems faced by tourists at the Cabinet committee on foreign tourists on Thursday.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said this included Immigration officers imposing requirements on tourists to have a certain amount of money before being allowed to enter the country.
He said other issues like taxi and flight problems, and extending shopping hours to midnight would also be looked into.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said this included Immigration officers imposing requirements on tourists to have a certain amount of money before being allowed to enter the country.
He said other issues like taxi and flight problems, and extending shopping hours to midnight would also be looked into.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
A New Look for Morib
IT’S a mega project that costs almost RM1billion and it is taking shape at Kanchong Laut in the Kuala Langat district.
The Gold Coast Morib will house, among other attractions, a hotel mall, resort and condominium.
The project is to revive Morib into a popular destination for picnickers, a reputation it once had.
This is all thanks to Gold Coast Morib Resort Sdn Bhd, which is carrying out the the RM900mil project at a 3.5ha site situated about 5km from Morib Beach.
This is all thanks to Gold Coast Morib Resort Sdn Bhd, which is carrying out the the RM900mil project at a 3.5ha site situated about 5km from Morib Beach.
The project, which will be completed in Dec 2008, is expected to be a big hit with tourists as it is strategically located, within a 30-minute drive of Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang.
The development includes 686 condominium unitsin the shape of suites, said chief executive officer Datuk Alex Tan
He said there were 476 single bedroom suites, 140 two bedroom suites,, 70 three bedroom suites and 28 penthouses priced at RM103,888, RM138,888, RM168,888 and RM428,888, respectively.
“We are now promoting the units with built-in furniture, electrical appliances and fittings as provided in the model units.
“We are also offering the units without legal and documentation fees as part of the promotion for those who book within this month,” he told StarMetro recently.
“A four-star hotel mall with four restaurants serving Chinese, Japanese, Western and vegetarian food will provide tourists with quality holiday and dining facilities.
“A water theme park and a children’s fun park will be other attractions along with Lady’s World, which is a club filled with activities for women including a spa, fashion house and boutique.
“We will also offer a professional Day Care Centre at our Child’s World,” he said, adding that the centre offered 5,000 toys for rental at RM1 each.
Tan said the kilometre-long private beach would also offer holiday opportunities.
Besides holidaymakers, Tan said Gold Coast Morib would be an idle spot for conventions as its ballroom could seat 5,000 people.
Besides holidaymakers, Tan said Gold Coast Morib would be an idle spot for conventions as its ballroom could seat 5,000 people.
“We can place 250 tables that can take 2,500 people for a banquet,” he added
For who were interested in buying properties, he said the company was offering 35% returns within five years.
“We will allow purchasers to rent-back the properties to us so that we can service them with the monthly rental plus 50 days free-stay at their suites over the five year period,” he said
For enquiries, please call 03-3323 2323 or 03-3323 2188.
For enquiries, please call 03-3323 2323 or 03-3323 2188.
Story and photos by ELAN PERUMAL
Tourist Boat Capsizes off Sabah, 7 Missing
SANDAKAN: Search and rescue efforts intensified for seven people including five foreign tourists still reported missing at the Padas river mouth near here after their boat capsized in stormy seas just before noon today.
Sandakan acting OCPD Supt Mohd Zain Yacob told reporters at 2pm that the missing seven comprised five foreign tourists, a local tour guide and the boatman.
He said the two rescued were Australians while Marine police, navy and coastguards combed the river mouth for the other missing people.
Mohd Zain said they were on their way back from Libaran Lodge on Libaran Island about two-hour boat ride from this east coast town.
Although police decline to confirm the nationalities of the missing tourists, it is believed that there were Australian and British nationals on an adventure tour vacation in Sabah.
Initial reports stated that there were among at least 15 people on board when the boat capsized at about 11.30am as it was entering the river mouth from the Sulu Sea after an overnight stay on Libaran island.
The 15 were on board two boats when one of the boats hit a stormy patch of strong waves during heavy rain.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Sandakan acting OCPD Supt Mohd Zain Yacob told reporters at 2pm that the missing seven comprised five foreign tourists, a local tour guide and the boatman.
He said the two rescued were Australians while Marine police, navy and coastguards combed the river mouth for the other missing people.
Mohd Zain said they were on their way back from Libaran Lodge on Libaran Island about two-hour boat ride from this east coast town.
Although police decline to confirm the nationalities of the missing tourists, it is believed that there were Australian and British nationals on an adventure tour vacation in Sabah.
Initial reports stated that there were among at least 15 people on board when the boat capsized at about 11.30am as it was entering the river mouth from the Sulu Sea after an overnight stay on Libaran island.
The 15 were on board two boats when one of the boats hit a stormy patch of strong waves during heavy rain.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Matta Fair Goodies (16 - 18 March 2007)
KUALA LUMPUR: Travel buffs can expect better travel packages at this year's Matta Fair.Matta president Ngiam Foon said the fair would also help to boost Visit Malaysia 2007 as there would be special offers for domestic travel packages.
The three-day fair would be held from March 16 to 18 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here, he said.
“In line with VM2007, Matta fair will offer a car as the grand prize in a contest for visitors who buy domestic packages or tickets,” Ngiam told a press conference at PWTC here yesterday.
He said they expected all the 889 booths to be taken up by exhibitors.
More info of MATTA - Website
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Monday, January 08, 2007
Eye on Malaysia opens until Dec 31
KUALA LUMPUR: The Eye on Malaysia ferris wheel at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa will be open to the public until Dec 31.
Set up in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007, anyone taking a ride in its 42 gondolas will be able to view major landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers and Menara Kuala Lumpur during the 12-minute ride.
Among those who enjoyed the ride yesterday was broadcast journalist Khairulanuar Yahaya who said it was a new and enjoyable experience that should not be missed.
“I feel very safe when I’m inside the gondola and the view is breathtaking.”
Eye on Malaysia is open from 10am to 10pm daily.
Companies or individuals can also hire gondolas for RM100 with a maximum of eight passengers while those who want a special treatment can opt for the VIP gondola.
Related News on Eye of Malaysia - Click on Eye
MAS Package for EPL Fans to watch Live Matches
KUCHING: Fans of the English Premier League (EPL) now have the chance to see their favourite teams live in action following Malaysia Airlines’ launch of its premier football package.
The package, starting at RM3,888 on a twin-sharing basis, currently offers deals to watch the home matches of nine EPL clubs - Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
MAS sales executive Saleh Hassan said it was a great opportunity for football fans to go and see their teams.
“We are launching the package here so that diehard fans in Sarawak will know about it and not miss out on the chance to watch a match live in the stadium,” he said recently.
The package includes a return economy class ticket to London, two nights’ hotel accommodation, airport transfers and a match ticket.
Optional stadium tours, upgrades and extensions are also available.
However, the return flight is from Kuala Lumpur and fans from Sarawak will have to add on a domestic flight.
“The lowest Kuching-Kuala Lumpur return fare is RM338, which has to be purchased nine days in advance, or RM398 if purchased seven days ahead.
“Alternatively, our Internet fare of RM139 one-way can be purchased 14 days in advance,” Saleh said.
All fares exclude airport taxes and fuel surcharges.
The package is available for reservations and purchase from MAS-appointed agent Holiday Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd.
For more details, go to http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The package, starting at RM3,888 on a twin-sharing basis, currently offers deals to watch the home matches of nine EPL clubs - Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
MAS sales executive Saleh Hassan said it was a great opportunity for football fans to go and see their teams.
“We are launching the package here so that diehard fans in Sarawak will know about it and not miss out on the chance to watch a match live in the stadium,” he said recently.
The package includes a return economy class ticket to London, two nights’ hotel accommodation, airport transfers and a match ticket.
Optional stadium tours, upgrades and extensions are also available.
However, the return flight is from Kuala Lumpur and fans from Sarawak will have to add on a domestic flight.
“The lowest Kuching-Kuala Lumpur return fare is RM338, which has to be purchased nine days in advance, or RM398 if purchased seven days ahead.
“Alternatively, our Internet fare of RM139 one-way can be purchased 14 days in advance,” Saleh said.
All fares exclude airport taxes and fuel surcharges.
The package is available for reservations and purchase from MAS-appointed agent Holiday Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd.
For more details, go to http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Launch of Air Asia X
KUALA LUMPUR: The event to announce the launch of AirAsia X, a new long haul budget service by Fly Asian Xpress (FAX), started late and the ballroom was packed with a few hundred guests.
As AirAsia Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Tony Fernandes took the rostrum, he apologised for the delay.
“We are always on time, but it was the shortage of seats,” he said, drawing laughter from the floor.
Fernandes recounted that when he was young, his parents used to complain that it was expensive to fly to Europe.
“Now, with the introduction of AirAsia X, everyone can now fly ? extra long. We are proud of being able to continue to lead and revolutionise the aviation industry in Asia, just as we did with AirAsia. Ultimately, the launch of AirAsia X will bring independence to the long haul low-cost traveller by providing a choice of service for their long haul travel requirements,” he said.
At a media conference later when asked how FAX planned to finance the purchase of aircraft, Fernandes replied: “As you leave the room, please donate generously.”
On the branding of AirAsia X, FAX CEO Raja Mohd Azmi Raja Razali said the X would give it a mysterious feel to the airline. Though AirAsia X will ride on the AirAsia brand, the airlines will be operated by separate management teams.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
As AirAsia Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Tony Fernandes took the rostrum, he apologised for the delay.
“We are always on time, but it was the shortage of seats,” he said, drawing laughter from the floor.
Fernandes recounted that when he was young, his parents used to complain that it was expensive to fly to Europe.
“Now, with the introduction of AirAsia X, everyone can now fly ? extra long. We are proud of being able to continue to lead and revolutionise the aviation industry in Asia, just as we did with AirAsia. Ultimately, the launch of AirAsia X will bring independence to the long haul low-cost traveller by providing a choice of service for their long haul travel requirements,” he said.
At a media conference later when asked how FAX planned to finance the purchase of aircraft, Fernandes replied: “As you leave the room, please donate generously.”
On the branding of AirAsia X, FAX CEO Raja Mohd Azmi Raja Razali said the X would give it a mysterious feel to the airline. Though AirAsia X will ride on the AirAsia brand, the airlines will be operated by separate management teams.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Travel Firm Offers Free KL Tours
KUALA LUMPUR: To enable tourists, especially foreign ones, to go home with sweet memories of their holidays here, a travel agency is offering free bus tours of Kuala Lumpur for the whole of this year.
Cacinjo Holidays Sdn Bhd will provide two trips – at 8.30am and 1.30pm daily – and the pick-up point is in front of the Malaysia Handicraft Complex at Jalan Conlay.
Foreign tourists have to bring along their passports while local tourists have to call and book first as the number of seats for Malaysians is limited.
The city tour is targeted at foreign tourists like backpackers, budget and student travellers, tourists on transit flights, business and convention tourists on a short stay with their spouses.
Tourists who want to be picked up from their hotels will be charged RM10 each.
The bus will go to places such as Selangor Pewter, the national palace, the Parliament building, National Monument, batik and handicraft shops and Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
The free tours are sponsored by The Royal Selangor with the support of the Kuala Lumpur City Council and the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007.
According to sales and customer executive of Cacinjo Holidays, Suriani Shamsurie, the effort would promote her agency and boost the number of tourists visiting Malaysia.
Those interested in the free tours can call 03-2770 1750 or 012-200 1429 or visit www.cacinjoholidays.com.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Cacinjo Holidays Sdn Bhd will provide two trips – at 8.30am and 1.30pm daily – and the pick-up point is in front of the Malaysia Handicraft Complex at Jalan Conlay.
Foreign tourists have to bring along their passports while local tourists have to call and book first as the number of seats for Malaysians is limited.
The city tour is targeted at foreign tourists like backpackers, budget and student travellers, tourists on transit flights, business and convention tourists on a short stay with their spouses.
Tourists who want to be picked up from their hotels will be charged RM10 each.
The bus will go to places such as Selangor Pewter, the national palace, the Parliament building, National Monument, batik and handicraft shops and Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
The free tours are sponsored by The Royal Selangor with the support of the Kuala Lumpur City Council and the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007.
According to sales and customer executive of Cacinjo Holidays, Suriani Shamsurie, the effort would promote her agency and boost the number of tourists visiting Malaysia.
Those interested in the free tours can call 03-2770 1750 or 012-200 1429 or visit www.cacinjoholidays.com.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Abdullah : Make this the most fantastic year ever for tourists
KUALA LUMPUR: The time is now; the place is Malaysia. There is so much to explore, so much to experience.
With these messages to the people of the world, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched Visit Malaysia 2007 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here.
As for Malaysians, the Prime Minister’s message is for them to make it the most dazzling, fascinating and exciting year ever for tourists.
“I am sure that if we work together, we can truly make this a fantastic year,” he said before 30,000 people, including foreign tourists, who had joined in the celebrations.
Abdullah urged Malaysians to assist tourists and be friendlier.
“Friendliness, after all, is one of the specialties of Malaysians,” he said, adding that a visitor to Malaysia was “paying the price of one to see three different cultures”.
He reminded Malaysians that if visitors felt comfortable, they would then invest in the country.
“This will also further improve the tourism industry, which is one of the main contributors to our economy,” he said.
Abdullah added that this year also marked the Golden Jubilee of Malaysia.
“We would like to invite all visitors to join us in celebrating 50 years of peace and harmony in the country.”
Abdullah called on Malaysians living overseas to act as honorary ambassadors to let their friends and colleagues know of the country’s beauty and serenity.
“After all, no amount of glossy advertisements and promotions can take the place of honest and sincere testimony,” he said.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said: “VM 2007 is all about bringing Malaysia to the world and bringing the world to Malaysia.”
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
With these messages to the people of the world, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched Visit Malaysia 2007 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here.
As for Malaysians, the Prime Minister’s message is for them to make it the most dazzling, fascinating and exciting year ever for tourists.
“I am sure that if we work together, we can truly make this a fantastic year,” he said before 30,000 people, including foreign tourists, who had joined in the celebrations.
Abdullah urged Malaysians to assist tourists and be friendlier.
“Friendliness, after all, is one of the specialties of Malaysians,” he said, adding that a visitor to Malaysia was “paying the price of one to see three different cultures”.
He reminded Malaysians that if visitors felt comfortable, they would then invest in the country.
“This will also further improve the tourism industry, which is one of the main contributors to our economy,” he said.
Abdullah added that this year also marked the Golden Jubilee of Malaysia.
“We would like to invite all visitors to join us in celebrating 50 years of peace and harmony in the country.”
Abdullah called on Malaysians living overseas to act as honorary ambassadors to let their friends and colleagues know of the country’s beauty and serenity.
“After all, no amount of glossy advertisements and promotions can take the place of honest and sincere testimony,” he said.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said: “VM 2007 is all about bringing Malaysia to the world and bringing the world to Malaysia.”
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Mass Rain Forest Themed Wedding for July in Sarawak
KUCHING: Sarawak will for the first time host a rainforest-theme mass wedding for 100 couples from China here in July.
Sarawak Tourism Board marketing executive Catherine Lau said the couples would join thousands of music lovers at the Rainforest World Music Festival at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Damai resort near here.
The three-day festival from July 13 would be a grand one to mark its 10th anniversary.
Lau said after the mass wedding, an event supported by Tourism Malaysia, the Chinese couples would continue their honeymoon in Terengganu.
“The number of tourists from China increased by about 15% to more than 21,000 in Sarawak last year.
“Our target is to get at least 30,000 Chinese tourists this year,” she said when welcoming 24 journalists from TV stations, travel and publications.
Lau said the Mulu National Park, a world heritage site, was the biggest attraction to tourists from China. Sarawak went for a tourism promotion roadshow to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou last September.
She said a consortium of six travel operators in Beijing, four in Shanghai and six in Guangzhou were now actively selling Sarawak packages.
“A charter flight using Southern Airline aircraft is due here from Hangzhou, China on Feb 18 for the Chinese New Year celebration,” she said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Sarawak Tourism Board marketing executive Catherine Lau said the couples would join thousands of music lovers at the Rainforest World Music Festival at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Damai resort near here.
The three-day festival from July 13 would be a grand one to mark its 10th anniversary.
Lau said after the mass wedding, an event supported by Tourism Malaysia, the Chinese couples would continue their honeymoon in Terengganu.
“The number of tourists from China increased by about 15% to more than 21,000 in Sarawak last year.
“Our target is to get at least 30,000 Chinese tourists this year,” she said when welcoming 24 journalists from TV stations, travel and publications.
Lau said the Mulu National Park, a world heritage site, was the biggest attraction to tourists from China. Sarawak went for a tourism promotion roadshow to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou last September.
She said a consortium of six travel operators in Beijing, four in Shanghai and six in Guangzhou were now actively selling Sarawak packages.
“A charter flight using Southern Airline aircraft is due here from Hangzhou, China on Feb 18 for the Chinese New Year celebration,” she said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Malaysia Welcomes the World in Style
KUALA LUMPUR: It's a truly extravagant and successful celebration. The Visit Malaysia 2007 launch was celebrated in pomp and splendour at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here last night.Even the rain did not dampen the spirit of the tens of thousands, both local and foreign, who gathered as early as noon to witness the celebration.
Colourful fireworks illuminated the sky throughout the celebration.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the campaign and the 60m-high Eye on Malaysia ferris wheel.
Abdullah arrived at 9.05pm in a Bufori car but it took him almost 20 minutes just to reach the stage as he was surrounded by scores of people who gathered around the moving vehicle to get a glimpse of him.
The event was telecast live to 10 countries like Australia, China, Taiwan, Japan and Singapore.
The crowd, which comprised some 600 foreign journalists and ambassadors, was earlier treated to cultural performances and singing by Anita Sarawak, Michael Wong and Sheila Majid, among others.
The two Malaysians who are eyeing to be the nation’s first angkasawan – Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed – went up on the stage to meet Abdullah.
The prime minister then proceeded to the Eye on Malaysia on a boat across the lake.
After launching it, Abdullah took a ride on one of the gondolas to get a breathtaking view of the capital at night.
The Eye on Malaysia will be opened to the public today.
The crowd was then treated to another round of fireworks display and a jet-ski stunt.
American tourist Michael Bernath, 42, said the campaign was “very attractive and beautiful”.
“People here are very helpful. There are so many different cultures here. I will definitely come back in the future,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Taman Tasik Titiwangsa to be ‘The Place’ in the City
KUALA LUMPUR: Taman Tasik Titiwangsa will be turned into the latest tourist destination in the city, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said the Government wanted to make the former mining lake and its surroundings a happening spot to attract both local and foreign tourists.
The main attraction is the 60m-high “Eye on Malaysia” ferris wheel launched last Saturday. Several programmes will also be lined up for the lake area.
“The ministry will work closely with other related bodies to plan interesting activities and programmes at the lake,” he told reporters after launching the “Deng Nai Rong” oil painting exhibition at Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia here yesterday.
“We want it to be ‘the place’ in the city, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful lake and the breathtaking view of the capital,” Lim said.
On another matter, Lim said the ministry had held discussions with the police on ways to beef up security at popular tourist destinations nationwide.
“I was told that the number of policemen patrolling such areas will increase from 300 to 2,000,” he added.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai said the Government wanted to make the former mining lake and its surroundings a happening spot to attract both local and foreign tourists.
The main attraction is the 60m-high “Eye on Malaysia” ferris wheel launched last Saturday. Several programmes will also be lined up for the lake area.
“The ministry will work closely with other related bodies to plan interesting activities and programmes at the lake,” he told reporters after launching the “Deng Nai Rong” oil painting exhibition at Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia here yesterday.
“We want it to be ‘the place’ in the city, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful lake and the breathtaking view of the capital,” Lim said.
On another matter, Lim said the ministry had held discussions with the police on ways to beef up security at popular tourist destinations nationwide.
“I was told that the number of policemen patrolling such areas will increase from 300 to 2,000,” he added.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Let’s Work Together to Make Tourists Happy
Visit Malaysia 2007 kicked off on Saturday. Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab talks on how to make it a success.What is your advice to Malaysians to make VM 2007 a success?
Let’s all work together as Malaysians as there is a lot to gain from Visit Malaysia 2007.
Together, we must walk the extra mile to make tourists feel welcomed and comfortable in our beautiful country. Let’s be courteous, helpful and always smile at them.
Together, we must walk the extra mile to make tourists feel welcomed and comfortable in our beautiful country. Let’s be courteous, helpful and always smile at them.
With Malaysia entering its 50 years of independence, what are some of the main events lined up for VM 2007?
The Government has lined up 50 national events. They include the “Eye on Malaysia,” “Colours of Malaysia,” the Malaysia International Aerospace Exhibition, the KL International Buskers Festival and the various mega sales.
There will be other international events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak and the Penang World Music Festival, which is the first time two major music festivals are being held back to back.
Other events like the Flora Fest will see 40 countries taking part. The fest is fashioned after the famous Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in California, United States.
For “Colours of Malaysia,” or Citrawarna, Malaysia is planning a 3km-long street party.
Speaking of celebrations, one of the biggest tourist draws for us is our tradition of holding open house.
The Government has lined up 50 national events. They include the “Eye on Malaysia,” “Colours of Malaysia,” the Malaysia International Aerospace Exhibition, the KL International Buskers Festival and the various mega sales.
There will be other international events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak and the Penang World Music Festival, which is the first time two major music festivals are being held back to back.
Other events like the Flora Fest will see 40 countries taking part. The fest is fashioned after the famous Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in California, United States.
For “Colours of Malaysia,” or Citrawarna, Malaysia is planning a 3km-long street party.
Speaking of celebrations, one of the biggest tourist draws for us is our tradition of holding open house.
Tourism activities generate income and how do they play an important part in the economy?
Tourism has become the second-biggest revenue earner, after manufacturing. We expect to earn RM44bil in revenue this year through VM 2007.
We must make tourism a big success through Visit Malaysia Year. Through our global campaign “Malaysia Truly Asia,” Tourism Malaysia has launched “The time is now, The Place is Malaysia” programme now running on CNN, which makes Malaysia well known to the entire world.
Tourism has become the second-biggest revenue earner, after manufacturing. We expect to earn RM44bil in revenue this year through VM 2007.
We must make tourism a big success through Visit Malaysia Year. Through our global campaign “Malaysia Truly Asia,” Tourism Malaysia has launched “The time is now, The Place is Malaysia” programme now running on CNN, which makes Malaysia well known to the entire world.
With the launch of VM 2007, how should Malaysians treat tourists?
We want the tourists to come back. So when you see a tourist, say: “Welcome to Malaysia and have a pleasant stay.”
We want the tourists to come back. So when you see a tourist, say: “Welcome to Malaysia and have a pleasant stay.”
Tony Fernandes is Looking to Broaden his Horizons
If Datuk Tony Fernandes has his way, the world is going to get a lot smaller. This week, AirAsia Bhd's flamboyant chief executive ended heated speculation by unveiling plans for a long haul, low-cost carrier that is set to fly its inaugural Kuala Lumpur-UK route in July.
Somewhat unusually for AirAsia, so accustomed to playing the underdog, this latest venture is being conducted with the government's full blessing. A missive from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Fernandes' desk hails the new carrier as “proof of Malaysia's entrepreneurial creativity” and “complementary of the government's policy for our companies to think and compete globally.”
In a nutshell, rural air services operator FlyAsiaXpress (FAX) will be newly christened AirAsia X (`X' for extra long), leasing the name from AirAsia for branding synergies. FAX is currently privately held by Fernandes, with a 50% share, along with AirAsia deputy chief executive Kamaruddin Meranum and Raja Azmi Raja Razali who own 30% and 20% respectively.
Raja Azmi, AirAsia's former chief financial officer, is FAX's chief executive.
Raja Azmi, AirAsia's former chief financial officer, is FAX's chief executive.
Since the rumours first started flying, the hype has been tremendous. After all, the prices are worthy of headlines themselves – passengers would bite the hands off anyone offering KL to the UK at a floor of RM300. The new airline also promises to offer point-to-point frequencies to hot spots in China, India and Europe at enticing rates.
All the same, it's worth noting that taxes and fuel surcharges will hike those headline prices up a fair bit but it still beats the current fares in terms of affordability.
In fact, the fuel issue remains one of the weapons of choice in any naysayer's arsenal. Besides worries over volatility, environmental concerns could see the implementation of taxes that would adversely affect such a low-cost model.
“Oil is not unique to AirAsia. It affects everyone, so everyone's cost goes up,” is Fernandes typically ebullient response. “But our costs are still the lowest – the key is that our unit cost is 1.9 US cents.”
Prior to Friday's press conference, much discussion had centred on a possible role for Virgin group head Richard Branson. With characteristic candour, Fernandes dispels as many rumours as he starts with regards to a potential tie-up with AirAsia's European brethren such as easyJet, one that analysts say could help to reduce costs.
It was hard to miss the hint of rare caution that crept into Fernandes' voice during the one-on-one with BizWeek. He's as excited as ever and wouldn't do it if he didn't think he'd succeed, but he's realistically mindful that it's no easy feat : “It hasn't taken off yet (scheduled to do so by July this year). When I see an A330 taking off, and the plane is full, then ask me. It's a paper concept now. Talk is easy. Doing it is different, so I’m not counting my chickens.”
A prudent approach no doubt, if one recalls the embarrassing one-day delay that bedeviled the launch of long haul, budget airline Oasis Hong Kong Airlines late last year. Even more prudent, if viewed against the backdrop that previous attempts to run cheap long haul flights have failed. (Laker Airways, the first no-frills, long haul carrier which offered one-way flights from London to New York for £32.50, went bust in 1982 when British Airways and Trans World Airlines (TWA) slashed their economy fares to its levels. Another one, Newark, New Jersey-based People Express Airlines, was merged out of existence in 1987 after facing massive debt woes.)
Competing on price, and price alone, has been AirAsia's not-so-secret weapon. Still, the company will require some revolutionary insights to keep a lid on costs if it plans to stick to Fernandes' oft-repeated mantra – that passengers will flock to the lowest prices on offer.
Competing on price, and price alone, has been AirAsia's not-so-secret weapon. Still, the company will require some revolutionary insights to keep a lid on costs if it plans to stick to Fernandes' oft-repeated mantra – that passengers will flock to the lowest prices on offer.
Fernandes fends off what may seem like understandable scepticism : “No one has looked hard enough at the model. That's how new businesses are built. In time you shall see. They can succeed but we aren't going to tell all now. Time will tell.”
The key to succeeding in low cost, long haul flights, which Fernandes is obviously talking about, is actually no different than what is required for a low cost, short haul to succeed - aggressive, brutal cost cutting measures. The only difference is that in the case of long haul, the dynamics may differ.
There is a school of thought that the same factors that help keep costs low for short haul carriers are less relevant to long haul such as short turnarounds, cutting out catering costs, having a single type of aircraft, last minute online books and low numbers of empty seats. With that, they point out that the efforts to strip out all the complexities for short haul budget airlines cannot be readily transferred to long haul.
Even so, analysts who attended the grand launch late in the week, which was attended by Malaysia's corporate glitterati, seem spellbound. Raymond Yap, aviation analyst at CIMB says : “It's magical and well thought out. It's not just about independent flights to the UK but there is also a link with AirAsia for short-haul flights. It should bring passengers into the country and I believe it will be good for Malaysia as a whole.”
And then there's OSK Research senior manager Chris Eng's take on the news: “It's started with a bang. A very good marketing campaign, a great start. There is demand, I believe. Look at it this way, from September to December you have students from Malaysia to Europe to cater to, and then you have the backpackers travelling to Malaysia and Asean for another three months for a holiday.
“So six months will already be taken care of, it's only the remaining six that company will have to worry about. That too can be overcome with low fares etc.”
His chief concern, echoing that of many others, is of course profitability. However, he says based on AirAsia's track record, it should turn around in two to three years.
Another analyst from Kenanga Research shares a similar view : “AirAsia has always been a long-term growth story. This is no different. There will be a long gestation period for this business. But it will definitely create a new segment of travellers.”
With that, previous opinions on what impact Visit Malaysia Year 2007 would have on AirAsia have now switched to how AirAsia X will instead affect VMY07.
First week of VMY 2007 draws in 390,000 tourists
PUTRAJAYA: The first week of Visit Malaysia 2007 has seen some 390,000 tourists, mostly from Asian countries, visiting Malaysia.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the numbers were very encouraging although the Government was trying to encourage more long-haul visitors from places like Europe and Russia.
“We are expecting five charter flights to arrive in the next day or two, particularly those from Russia,” he told reporters after giving away bicycles to top-scoring students at SK Putrajaya 2 here Sunday.
Tengku Adnan also quashed reports that since VM2007 started, there had been a spate of negative incidents targeted at tourists.
“There has been only one ugly incident in front of a hotel in Kuala Lumpur where the tourist was assaulted and injured by a man. Of the 390,000 tourists who came, the number of incidents has been less than 0.1%,” he said, adding that he had also received some reports of taxis overcharging passengers.
Tengku Adnan said he had apologised to the tourist involved, who had to receive 11 stitches for his wound.
“I don’t think the motive for that assault was robbery because the tourist was just taking a walk and dressed casually. I have apologised to him on the Government’s behalf,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the numbers were very encouraging although the Government was trying to encourage more long-haul visitors from places like Europe and Russia.
“We are expecting five charter flights to arrive in the next day or two, particularly those from Russia,” he told reporters after giving away bicycles to top-scoring students at SK Putrajaya 2 here Sunday.
Tengku Adnan also quashed reports that since VM2007 started, there had been a spate of negative incidents targeted at tourists.
“There has been only one ugly incident in front of a hotel in Kuala Lumpur where the tourist was assaulted and injured by a man. Of the 390,000 tourists who came, the number of incidents has been less than 0.1%,” he said, adding that he had also received some reports of taxis overcharging passengers.
Tengku Adnan said he had apologised to the tourist involved, who had to receive 11 stitches for his wound.
“I don’t think the motive for that assault was robbery because the tourist was just taking a walk and dressed casually. I have apologised to him on the Government’s behalf,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Wanted: Long-Haul Tourists
PUTRAJAYA: The first week of Visit Malaysia 2007 has seen some 390,000 tourists, mostly from Asian countries, visiting Malaysia.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the numbers were very encouraging although the Government was trying to encourage more long-haul visitors from places like Europe and Russia.
“We are expecting five charter flights to arrive in the next day or two, particularly those from Russia,” he said after giving away bicycles to top-scoring students at SK Putrajaya 2 here yesterday.
Tengku Adnan also quashed reports that since VM2007 started, there had been a spate of negative incidents targeted at tourists.
“There has been only one ugly incident in front of a hotel in Kuala Lumpur where the tourist was assaulted and injured by a man. Of the 390,000 tourists who came, the number of incidents has been less than 0.1%,” he said, adding that he had also received some reports of taxis overcharging passengers.
Tengku Adnan said he had apologised to the tourist involved, who had to receive 11 stitches for his wound.
On the operations of the KL Hop-On Hop-Off double decker buses, Tengku Adnan said he had advised the bus company to get more vehicles as tourists had to wait too long for their ride.
The service offers a tour with pre-recorded commentary in eight different languages that will guide tourists through 42 major sights and attractions in Kuala Lumpur.
“The turnaround time for the buses is too long due to the traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur.''
“We have also advised the company to employ tour guides on board the buses until they have managed to get the pre-recorded commentary working again,” he said, referring to earlier reports of glitches.
On complaints that Immigration officers at the country’s main entry points were unfriendly, Tengku Adnan said he would inform Home Affairs Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the numbers were very encouraging although the Government was trying to encourage more long-haul visitors from places like Europe and Russia.
“We are expecting five charter flights to arrive in the next day or two, particularly those from Russia,” he said after giving away bicycles to top-scoring students at SK Putrajaya 2 here yesterday.
Tengku Adnan also quashed reports that since VM2007 started, there had been a spate of negative incidents targeted at tourists.
“There has been only one ugly incident in front of a hotel in Kuala Lumpur where the tourist was assaulted and injured by a man. Of the 390,000 tourists who came, the number of incidents has been less than 0.1%,” he said, adding that he had also received some reports of taxis overcharging passengers.
Tengku Adnan said he had apologised to the tourist involved, who had to receive 11 stitches for his wound.
On the operations of the KL Hop-On Hop-Off double decker buses, Tengku Adnan said he had advised the bus company to get more vehicles as tourists had to wait too long for their ride.
The service offers a tour with pre-recorded commentary in eight different languages that will guide tourists through 42 major sights and attractions in Kuala Lumpur.
“The turnaround time for the buses is too long due to the traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur.''
“We have also advised the company to employ tour guides on board the buses until they have managed to get the pre-recorded commentary working again,” he said, referring to earlier reports of glitches.
On complaints that Immigration officers at the country’s main entry points were unfriendly, Tengku Adnan said he would inform Home Affairs Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Saturday, January 06, 2007
AirAsia in talks on 20% stake in FAX
KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Bhd is in discussions for a 20% stake in Fly Asian Xpress Sdn Bhd (FAX), which is slated to launch a long-haul budget airline in July.
The offer, with an option of a further 10% had been tabled to AirAsia, said FAX chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.
“AirAsia does not own a stake (in FAX) now,” Kamarudin, who is also AirAsia deputy chief executive officer, told a media conference yesterday after the launch of FAX's new product, AirAsia X.
FAX currently operates the rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak. Its stakeholders are AirAsia CEO Datuk Tony Fernandes (50%), Kamarudin (30%) and FAX CEO Raja Mohd Azmi Raja Razali (20%).
Kamarudin said an offer had been made to AirAsia and the company's board, excluding Fernandes and himself, would decide on the matter.
At the launch, FAX signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AirAsia, which would allow the latter to franchise its internationally recognised brand to FAX.In terms of aircraft fleet, AirAsia X is finalising its requirement and aircraft under consideration include Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus 330-300.
AirAsia X will start operations with two or three aircraft and increase the fleet over the next five years.
Fernandes said AirAsia X would order 20 new aircraft.
“It will be a one-type aircraft; the selection has been narrowed to Boeing or Airbus. We will announce the purchase plan by end-January,” he said, adding that the purchase would be funded with shareholders' funds.
FAX expects to carry half a million passengers in the first year of operations.
Meanwhile, a bank-backed brokerage analyst contacted by StarBiz felt that it would not be a good move for AirAsia to acquire a stake in FAX.
“It is an option for AirAsia but the market will be cautious about this move. The business model for long-haul budget carrier is not proven. The risk profile of AirAsia may change,” he said.
The analyst said the airline business had high risk and that starting a short-haul budget carrier may not necessarily be good.
“The general feeling is that the long-haul budget carrier is a risky move and it was good that it was undertaken by FAX,” he said.
An analyst from HLG Securities Sdn Bhd also viewed the long-haul budget carrier business model as risky and believed that AirAsia should continue to focus on its current short-haul business model.
“We think that taking up a stake in FAX at such an early stage does limit its investment risk.
“Our neutral view is premised on FAX maintaining a prudent business model of leasing its planes initially until it registers a steady profitability track record, whereby it can then finance the purchase of its planes independently,” the analyst said.
On another note, AirAsia plans to increase its Airbus A320 fleet to 200.
Kamarudin said AirAsia had firm orders for 100 Airbus aircraft, with an option for 30 more. He expected the company to finalise the expansion of its fleet by end of the month.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The offer, with an option of a further 10% had been tabled to AirAsia, said FAX chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.
“AirAsia does not own a stake (in FAX) now,” Kamarudin, who is also AirAsia deputy chief executive officer, told a media conference yesterday after the launch of FAX's new product, AirAsia X.
FAX currently operates the rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak. Its stakeholders are AirAsia CEO Datuk Tony Fernandes (50%), Kamarudin (30%) and FAX CEO Raja Mohd Azmi Raja Razali (20%).
Kamarudin said an offer had been made to AirAsia and the company's board, excluding Fernandes and himself, would decide on the matter.
At the launch, FAX signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AirAsia, which would allow the latter to franchise its internationally recognised brand to FAX.In terms of aircraft fleet, AirAsia X is finalising its requirement and aircraft under consideration include Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus 330-300.
AirAsia X will start operations with two or three aircraft and increase the fleet over the next five years.
Fernandes said AirAsia X would order 20 new aircraft.
“It will be a one-type aircraft; the selection has been narrowed to Boeing or Airbus. We will announce the purchase plan by end-January,” he said, adding that the purchase would be funded with shareholders' funds.
FAX expects to carry half a million passengers in the first year of operations.
Meanwhile, a bank-backed brokerage analyst contacted by StarBiz felt that it would not be a good move for AirAsia to acquire a stake in FAX.
“It is an option for AirAsia but the market will be cautious about this move. The business model for long-haul budget carrier is not proven. The risk profile of AirAsia may change,” he said.
The analyst said the airline business had high risk and that starting a short-haul budget carrier may not necessarily be good.
“The general feeling is that the long-haul budget carrier is a risky move and it was good that it was undertaken by FAX,” he said.
An analyst from HLG Securities Sdn Bhd also viewed the long-haul budget carrier business model as risky and believed that AirAsia should continue to focus on its current short-haul business model.
“We think that taking up a stake in FAX at such an early stage does limit its investment risk.
“Our neutral view is premised on FAX maintaining a prudent business model of leasing its planes initially until it registers a steady profitability track record, whereby it can then finance the purchase of its planes independently,” the analyst said.
On another note, AirAsia plans to increase its Airbus A320 fleet to 200.
Kamarudin said AirAsia had firm orders for 100 Airbus aircraft, with an option for 30 more. He expected the company to finalise the expansion of its fleet by end of the month.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Friday, January 05, 2007
LCCT to be Expanded to Meet Long-Haul Demands
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sepang Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) will be expanded to enable it to become an international hub for budget carriers in the region.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the terminal, which is capable of handling 10 million passengers a year, will be upgraded to meet demands especially of long-haul traffic.
"Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) has been told to look into the details of expanding the LCCT."
He said MAB is expected to submit the expansion proposal, which includes the handling of wide-bodied jets, to the ministry soon.
Chan said the LCCT was built to cater to the growing number of passengers on low-cost airlines.
"The terminal was designed to facilitate passenger movement for domestic and international travel," he said at the launching of AirAsia X, a venture between AirAsia and Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) to operate budget long-haul flights to Europe, Australia and Asia.
Chan said AirAsia X would boost tourist arrivals for Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
He also said Malaysia and Singapore had agreed in principle to be more liberal with their aviation arrangements.
Details will be discussed between senior officials of both countries in the first quarter of this year.
Related News - AirAsia X London Flights from RM9.99
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the terminal, which is capable of handling 10 million passengers a year, will be upgraded to meet demands especially of long-haul traffic.
"Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) has been told to look into the details of expanding the LCCT."
He said MAB is expected to submit the expansion proposal, which includes the handling of wide-bodied jets, to the ministry soon.
Chan said the LCCT was built to cater to the growing number of passengers on low-cost airlines.
"The terminal was designed to facilitate passenger movement for domestic and international travel," he said at the launching of AirAsia X, a venture between AirAsia and Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) to operate budget long-haul flights to Europe, Australia and Asia.
Chan said AirAsia X would boost tourist arrivals for Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
He also said Malaysia and Singapore had agreed in principle to be more liberal with their aviation arrangements.
Details will be discussed between senior officials of both countries in the first quarter of this year.
Related News - AirAsia X London Flights from RM9.99
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
AirAsia X London Flights from RM9.99
KUALA LUMPUR: Fly Asian Express (FAX) will fly its long-haul operations using the brand Air Asia X, under franchise from AirAsia, starting July.
The flights will have two classes - super economy and economy. In-flight entertainment and food will be available for purchase onboard.
Fares to London will start as low as RM9.99, excluding tax and surcharges.
FAX has been given rights to operate long-haul flights to destinations in Asia, Australia and Europe.
AirAsia CEO Datuk Tony Fernandes has a 50% stake in FAX. The other two FAX shareholders are AirAsia deputy chief executive Kamarudin Meranum (30%) and former AirAsia chief financial officer Raja Azmi Raja Razali (20%), who is also FAX CEO.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The flights will have two classes - super economy and economy. In-flight entertainment and food will be available for purchase onboard.
Fares to London will start as low as RM9.99, excluding tax and surcharges.
FAX has been given rights to operate long-haul flights to destinations in Asia, Australia and Europe.
AirAsia CEO Datuk Tony Fernandes has a 50% stake in FAX. The other two FAX shareholders are AirAsia deputy chief executive Kamarudin Meranum (30%) and former AirAsia chief financial officer Raja Azmi Raja Razali (20%), who is also FAX CEO.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
MAS online sales to hit RM450mil this year
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is targeting RM450mil worth of online sales this year compared with last year's RM120mil.
In 2006, the online booking channel broke an all-time high of 1.3 million hits per month against 284,000 monthly hits in 2005.
In a statement, the airline attributed the increase to its aggressive low-fare promotional activities such as the Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair, Matta Fair, the International Supersavers promotions and foreign-based campaigns.
The introduction of web-fares and simplified booking processes last year further accelerated the growth momentum, MAS said.
Foreign transactions comprised over 60% of sales while the remaining from local bookings.
In the statement, MAS commercial director Datuk Rashid Khan said the airline had allocated RM200mil over a five-year period “to create a hassle-free and efficient distribution channel.”
Assistant general manager of distribution Saat Abdul Samad added that customers could expect speedier transaction time and enhancements to the payment portal with more payment options
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
In 2006, the online booking channel broke an all-time high of 1.3 million hits per month against 284,000 monthly hits in 2005.
In a statement, the airline attributed the increase to its aggressive low-fare promotional activities such as the Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair, Matta Fair, the International Supersavers promotions and foreign-based campaigns.
The introduction of web-fares and simplified booking processes last year further accelerated the growth momentum, MAS said.
Foreign transactions comprised over 60% of sales while the remaining from local bookings.
In the statement, MAS commercial director Datuk Rashid Khan said the airline had allocated RM200mil over a five-year period “to create a hassle-free and efficient distribution channel.”
Assistant general manager of distribution Saat Abdul Samad added that customers could expect speedier transaction time and enhancements to the payment portal with more payment options
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
FAX Given Long-Haul rights
PETALING JAYA: Fly Asian Xpress (FAX), the rural air services operator, has been given rights to operate long-haul flights to destinations in Asia, Australia and Europe.
The announcement by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy confirms The Star report on Jan 1 that AirAsia boss Datuk Tony Fernandes was putting together a team to launch a long-haul budget airline operating out of Malaysia.
The announcement by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy confirms The Star report on Jan 1 that AirAsia boss Datuk Tony Fernandes was putting together a team to launch a long-haul budget airline operating out of Malaysia.
Chan said the Government was confident this new transportation strategy of having a low-cost long-haul airline would ensure the success of the Government’s plan for a major budget airline hub.
He added that such a hub would greatly benefit our tourism industry.
Fernandes has a 50% stake in FAX, while the other two shareholders are AirAsia deputy chief executive Kamarudin Meranum (30%), and former AirAsia chief financial officer Raja Azmi Raja Razali (20%). Raja Azmi is the chief executive officer.
AirAsia and FAX are expected to make a major announcement today on a commercial tie-up between the two airlines as well as on the status of negotiations with Virgin group’s Sir Richard Branson and EasyGroup's Sir Stelios Haji-loannou.
The Star reported on New Year’s Day that three of the world’s main low-cost airline personalities would team up to start a long-haul budget airline.
The company, to be based in Malaysia, will offer airfares as low as RM100 for flights between China and Malaysia.
Sources said Fernandes, Branson and Stelios were in discussions to form this alliance for the world’s first low-cost global network.
The joint venture would first fly between Kuala Lumpur and destinations like Manchester in Britain, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and Amritsar in India.
By WONG SAI WAN
Eye on Malaysia ready to spin but . . .
KUALA LUMPUR: Everything is in place for the grand opening of the Eye on Malaysia in two days — except for one important detail.
The organisers, MST Ad Suria Sdn Bhd, said the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) had not completed their inspection of the giant Ferris wheel in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here.
But MST is optimistic they will make it on time for Saturday’s launch.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is scheduled to try it at 8.30pm.
"We should have DOSH’s approval by tomorrow (today)," said project director Jeroen Nijpels.
The organisers, MST Ad Suria Sdn Bhd, said the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) had not completed their inspection of the giant Ferris wheel in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here.
But MST is optimistic they will make it on time for Saturday’s launch.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is scheduled to try it at 8.30pm.
"We should have DOSH’s approval by tomorrow (today)," said project director Jeroen Nijpels.
He said though it may seem the project was rushed to meet the deadline, the Ferris wheel was safe.
"We would never compromise on safety. Although this was a fast-track project, it was not rushed," he said.
"We started piling at the end of October and installation of the wheel started on Dec 23.
"It usually takes 10 days to put up the wheel, but here we have taken two weeks," he said, adding that the Eye is the biggest transportable wheel in Southeast Asia.
And if DOSH does not give its approval in time, he said the launch will be postponed.
MST executive director Widyanty Yusope said the RM30 million project had been organised in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
"Visitors can expect to have a good view of the city from the wheel, including KL Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers, Genting Highlands and Istana Budaya," she said. "And there will be daily shows as well."
Nijpels said the 60-metre Ferris wheel has 42 air-conditioned gondolas which can each accommodate eight people. Two gondolas will be reserved for the disabled. There is also a VIP gondola.
The 12-minute ride will cost RM15 for adults, and RM8 for children and concessionaires.
"We would never compromise on safety. Although this was a fast-track project, it was not rushed," he said.
"We started piling at the end of October and installation of the wheel started on Dec 23.
"It usually takes 10 days to put up the wheel, but here we have taken two weeks," he said, adding that the Eye is the biggest transportable wheel in Southeast Asia.
And if DOSH does not give its approval in time, he said the launch will be postponed.
MST executive director Widyanty Yusope said the RM30 million project had been organised in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
"Visitors can expect to have a good view of the city from the wheel, including KL Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers, Genting Highlands and Istana Budaya," she said. "And there will be daily shows as well."
Nijpels said the 60-metre Ferris wheel has 42 air-conditioned gondolas which can each accommodate eight people. Two gondolas will be reserved for the disabled. There is also a VIP gondola.
The 12-minute ride will cost RM15 for adults, and RM8 for children and concessionaires.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
FAX Offers Fare Discount
KUCHING: Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) yesterday launched a promotional RM15 discount on its new Flaxifare class as part of its initiatives in support of Visit Malaysia 2007.
The promotion is valid on Jan 3-15 for travel between March 25 and Oct 27 on selected routes using Fokker 50 planes.
Flaxifare, launched last November, gives customers greater flexibility by allowing flight changes up to three hours before departure without a penalty charge.
Fares quoted during the promotion period will reflect the RM15 discount.
For more details or to book, call 03-8775 4000 or visit http://www.flyasianxpress.com/.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The promotion is valid on Jan 3-15 for travel between March 25 and Oct 27 on selected routes using Fokker 50 planes.
Flaxifare, launched last November, gives customers greater flexibility by allowing flight changes up to three hours before departure without a penalty charge.
Fares quoted during the promotion period will reflect the RM15 discount.
For more details or to book, call 03-8775 4000 or visit http://www.flyasianxpress.com/.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
AirAsia Flying High After Unit’s Merger Talks
PETALING JAYA: Active trading sent AirAsia Bhd shares soaring to close 11 sen, or 7.28%, higher on total volume of more than 25 million shares on the first trading day of the year.
Investor interest in the counter escalated after the company said an associate would make a major announcement tomorrow.
This follows a recent report that AirAsia was considering an alliance with Britain's easyJet and the Virgin group.
The stock touched a high of RM1.65 in intra-day trading and closed at RM1.62.
Bloomberg yesterday quoted AirAsia chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Tony Fernandes as saying that Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) would make a statement on Jan 5.
Related LinkFAX, which is privately owned by Fernandes, AirAsia deputy CEO Datuk Kamaruddin Meranun and former AirAsia chief financial officer Raja Azmi Raja Razali, operates rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak.
OSK Research senior manager Chris Eng said if the budget alliance were to take place, it would likely follow the successful Oasis Hong Kong airline concept.
Oasis is the sole operator of a budget long haul service via its Hong Kong-London flights that started in October.
Eng also said the alliance could possible resort to cross-selling in related industries, such as budget hotels, to improve revenue from various sources.
He said the alliance sounded good and the players involved had proven track records but it was “left to be seen” whether it could translate to improved bottomline.
Eng said Malaysia would benefit should it become a hub for the operations. “It would benefit Malaysia’s economy and boost tourism, especially the budget traveller segment,” he said.
He also said Malaysia was an ideal choice for a hub as its maintenance and cost structure was overall lower than in other parts of the region, including Thailand.
It was reported on New Year’s day that three of the world’s main low-cost airline personalities would team up to start a long haul budget airline company.
The company, to be based in Malaysia, would offer airfares as low as RM100 for flights between China and Malaysia.
The report had quoted sources saying that Fernandes, Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin group and Sir Stelios Haji-loannou of EasyGroup, the parent of easyJet were in discussions to form this alliance for the world’s first low-cost global network, According to sources, the joint venture will first fly between Kuala Lumpur and destinations like Manchester in Britain, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and Amritsar in India.
Top low-cost Airline bosses to form Global Network
By DANNY YAP and SUSAN TAM
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Tourists Can Visit other Johor Spots
JOHOR BARU: Johor has many tourist spots that are not affected by the floods, said State Tourism and Environment Committee chairman Freddie Long.
“If they cannot go to places such as Desaru or Mersing, they can always find a substitute,” he said.
“There are countless beaches here, in addition to places of historic interest.
“Tour guides should have no problem recommending these places to visitors.”
Long is confident that flood-affected popular spots will re-open soon.
“This year, we are hoping to get 17 million tourists,” he added.
“It’s possible because we managed to near double the numbers in 2006 from the year before that.”
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
“If they cannot go to places such as Desaru or Mersing, they can always find a substitute,” he said.
“There are countless beaches here, in addition to places of historic interest.
“Tour guides should have no problem recommending these places to visitors.”
Long is confident that flood-affected popular spots will re-open soon.
“This year, we are hoping to get 17 million tourists,” he added.
“It’s possible because we managed to near double the numbers in 2006 from the year before that.”
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Smoother Immigration with 1300 personnel Deployed for VMY2007
More staff for entry pointsPUTRAJAYA: Tourists and visitors can look forward to smoother immigration clearance, when 1,300 personnel are despatched to entry points in the country as part of efforts to ensure the success of Visit Malaysia 2007.
Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said the majority of the immigration officers would be assigned to KLIA, the Causeway in Johor Baru and the Penang International Airport.
He told reporters after chairing his ministry’s post-Cabinet meeting that the personnel would be deployed in batches as they had to undergo several months' training to ensure they were “efficient, friendly and smiling all the time.”
“These entry points need the additional staff the most as the flow of visitors is heavy at times,” he said, adding that there were 152 entry points nationwide.
“To ensure that a tourist's first experience in Malaysia is pleasant, we have decided to get more personnel to be on duty at these places so that all counters can be opened, especially during peak hours.
“To ensure that a tourist's first experience in Malaysia is pleasant, we have decided to get more personnel to be on duty at these places so that all counters can be opened, especially during peak hours.
“My ministry understands the importance of the VM 2007 programme and we will do all we can to help ensure its success.”
Meanwhile, the Le Tour De Langkawi (LTDL), which will be the curtain raiser for sports events for VM 2007, will see some 1.5 billion people tuning in to watch Malaysia’s beauty, as major international television networks will carry daily coverage of the race.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the race organisers had secured deals with ESPN Starsports, SNTV and other leading networks.
He launched the official website of the cycling race, http://www.ltdl.com.my/, in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Muruku Making Village to be listed as Perak's Tourist Destination
Nutty Tourism VentureIPOH: Buntong’s Kampung Kacang Putih, the village famous for making muruku and other Indian tidbits here, may soon be listed as one of Perak’s tourist destinations.
Perak Tourism Action Council general manager Rahmad Ithnin said they had agreed in principle to a proposal from businessman B.K. Kumar to promote Kampung Kacang Putih as an attraction.
Kampung Kacang Putih residents are nut traders who moved from Gunung Cheroh to Buntong in 1974. Forty families are now involved in the tidbits cottage industry.
Rahmad said they would discuss the proposal with Agriculture, Agro-based Industries, Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan.
“Kacang putih – toasted, steamed or deep fried peanuts – can be a new addition to our efforts to promote food tourism overseas,” he said after visiting the village here yesterday.
Besides promoting the village in trade and food exhibitions, the council would also include Kampung Kacang Putih in special tour packages, featuring Gua Tempurung, the Royal Belum reserve and Taiping Zoo's Night Safari.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Second Tourist Drowns in Waters off Pulau Sapi
KOTA KINABALU: A 63-year-old Japanese tourist drowned in waters off Pulau Sapi here yesterday barely a day after a South Korean holidaymaker died near the same spot.
Junko Noguchi, who was on holiday with her daughter Noguchi Kayo, 36, was seen struggling in fairly-shallow waters off Pulau Sapi.
Another tourist pulled her out of the water, but she was already unconscious.
Lifeguards failed to resuscitate Junko and she was taken on a tour boat to the mainland and rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. She was pronounced dead on arrival.
A local businessman who saw what happened said the woman was swimming in waters not more than 1.2m in depth. The man, who wanted only to be identified as Lim, said the sea was calm and the weather fine at that time.
A 48-year-old South Korean woman drowned at almost the same spot at about 11am on Tuesday.
Late yesterday afternoon, state tourism officials called an emergency meeting with tourism players to discuss means to better respond to emergencies at the islands.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Junko Noguchi, who was on holiday with her daughter Noguchi Kayo, 36, was seen struggling in fairly-shallow waters off Pulau Sapi.
Another tourist pulled her out of the water, but she was already unconscious.
Lifeguards failed to resuscitate Junko and she was taken on a tour boat to the mainland and rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. She was pronounced dead on arrival.
A local businessman who saw what happened said the woman was swimming in waters not more than 1.2m in depth. The man, who wanted only to be identified as Lim, said the sea was calm and the weather fine at that time.
A 48-year-old South Korean woman drowned at almost the same spot at about 11am on Tuesday.
Late yesterday afternoon, state tourism officials called an emergency meeting with tourism players to discuss means to better respond to emergencies at the islands.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Foreign airlines keen to fly to Langkawi
LANGKAWI: Many foreign airlines are keen to fly to Langkawi for the Visit Malaysia 2007, an official said.
“We are in the midst of discussions with several foreign airlines. It will become reality soon,” Langkawi International Airport manager Mustafa Idris said.
He said nearly one million tourists were expected to visit Langkawi this year. Yesterday, 416 Russian tourists were given a rousing welcome at the airport by local residents and tourism and other officials.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
“We are in the midst of discussions with several foreign airlines. It will become reality soon,” Langkawi International Airport manager Mustafa Idris said.
He said nearly one million tourists were expected to visit Langkawi this year. Yesterday, 416 Russian tourists were given a rousing welcome at the airport by local residents and tourism and other officials.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Best Decorated Hotel Lobby - Kelantan
KOTA BARU: Kelantan rolled out its first Visit Malaysia 2007 event – a competition for best decorated hotel lobby.
The competition runs from Jan 27 to Feb 4 for over 30 hotels and chalets in the state.
State Tourism Malaysia director Lijah Othman said the competition was part of the national Flora Fest programme.
“Hotels must use harmonious colours together with attractive landscaping, using 20% organic items and 30% decor to enter the competition,” Lijah said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The competition runs from Jan 27 to Feb 4 for over 30 hotels and chalets in the state.
State Tourism Malaysia director Lijah Othman said the competition was part of the national Flora Fest programme.
“Hotels must use harmonious colours together with attractive landscaping, using 20% organic items and 30% decor to enter the competition,” Lijah said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Angry Tourists Refuse to Get Off MAS Plane
RETURNING from Malaysia, 37 Taiwanese tourists who were unhappy with Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) services, refused to get off the plane after it landed in Kaoshiung, Taiwan.
Sin Chew Daily reported that the passengers, who arrived at Kaoshiung at 6.25pm on Tuesday, refused to disembark despite appeals from the flight attendants.
They insisted on seeing MAS manager Ma Zi Wei, who later managed to persuade them to disembark by promising that he would convey their unhappiness to the airlines' headquarters.
According to tour leader Yet Heng Xu, the tourists were to have left Terengganu at 11am on Monday but the flight was delayed until 9.10pm.
She said that MAS failed to look after the passengers, including those who were ill, and they had to buy food for themselves.
MAS media relations officer S. Anbarasu said the airlines would get the details from its office in Taiwan before explaining the situation to the passengers.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Sin Chew Daily reported that the passengers, who arrived at Kaoshiung at 6.25pm on Tuesday, refused to disembark despite appeals from the flight attendants.
They insisted on seeing MAS manager Ma Zi Wei, who later managed to persuade them to disembark by promising that he would convey their unhappiness to the airlines' headquarters.
According to tour leader Yet Heng Xu, the tourists were to have left Terengganu at 11am on Monday but the flight was delayed until 9.10pm.
She said that MAS failed to look after the passengers, including those who were ill, and they had to buy food for themselves.
MAS media relations officer S. Anbarasu said the airlines would get the details from its office in Taiwan before explaining the situation to the passengers.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Sleepover Suites - Because Sleepovers are a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
Did you know that children having sleepovers with their friends is a multi-billion dollar industry? So why isn’t anyone capitalizing on it? That’s about to change with the introduction of Sleepover Suites; special rooms that cater to everything your kids will want.
“Based on research that shows British parents annually spend over a GBP1 billion on kids’ parties, speciality hotel Alton Towers has created a purpose built sleepover suite where up to six friends can hold the ultimate girls’ sleepover party. Some absolute “must-haves” for the design included the ability to have very loud pop music, make up and styling products galore, movie marathons plus party food on tap.
As a result the soundproofed room features the latest home entertainment systems, karaoke and dance area, theatrical style dressing tables and cleverly designed Chill-out beds which can clip together to make one big bed for gossip sessions! The Sleepover suite pilot scheme opened on July 14 and is priced from GBP300 – not surprisingly, demand is very strong.”
Source : Ehotelier
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
“Based on research that shows British parents annually spend over a GBP1 billion on kids’ parties, speciality hotel Alton Towers has created a purpose built sleepover suite where up to six friends can hold the ultimate girls’ sleepover party. Some absolute “must-haves” for the design included the ability to have very loud pop music, make up and styling products galore, movie marathons plus party food on tap.
As a result the soundproofed room features the latest home entertainment systems, karaoke and dance area, theatrical style dressing tables and cleverly designed Chill-out beds which can clip together to make one big bed for gossip sessions! The Sleepover suite pilot scheme opened on July 14 and is priced from GBP300 – not surprisingly, demand is very strong.”
Source : Ehotelier
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Assurance on Hassle-Free Holidays
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has promised tourists a memorable and hassle-free visit, with an assurance that glitches will be resolved in the shortest time possible.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said a committee would be making weekly evaluations of the Visit Malaysia 2007 (VM 2007) programme, and problems would be dealt with almost immediately.
A local daily reported yesterday that tourists were hopping mad over the long delays and on-board commentaries of Kuala Lumpur’s much anticipated hop-on-hop-off bus service that started on New Year’s Day.
Several tourists complained of the poor language of the bus drivers and guides. The service is modelled after successful systems from other countries.
\Tengku Adnan said these complaints would be looked into today and he would call the company conducting the hop-on-hop-off service “to see what the problem is”.
He said: “One cannot discount teething problems and initial hiccups”.
Tengku Adnan said about 50,000 tourists arrived in Malaysia on Jan 1 and that 80% of them were Asians.
The figure would be higher if not for the Johor floods and the Bangkok bombings, he said.
Related News - Tourists Hopping Mad Over Glitches
A Malaysian-Style Welcome
THE loud sound of beating kompang and clashing cymbals greeted 150 Eastern & Oriental Express passengers as they stepped out of their carriage at the Butter-worth railway station.
The train arrived at about 12.40pm yester-day and although many of them looked tired after the 24-hour journey, they enjoyed the at-tention.
The train arrived at about 12.40pm yester-day and although many of them looked tired after the 24-hour journey, they enjoyed the at-tention.
A lion dance troupe was also there to add merriment to the already colourful affair.
As a gesture of hospitality, each of them was given a garland of beaded necklaces from Sa-rawak and bunga telur as well as a goodie bag containing Penang map and a box of nutmeg
The Eastern & Oriental Express passengers started their journey from Bangkok on Mon-day before making a four-hour stopover in Pe-nang. The train continued its journey to Singa-pore later in the evening.
The Eastern & Oriental Express passengers started their journey from Bangkok on Mon-day before making a four-hour stopover in Pe-nang. The train continued its journey to Singa-pore later in the evening.
E&O passenger Kyrill Ivanov, 38, from Russia found the reception very unique.
Andrea Raby, 48, from Manchester, England, said the reception was ‘absolutely lovely’ and charming.
“This is my second trip to Penang. The first trip here was 12 years ago,” said Raby, who came with her husband, Ian, 44.
State Tourism Hospitality Committee chair-man Cheang Chee Gooi welcomed the visitors and he said the ceremony was held in con-junction with the Visit Malaysia 2007 campaign.
He said the state hoped to attract 5 million tourists this year and it was confident to achieve the target because about 3 million tourists visited Penang in 2005.
He said four international events had been outlined this year in conjunction with VMY 2007.
By YENG AI CHUN
RM38mil Upgrade 32 check-in counters, new aircraft parking bay for Penang airport
Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd will spend RM38mil to set up an additional 32 check-in counters and build another aircraft parking bay at the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas.
Its senior airport manager (Penang) Abdul Wahab Mohd Yusof said RM12mil would be spent on the new check-in counters and RM26mil on the aircraft parking bay.
“There are now 32 counters and 15 parking bays in the airport,” he told newsmen at the welcome reception for tourists at the airport yesterday in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007.
He said work on the projects would start this month.
The counters are expected to be ready by the end of the year and the parking bay in December next year.
The projects, he said, were planned since 2004 but could not be carried out in time for VMY 2007 because of technical difficulties.
Abdul Wahab said 14 airlines and 11 cargo companies were operating at the airport which received 3.1 million passengers last year with the number expected to increase by 10% this year in view of VMY 2007.
A 42-inch plasma TV set and eight clocks displaying the time of major cities in the world were recently put up at the baggage claim area and departure hall respectively in conjunction with VMY 2007.
Earlier, Penang Tourism Hospitality Committee chairman Cheang Chee Gooi led a 10-member group to welcome 560 tourists who arrived on flights SQ192 (Singapore Airlines) from Singapore, FD3543 (Air Asia) from Bangkok and CI673 (China Airlines) from Taipei.
The passengers were welcomed by a kompang group and bunga manggar bearers.
They were each given a beaded necklace and a souvenir bag containing preserved nutmeg and tourism brochures.
Among them were Scottish couple Phil and Lyn Flanders who were here on a four-day holiday.
Phil said they planned to visit the Penang Snake Temple and Penang Hill.
By NG SU-ANN
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Its senior airport manager (Penang) Abdul Wahab Mohd Yusof said RM12mil would be spent on the new check-in counters and RM26mil on the aircraft parking bay.
“There are now 32 counters and 15 parking bays in the airport,” he told newsmen at the welcome reception for tourists at the airport yesterday in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007.
He said work on the projects would start this month.
The counters are expected to be ready by the end of the year and the parking bay in December next year.
The projects, he said, were planned since 2004 but could not be carried out in time for VMY 2007 because of technical difficulties.
Abdul Wahab said 14 airlines and 11 cargo companies were operating at the airport which received 3.1 million passengers last year with the number expected to increase by 10% this year in view of VMY 2007.
A 42-inch plasma TV set and eight clocks displaying the time of major cities in the world were recently put up at the baggage claim area and departure hall respectively in conjunction with VMY 2007.
Earlier, Penang Tourism Hospitality Committee chairman Cheang Chee Gooi led a 10-member group to welcome 560 tourists who arrived on flights SQ192 (Singapore Airlines) from Singapore, FD3543 (Air Asia) from Bangkok and CI673 (China Airlines) from Taipei.
The passengers were welcomed by a kompang group and bunga manggar bearers.
They were each given a beaded necklace and a souvenir bag containing preserved nutmeg and tourism brochures.
Among them were Scottish couple Phil and Lyn Flanders who were here on a four-day holiday.
Phil said they planned to visit the Penang Snake Temple and Penang Hill.
By NG SU-ANN
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Bangkok-Langkawi Maiden flight to take off on Sunday
AIRASIA Thailand’s maiden flight from Bangkok to Langkawi is set to take off this Sunday, a week ahead of its scheduled flight on Jan 13.
Kedah Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Fong Chok Gin said the rescheduling was good news in view of Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
“The airline's Airbus A320 has the capacity to carry 200 passengers to Langkawi,” he said.
“We are also expecting about 800 tourists to cross the border from Thailand into Kedah at Bukit Kayu Hitam daily,” he said.
“Thais are also expected to visit Langkawi using the sea route from Satun in southern Thailand.”
Fong was at Bukit Kayu Hitam yesterday to welcome the first batch of tourists arriving in Malaysia in conjunction with VMY 2007.
The visitors were pleasantly surprised by the grand ceremony to welcome them.
They were given goody bags and treated to traditional dance performances.
Fong said the Kedah Government took full advantage of the existing cordial relationship between local and southern Thai tour agents associations to woo more visitors to the state.
Of the 2.8 million tourists estimated to visit Kedah this year, 70% are expected to head for Langkawi, he said.
By SIRA HABIBU
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Kedah Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Fong Chok Gin said the rescheduling was good news in view of Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
“The airline's Airbus A320 has the capacity to carry 200 passengers to Langkawi,” he said.
“We are also expecting about 800 tourists to cross the border from Thailand into Kedah at Bukit Kayu Hitam daily,” he said.
“Thais are also expected to visit Langkawi using the sea route from Satun in southern Thailand.”
Fong was at Bukit Kayu Hitam yesterday to welcome the first batch of tourists arriving in Malaysia in conjunction with VMY 2007.
The visitors were pleasantly surprised by the grand ceremony to welcome them.
They were given goody bags and treated to traditional dance performances.
Fong said the Kedah Government took full advantage of the existing cordial relationship between local and southern Thai tour agents associations to woo more visitors to the state.
Of the 2.8 million tourists estimated to visit Kedah this year, 70% are expected to head for Langkawi, he said.
By SIRA HABIBU
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Two ‘4-Star’ hotels to be Build in Weld Quay
THE architectural facade at the Weld Quay entry point for cruises to Penang is slated for a change with two new four-star hotels coming up there.
State Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said construction of the two hotels at the site of Wisma Kastam and Boustead along Weld Quay was expected to start this year.
“Planning permission for the hotel at Wisma Kastam has been approved and it is now at the building plans approval stage while plans for the hotel at Boustead are also ready for approval,” he told newsmen during the welcome reception for the 550 passengers of the Gemini cruise at Tanjung City Marina yesterday.
The hotels at Weld Quay and two other new ones coming up at Queensbay and Juru Auto City will create over 1,000 hotel rooms after they are completed in the next 12 to 18 months.
Teng said the Penang Municipal Council had also written to owners of buildings urging them to spruce up their pro- perties to make them presentable for Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
State Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said construction of the two hotels at the site of Wisma Kastam and Boustead along Weld Quay was expected to start this year.
“Planning permission for the hotel at Wisma Kastam has been approved and it is now at the building plans approval stage while plans for the hotel at Boustead are also ready for approval,” he told newsmen during the welcome reception for the 550 passengers of the Gemini cruise at Tanjung City Marina yesterday.
The hotels at Weld Quay and two other new ones coming up at Queensbay and Juru Auto City will create over 1,000 hotel rooms after they are completed in the next 12 to 18 months.
Teng said the Penang Municipal Council had also written to owners of buildings urging them to spruce up their pro- perties to make them presentable for Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Ritz Loosens up its Tie to Change with the Times
For generations, Ritz-Carlton has been known for over-the-top luxury: old-money guests, crystal chandeliers and in-your-face service.
Source : ehotelier
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
But old-world stuffiness doesn't play well with today's jet-setters. They're arriving in jeans and T-shirts, toting iPods and laptops, often checking in with kids. They don't want to wear a jacket and tie to the hotel dining room, or have the bellman carry their wheeled bags to their room.
So rather than risk becoming irrelevant to future generations, President and COO Simon Cooper is broadly re-inventing the famous brand. In doing so, the venerable chain's joining Hyatt, Hilton, Holiday Inn and other less-expensive chains also trying to keep up with changing tastes.
It hasn't been easy. Cooper says he initially found some resistance from hotel managers who, by most measures, ran successful hotels.
"That's when it's really hard to explain to an organization that you have to change," says Cooper, a former professional yacht captain and amateur rugby player.
But he knew changes were crucial, because "our customers are changing."
Customers such as Scott McKain, a frequent traveler and author of What Customers Really Want, say the overhaul is long overdue.
He's found Ritz staff to be cloying and insincere with their robotic replies. He also dislikes when staffers have insisted upon escorting him to a room he'd asked about, no matter how close it may be.
Ritz-Carlton's strategy has implications for each of its 63 existing hotels and its future hotels, including its most traditional, Cooper says. Nothing is sacred. He scrapped Ritz-Carlton's famous customer-service rules that required staff to say, "Certainly, my pleasure," to each guest request.
Even the generations-old tea service, traditionally served on delicate English floral bone china, now arrives on square, minimalist Asian china.
"Twenty years ago, being consistent was a plus," says Cooper, who took over shortly before the 9/11 attacks in 2001 after founder Horst Schulze left. "Today, it's almost completely the opposite."
Cooper didn't take over Ritz-Carlton expecting to overhaul its image. At the time, it wasn't necessary. The chain was performing well financially, scoring high with customers and growing. Since taking over, Cooper has overseen the opening of 23 hotels, and another 24 are scheduled to open from now through 2009.
Worldwide, Ritz has 17% of the luxury hotel rooms, putting it on par with the rival Canadian chain Four Seasons, he says.
Yet, the emerging culture clash was hard to miss during the steep post-9/11 travel downturn, when all hotels were struggling to retain business and survive.
In the past two years especially, Cooper's priority has turned from expansion to culture and design.
"We knew we needed to re-evaluate," Cooper says. "We know that we have a traditional perception. It's not negative, but it is also something over time we need to evolve."
Key to Ritz-Carlton's makeover:
•Design. New Ritz hotels no longer resemble European chateaus, as was common for those built before 1997.
The modern Ritz in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C., was built with the remains of the city's former incinerator, with an unusual meeting room at the base of the old brick smokestack. Cooper jokes that when rival Four Seasons turned a former jail in Istanbul into a luxury hotel, "I looked for something worse."
The New York Battery Park hotel has a contemporary art collection inside and out. The Tokyo hotel, set to open in March, looks modern on the outside, yet very traditional on the inside to appeal to its Japanese guests.
•Mood. Mozart concertos no longer set the tone 24/7 in Ritz lobbies, as was the case just two years ago. Today, you'll likely hear a soulful jazz ballad by singer Lizz Wright or the mellow backbeat from electronica band Thievery Corporation. Ritz hotels will change playlists according to time of day to reflect the mood, a technique used by hip boutique hotels.
Ritz has also moved away from huge, overbearing floral bouquets, in favor of smaller, more artistic designs, another sign the chain's striving for more low-key elegance rather than old-world opulence.
•Restaurants. The chain is closing down most of the Ritz dining rooms and replacing them with destination restaurants that often involve well-known chefs such as Gordon Ramsay. The old, formal dining rooms, though well-loved and often critically acclaimed, were rarely profitable, Cooper says. Ritz also started letting hotel owners contract out restaurants.
•Service. Ritz can no longer justify its rates simply by offering in-your-face service. So last summer, the company retrained employees to read guests' body language before addressing them. Cooper says staffers are more spontaneous, too. At the traditional Sarasota, Fla., hotel recently, he says, they threw a five-course dinner for 200 inside a sand castle constructed by expert sand-castle builders.
The evolution will take time.
"Everyone had to stop and take a good hard look at how they do business," says Pamela Malkani, a partner at Millennium Partners, a New York-based real estate firm whose hotel portfolio includes six Ritz-Carltons.
Malkani likes the changes. Today at Ritz hotels, "People are a lot more relaxed, a lot more casual," she says.
Source : ehotelier
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Bulk of VMY 2007 Tourists expected to be from Asia
OVER 80 per cent of the targeted 20.1 million tourists this year are expected to be from Asia.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the projection was based on the statistics of visitors on the first day of Visit Malaysia Year on Monday, which showed that 80 per cent of the 50,000 tourist arrivals were from the region.
He said the ministry was grateful to all state governments, especially those in the northern states as well as in Sabah and Sarawak, which had held warm receptions at entry points for the first batches of tourists arriving for VMY2007.
"We hope this will lure more visitors into the country to experience what Malaysia has to offer," he told reporters after handing over school necessities worth RM40,000 to more than 100 students here.
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the projection was based on the statistics of visitors on the first day of Visit Malaysia Year on Monday, which showed that 80 per cent of the 50,000 tourist arrivals were from the region.
He said the ministry was grateful to all state governments, especially those in the northern states as well as in Sabah and Sarawak, which had held warm receptions at entry points for the first batches of tourists arriving for VMY2007.
"We hope this will lure more visitors into the country to experience what Malaysia has to offer," he told reporters after handing over school necessities worth RM40,000 to more than 100 students here.
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Tourists Hopping Mad Over Glitches
KUALA LUMPUR: After a year-long preparation, the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 kick-started with both good and bad news.The good news is that, yesterday, 50,000 tourists arrived through the various entry points but several glitches, teething problems and congestion had some tourists hot under the collar.
The much anticipated KL Hop-On-Hop-Off bus service saw long delays and on-board commentaries were not functioning.
Several tourists also complained about the poor language of the bus drivers and guides and swore that they would not recommend the bus service to friends.
The Hop-On-Hop-Off bus service is a noted tourism tool in many countries with the on-board commentaries highlighting the city’s history, information on landmarks and cultures.
The service came into effect yesterday and it covers 21 stops in Kuala Lumpur which, among others, comprise KLCC and the KL Tower.
Priced at RM38 for adults and RM19 for children, the bus pass is valid for 24 hours.
Tourism Ministry director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab was confident the shortcomings would be addressed soon and was upbeat with the increased arrivals.
He said the first-day arrivals puts the country’s goal of achieving a total of 20.1 million tourists by year-end in good stead which would then translate into RM44.5 billion in revenue.
The last VMY in 1994 brought in 7.2 million visitors with earnings of RM8.3 billion.
The government spent RM149 million for activities and promotions.
The move to add 32 more check-in counters at the Penang International Airport to accommodate the 3.6 million passengers has not got off the ground.
Malaysia Airports Bhd senior manager Abdul Wahab Mohd Yusof said yesterday that work on the additional counters, costing RM12 million, will start later this month and will only be completed at the end of the year, when the VMY 2007 winds up.
He said the additional check-in counters were proposed in 2004 but changes to the design, technical problems and budget constraints had delayed the project.
Repairs to one of the runways has also been delayed.
"These delays are unavoidable. We are dealing with a live airport.
"We tried our best to complete it early but there were constraints such as the unpredictable weather," he said.
"A new parking apron would also be constructed but it will only be ready by next year," he told reporters after receiving 560 tourists from Thailand, Singapore and China yesterday.
State Tourism Hospitality Committee chairman Cheang Chee Gooi, who was also present to greet the visitors, urged the airport authorities to speed up their expansion project.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor, asked to comment on the delay in expanding facilities at the Penang Airport, said the present facilities were sufficient to cater for the VMY 2007 arrivals while the new facilities would cater for repeat tourists who return in 2008 and later.
"There is no need to speed it up now and create a mess at the airport as it will only disrupt tourists coming into the island this year, " he said.
He also promised to look into the complaints of tourists and direct his officers to get those responsible to improve services.
The service came into effect yesterday and it covers 21 stops in Kuala Lumpur which, among others, comprise KLCC and the KL Tower.
Priced at RM38 for adults and RM19 for children, the bus pass is valid for 24 hours.
Tourism Ministry director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab was confident the shortcomings would be addressed soon and was upbeat with the increased arrivals.
He said the first-day arrivals puts the country’s goal of achieving a total of 20.1 million tourists by year-end in good stead which would then translate into RM44.5 billion in revenue.
The last VMY in 1994 brought in 7.2 million visitors with earnings of RM8.3 billion.
The government spent RM149 million for activities and promotions.
The move to add 32 more check-in counters at the Penang International Airport to accommodate the 3.6 million passengers has not got off the ground.
Malaysia Airports Bhd senior manager Abdul Wahab Mohd Yusof said yesterday that work on the additional counters, costing RM12 million, will start later this month and will only be completed at the end of the year, when the VMY 2007 winds up.
He said the additional check-in counters were proposed in 2004 but changes to the design, technical problems and budget constraints had delayed the project.
Repairs to one of the runways has also been delayed.
"These delays are unavoidable. We are dealing with a live airport.
"We tried our best to complete it early but there were constraints such as the unpredictable weather," he said.
"A new parking apron would also be constructed but it will only be ready by next year," he told reporters after receiving 560 tourists from Thailand, Singapore and China yesterday.
State Tourism Hospitality Committee chairman Cheang Chee Gooi, who was also present to greet the visitors, urged the airport authorities to speed up their expansion project.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor, asked to comment on the delay in expanding facilities at the Penang Airport, said the present facilities were sufficient to cater for the VMY 2007 arrivals while the new facilities would cater for repeat tourists who return in 2008 and later.
"There is no need to speed it up now and create a mess at the airport as it will only disrupt tourists coming into the island this year, " he said.
He also promised to look into the complaints of tourists and direct his officers to get those responsible to improve services.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Top low-cost Airline bosses to form Global Network
KUALA LUMPUR: Three of the world’s main low-cost airline personalities are teaming up to start a long-haul budget airline company based in Malaysia that will offer airfares as low as RM100 for flights between China and Malaysia.
Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin group, Sir Stelios Haji-loannou of EasyGroup, the parent of EasyJet, and Datuk Tony Fernandes of AirAsia are in discussions to form an alliance to realise a deal that will see the formation of the world’s first low-cost global network.
The joint venture, according to industry sources, will first fly between Kuala Lumpur and destinations like Manchester in Britain, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and Amritsar in India.
As for China, the new team will aim for Hangzhou, near Shanghai, and Tianjin, near Beijing.
“The fare Malaysians and the rest of the world will be looking at is as low as RM100 for destinations in China,” said a source familiar with the discussions.
“The fare Malaysians and the rest of the world will be looking at is as low as RM100 for destinations in China,” said a source familiar with the discussions.
For flights between the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) and London, the partners are thinking of fares between RM300 and RM2,500.
Branson's Virgin group includes budget carriers Virgin Express and Virgin Blue.
Stelios founded EasyJet, one of the world's most successful budget carriers.
Fernandes is the brains behind AirAsia, the first no-frills airline and easily the most successful in Asia.
Stelios founded EasyJet, one of the world's most successful budget carriers.
Fernandes is the brains behind AirAsia, the first no-frills airline and easily the most successful in Asia.
Industry sources said the combination of the three personalities, their companies and contacts would be “lethal.”
The link-up with Virgin and Easyjet will give AirAsia access to London's Stanstead airport.
The alliance could also use London's Luton airport as a hub because Virgin already operates a rail link between the airport and central London.
The alliance could also use London's Luton airport as a hub because Virgin already operates a rail link between the airport and central London.
“The landing cost at London's Heathrow Airport will be too expensive for a no-frills airline, but there is the possibility of landing at Gatwick, which has become a hub for several European low-cost carriers.
“But then again, AirAsia could give London a miss and go for Manchester, as AirAsia is a known brand there. It is the official Asian low-cost carrier for Manchester United,” said another industry insider.
For Virgin and EasyJet, the link-up will grant access to KLIA's LCCT, a dream Asian hub for their Europe to Australia via Asia routes.
Fernandes, when contacted, would only say AirAsia was focused on its present short-haul model “where we have much work to do.”
“Let's wait and see,” he added.
AirAsia is set to make a major announcement this week and many are speculating it has to do with the long-haul business.
By WONG SAI WAN
2007's Tourism Industry Boom
2007 promises to be an exciting year for the tourism industry. In an effort to further promote Malaysia’s image as a popular international tourist destination, the Government has declared 2007 “Visit Malaysia Year” (VMY).
This is the third time that authorities have embarked on this campaign, following two successful efforts in the early 1990s.
The Government has allocated RM149mil to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2007. The first campaign in 1990 managed to draw in 7.4 million visitors, a considerable increase from 4.8 million in the previous year. The campaign was an unexpected success, especially given the modest amount allocated by the Government for it.
The subsequent VMY campaign in 1994 brought in 7.2 million visitors, boosting earnings by RM8.3bil.
Tourism authorities have embarked on a series of promotional activities to drum up the publicity for the 2007 VMY campaign. These included international road shows and sales missions to several Asean countries, our largest tourist market, as well to upcoming segments like India, China, Russia and the Middle East.
Even the hotel industry is making preparations for the expected influx of visitors, placing high focus on key areas like cleanliness, services and security.
All this attention on tourism is hardly surprising.
Tourism remains one of the important industries for the country. Last year, the industry recorded 16.43 million arrivals and receipts amounting close to RM32bil. This makes tourism the second largest foreign exchange earning industry.
The target for 2006 was set at 17.6 million tourists, which would bring in RM35.2bil in revenue. With the campaign this year, the Tourism Ministry hopes to push this number higher to some 20 million visitors. This will mean a hefty potential earnings of RM44.5bil.
Visit Year campaigning is one of the most effective ways of increasing tourist numbers, allowing countries to showcase their unique attractions. The Visit Thailand Year in 1987, which was the first in South-East Asia, saw an increase in arrivals by an impressive 23% (3.5 million) over the previous year. Encouraged by Thailand’s success, other Asian countries decided to jump on the bandwagon.
The Visit Indonesia Year campaign in 1991 was able to increase arrivals by over 19% to around 3.1 million. To encourage an even larger number of visitors, the Government declared the rest of 1990s “Visit Indonesia Decade.” Despite negative media coverage and calls for boycott, Myanmar’s Visit Year campaign, which ran from late 1996 till end of 1997, saw arrivals rise from around 164,000 in 1996 to nearly 189,000 the following year.
The Malaysian government is optimistic that the third VMY campaign will repeat the success of its previous VMY campaigns. Providing full backing, the Government provided an allocation of RM149mil in the Budget solely for promoting VMY 2007. Tour operators operating inbound tours were also given tax exemption for the next five years till 2011.
Given the extra publicity, there is much at stake for the tourism industry. The last thing the industry needs is negative publicity that will tarnish the country’s image and discourage tourists from visiting the country.
One area that requires extra attention is security and safety. A high-crime image can be detrimental to a destination. The latest national crime index showed an overall increase of 12.6% in the first nine months of last year with a total of 170,481 crimes reported.
The country’s police force has been allocated an additional budget of RM260mil to acquire more police personnel and patrol vehicles to improve security, particularly in popular public places.
Other areas that need looking into include the availability of more public amenities and the maintenance of tourist spots. But most importantly, there is an urgent need to work on improving our hospitality skills from the frontliners right down to the man in the street.
This was one of the objectives of the preparatory programme, Malaysia Welcomes the World, which was conceived to further make Malaysia a tourist-friendly country.
Tourism is a people-pleasing business. The country’s alluring tropical islands, golden sandy beaches, charming hill resorts, magnificent rainforests and unique cultural heritage are of little value if our service quality is not up to par.
All eyes will be on the tourism industry as the country prepares to welcome tourists from all over the world. VMY 2007, which coincide the nation’s golden Independence anniversary, will witness all-year-long festivals, celebrations and events.
If all goes well, the campaign will create spin-offs in the years to come, ensuring that the Malaysian tourism industry stays on track to achieve its 24.6 million target by 2010.
By WONG CHAY NEE
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
This is the third time that authorities have embarked on this campaign, following two successful efforts in the early 1990s.
The Government has allocated RM149mil to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2007. The first campaign in 1990 managed to draw in 7.4 million visitors, a considerable increase from 4.8 million in the previous year. The campaign was an unexpected success, especially given the modest amount allocated by the Government for it.
The subsequent VMY campaign in 1994 brought in 7.2 million visitors, boosting earnings by RM8.3bil.
Tourism authorities have embarked on a series of promotional activities to drum up the publicity for the 2007 VMY campaign. These included international road shows and sales missions to several Asean countries, our largest tourist market, as well to upcoming segments like India, China, Russia and the Middle East.
Even the hotel industry is making preparations for the expected influx of visitors, placing high focus on key areas like cleanliness, services and security.
All this attention on tourism is hardly surprising.
Tourism remains one of the important industries for the country. Last year, the industry recorded 16.43 million arrivals and receipts amounting close to RM32bil. This makes tourism the second largest foreign exchange earning industry.
The target for 2006 was set at 17.6 million tourists, which would bring in RM35.2bil in revenue. With the campaign this year, the Tourism Ministry hopes to push this number higher to some 20 million visitors. This will mean a hefty potential earnings of RM44.5bil.
Visit Year campaigning is one of the most effective ways of increasing tourist numbers, allowing countries to showcase their unique attractions. The Visit Thailand Year in 1987, which was the first in South-East Asia, saw an increase in arrivals by an impressive 23% (3.5 million) over the previous year. Encouraged by Thailand’s success, other Asian countries decided to jump on the bandwagon.
The Visit Indonesia Year campaign in 1991 was able to increase arrivals by over 19% to around 3.1 million. To encourage an even larger number of visitors, the Government declared the rest of 1990s “Visit Indonesia Decade.” Despite negative media coverage and calls for boycott, Myanmar’s Visit Year campaign, which ran from late 1996 till end of 1997, saw arrivals rise from around 164,000 in 1996 to nearly 189,000 the following year.
The Malaysian government is optimistic that the third VMY campaign will repeat the success of its previous VMY campaigns. Providing full backing, the Government provided an allocation of RM149mil in the Budget solely for promoting VMY 2007. Tour operators operating inbound tours were also given tax exemption for the next five years till 2011.
Given the extra publicity, there is much at stake for the tourism industry. The last thing the industry needs is negative publicity that will tarnish the country’s image and discourage tourists from visiting the country.
One area that requires extra attention is security and safety. A high-crime image can be detrimental to a destination. The latest national crime index showed an overall increase of 12.6% in the first nine months of last year with a total of 170,481 crimes reported.
The country’s police force has been allocated an additional budget of RM260mil to acquire more police personnel and patrol vehicles to improve security, particularly in popular public places.
Other areas that need looking into include the availability of more public amenities and the maintenance of tourist spots. But most importantly, there is an urgent need to work on improving our hospitality skills from the frontliners right down to the man in the street.
This was one of the objectives of the preparatory programme, Malaysia Welcomes the World, which was conceived to further make Malaysia a tourist-friendly country.
Tourism is a people-pleasing business. The country’s alluring tropical islands, golden sandy beaches, charming hill resorts, magnificent rainforests and unique cultural heritage are of little value if our service quality is not up to par.
All eyes will be on the tourism industry as the country prepares to welcome tourists from all over the world. VMY 2007, which coincide the nation’s golden Independence anniversary, will witness all-year-long festivals, celebrations and events.
If all goes well, the campaign will create spin-offs in the years to come, ensuring that the Malaysian tourism industry stays on track to achieve its 24.6 million target by 2010.
By WONG CHAY NEE
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
VMY 07 Programme to Go Ahead
PUTRAJAYA: The unexpected floods in the southern states have affected the target of 17.5 million tourists next year but Visit Malaysia 2007 plans are not going to be washed out.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the country’s plans for Visit Malaysia 2007, which starts today, will proceed smoothly.
“The floods have affected our targeted number of tourists, particularly those coming from Changi Airport in Singapore and Batam Island in the south,” he told reporters after giving away sacrificial meat to residents of the Taman Putra Court apartments here yesterday.
“I hope the floodwaters will recede as soon as possible, and that we won’t have to brace ourselves for another wave of heavy rains and flooding.”
Asked if these tourists would be redirected from the flood prone areas, Tengku Adnan said there was a problem over connectivity, as it was difficult for tour buses or taxis to travel from the south because of the floods.
“The ministry is discussing with AirAsia, which is offering holiday packages, particularly those from the Philippines and Indonesia, on alternative routes and destinations,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the country’s plans for Visit Malaysia 2007, which starts today, will proceed smoothly.
“The floods have affected our targeted number of tourists, particularly those coming from Changi Airport in Singapore and Batam Island in the south,” he told reporters after giving away sacrificial meat to residents of the Taman Putra Court apartments here yesterday.
“I hope the floodwaters will recede as soon as possible, and that we won’t have to brace ourselves for another wave of heavy rains and flooding.”
Asked if these tourists would be redirected from the flood prone areas, Tengku Adnan said there was a problem over connectivity, as it was difficult for tour buses or taxis to travel from the south because of the floods.
“The ministry is discussing with AirAsia, which is offering holiday packages, particularly those from the Philippines and Indonesia, on alternative routes and destinations,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Chinese Tourists arrive to a Grand KLIA Welcome
SEPANG: The first batch of 104 tourists from China arrived at the KL International Airport (KLIA) here this morning to a grand welcome ceremony led by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor to kick off Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
The China Eastern airlines' plane, which touched down at the airport at 12.30am on New Year’s Day, flew in with 200 passengers, including the group of Chinese tourists from Shanghai.
The grand welcome reception at KLIA with bunga manggar and gamelan music is one of a series of meet-and-greet ceremonies for Malaysia’s first visitors for the new year in several airports and entry points including in Kuching and Miri in Sarawak, Langkawi, Johor and Negri Sembilan.
In his speech, Tengku Adnan said he hoped that Malaysia would be the preferred destination for tourists from China and other countries.
Visitors arriving at KLIA can look forward to being entertained by a variety of traditional dances as well as a demonstration of local games and the making of teh tarik until Friday.
Over at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal, foreign and local passengers on the Cebu Pacific flight from the Philippines had a pleasant surprise when they touched down at 12.45am.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, who greeted them at the runway, presented them with necklaces and souvenirs.
Most of the foreign passengers on the flight did not know about the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 campaign, but expressed excitement about the programmes in store for them.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The China Eastern airlines' plane, which touched down at the airport at 12.30am on New Year’s Day, flew in with 200 passengers, including the group of Chinese tourists from Shanghai.
The grand welcome reception at KLIA with bunga manggar and gamelan music is one of a series of meet-and-greet ceremonies for Malaysia’s first visitors for the new year in several airports and entry points including in Kuching and Miri in Sarawak, Langkawi, Johor and Negri Sembilan.
In his speech, Tengku Adnan said he hoped that Malaysia would be the preferred destination for tourists from China and other countries.
Visitors arriving at KLIA can look forward to being entertained by a variety of traditional dances as well as a demonstration of local games and the making of teh tarik until Friday.
Over at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal, foreign and local passengers on the Cebu Pacific flight from the Philippines had a pleasant surprise when they touched down at 12.45am.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, who greeted them at the runway, presented them with necklaces and souvenirs.
Most of the foreign passengers on the flight did not know about the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 campaign, but expressed excitement about the programmes in store for them.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Retailers Expect to Ring in Good Sales
RETAILERS nationwide are excited about the prospects of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007, anticipating higher sales as a result of the campaign.
MJ Department Stores Sdn Bhd, which operates Metrojaya department stores in the country, was poised to benefit because tourists who visited the country generally liked to visit shopping centres, said assistant general manager for advertising and promotions Alice Tan.
“Be it in Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Johor Baru, we are well represented,” she told StarBiz.
Tan said the company had several plans to attract tourists to its stores. “We are looking into making available special offers for tourists. We will also train our staff to speak in various languages to accommodate tourists from different countries,” she said.
Its stores will have signages in various languages. “Basically, we want to create a good and comfortable shopping experience for them.”
She said the company was expecting tourists mainly from China and the Middle East. “Of course, VMY2007 can also be enjoyed by the locals,” she added.
Meanwhile, Starhill Gallery is working alongside the Tourism Ministry to develop exciting events and activities.
“This is to continuously attract tourists from around the region, such as from Singapore, Indonesia and the Middle East – specifically those who appreciate quality and finer things in life,” said YTL Group customer service executive director Eric Eoon.
He said that to ensure Starhill Gallery's offerings reached this niche audience, it had developed an integrated concierge programme to ensure tourists had the information they needed on where to shop and where to dine.
“Starhill Gallery's concierge group will work with concierges of other top hotels to ensure that everyone is equipped with up-to-date information on Starhill Gallery's various offerings,” he said.
Eoon said the same information would be shown on screens in tourist-frequented places, such as the KLIA Express, Bintang Walk, and Lot 10.
He also said one of the ways YTL enhanced the experience of high-end tourists was through the Platinum Plus recognition and rewards programme. Members enjoy exclusive privileges and world-class services in shopping (Starhill Gallery and Lot 10), fine dining, and luxurious hotel and resort accommodation, among others.
“The idea is to really add value to their experience by providing a fantastic host of integrated services from a wide range of YTL establishments,” he said.
Central Market Sdn Bhd managing director Bernard Bong is also enthusiastic about this year's prospects. “We have lined up many interesting events such as flower fests and cultural activities for tourists. Shopping-wise, we have asked our tenants to have special promotions for them,” he said in an interview.
Bong said Central Market had allocated between RM50,000 and RM100,000 per event.
He also said the arts, culture and handicraft centre was targeting to increase its tourists to local visitors ratio from the current 40:60 to at least 50:50 this year.
Suria KLCC, said general manager Andrew Brien, was looking forward to VMY2007 as it would increase retail spending. “Suria KLCC has always been a destination for the tourists, and with so many great brands available here, we are well positioned to give tourists the best value. We have always allocated quite a substantial amount of budget for tourism initiatives on a whole.
For VMY2007, we will try and maximise our budget by creating value for our customers,” he said.
Brien believes that the retail scene would be quite challenging this year. “With the retail scene getting more vibrant with new players, we have to work harder to ensure that we grow our market share,” he said.
“So far we are happy to say that we have been able to deliver to the consumers what they want. This is demonstrated by our strong double digit sales growth which is well ahead of the general economy's growth,” Brien added.
Meanwhile, smaller retailers have also been caught in the VMY2007 excitement.
Kamdar Group (M) Bhd chief executive officer Jayesh Kamdar said: “We are in the midst of finalising some events and roadshows that we hope will attract tourists to visit our outlets.” The textile retailer has allocated some RM3mil to organise these events. Jayesh said Kamdar targeted mainly the Middle Eastern tourists “as they are closest to us in terms of our target market.” New product ranges
For pewter specialist Royal Selangor, this year should be extra special, given that tourists already form an integral part of the company’s customer base.
“The tourist segment has always been a very important part of our business,” said Royal Selangor Marketing general manager Chen Tien Yue. He said Royal Selangor believed that with the additional marketing efforts for VMY2007 by all parties such as retailers and the Government, there should be an increase in tourist arrivals this year and that all retailers would benefit.
Malaysia Shopping Bargains - SNS
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
MJ Department Stores Sdn Bhd, which operates Metrojaya department stores in the country, was poised to benefit because tourists who visited the country generally liked to visit shopping centres, said assistant general manager for advertising and promotions Alice Tan.
“Be it in Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Johor Baru, we are well represented,” she told StarBiz.
Tan said the company had several plans to attract tourists to its stores. “We are looking into making available special offers for tourists. We will also train our staff to speak in various languages to accommodate tourists from different countries,” she said.
Its stores will have signages in various languages. “Basically, we want to create a good and comfortable shopping experience for them.”
She said the company was expecting tourists mainly from China and the Middle East. “Of course, VMY2007 can also be enjoyed by the locals,” she added.
Meanwhile, Starhill Gallery is working alongside the Tourism Ministry to develop exciting events and activities.
“This is to continuously attract tourists from around the region, such as from Singapore, Indonesia and the Middle East – specifically those who appreciate quality and finer things in life,” said YTL Group customer service executive director Eric Eoon.
He said that to ensure Starhill Gallery's offerings reached this niche audience, it had developed an integrated concierge programme to ensure tourists had the information they needed on where to shop and where to dine.
“Starhill Gallery's concierge group will work with concierges of other top hotels to ensure that everyone is equipped with up-to-date information on Starhill Gallery's various offerings,” he said.
Eoon said the same information would be shown on screens in tourist-frequented places, such as the KLIA Express, Bintang Walk, and Lot 10.
He also said one of the ways YTL enhanced the experience of high-end tourists was through the Platinum Plus recognition and rewards programme. Members enjoy exclusive privileges and world-class services in shopping (Starhill Gallery and Lot 10), fine dining, and luxurious hotel and resort accommodation, among others.
“The idea is to really add value to their experience by providing a fantastic host of integrated services from a wide range of YTL establishments,” he said.
Central Market Sdn Bhd managing director Bernard Bong is also enthusiastic about this year's prospects. “We have lined up many interesting events such as flower fests and cultural activities for tourists. Shopping-wise, we have asked our tenants to have special promotions for them,” he said in an interview.
Bong said Central Market had allocated between RM50,000 and RM100,000 per event.
He also said the arts, culture and handicraft centre was targeting to increase its tourists to local visitors ratio from the current 40:60 to at least 50:50 this year.
Suria KLCC, said general manager Andrew Brien, was looking forward to VMY2007 as it would increase retail spending. “Suria KLCC has always been a destination for the tourists, and with so many great brands available here, we are well positioned to give tourists the best value. We have always allocated quite a substantial amount of budget for tourism initiatives on a whole.
For VMY2007, we will try and maximise our budget by creating value for our customers,” he said.
Brien believes that the retail scene would be quite challenging this year. “With the retail scene getting more vibrant with new players, we have to work harder to ensure that we grow our market share,” he said.
“So far we are happy to say that we have been able to deliver to the consumers what they want. This is demonstrated by our strong double digit sales growth which is well ahead of the general economy's growth,” Brien added.
Meanwhile, smaller retailers have also been caught in the VMY2007 excitement.
Kamdar Group (M) Bhd chief executive officer Jayesh Kamdar said: “We are in the midst of finalising some events and roadshows that we hope will attract tourists to visit our outlets.” The textile retailer has allocated some RM3mil to organise these events. Jayesh said Kamdar targeted mainly the Middle Eastern tourists “as they are closest to us in terms of our target market.” New product ranges
For pewter specialist Royal Selangor, this year should be extra special, given that tourists already form an integral part of the company’s customer base.
“The tourist segment has always been a very important part of our business,” said Royal Selangor Marketing general manager Chen Tien Yue. He said Royal Selangor believed that with the additional marketing efforts for VMY2007 by all parties such as retailers and the Government, there should be an increase in tourist arrivals this year and that all retailers would benefit.
Malaysia Shopping Bargains - SNS
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Tourism Related Firms in the Spotlight this Year
PETALING JAYA: Tourism-related companies will be a thematic play this year in view of the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007 campaign, according to analysts.
“Airlines will be the main beneficiaries while shares of consumer-linked companies such as retail, food and beverage, and hotels will benefit indirectly,” said a senior analyst with a local research house.
He said that in general, the campaign would provide a boost to the earnings of these companies, barring unforeseen circumstances.
“There are certain risks such as the threat of political instability in neighbouring countries and natural disasters such as floods which may affect tourist arrivals,” the analyst said.
“Nevertheless, on the whole, the prospects look bright.”
Meanwhile, RAM Consultancy Services Sdn Bhd managing director and chief economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said VMY2007 should be a much-anticipated event for the retail sector.
“If successfully promoted, it should help to increase the number of non-Asean tourists, particularly the higher spending, high income tourists from Europe, America and Northeast Asian countries.”
From an economic viewpoint, Yeah said, VMY2007 would have a significant impact on the local economy but this depended much on the average length of stay and amount spent per visitor.
“Both the airline and hotel sectors should see higher traffic volumes and occupancy rates in line with the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals,” he said.
“Given that retail and hotel industries are labour-intensive sectors, the impact on the local economy will be felt not just in terms of stronger growth but also higher disposal income growth for those employed in industries such as these,” Yeah added.
Tourism contributes as much as 12% to 14% of the country‘s gross domestic product, with the bulk of the spending benefiting the retail, hospitality and transport industries.
Besides state events, a total of 240 programmes have been planned for VMY2007 consisting of 50 major events.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
“Airlines will be the main beneficiaries while shares of consumer-linked companies such as retail, food and beverage, and hotels will benefit indirectly,” said a senior analyst with a local research house.
He said that in general, the campaign would provide a boost to the earnings of these companies, barring unforeseen circumstances.
“There are certain risks such as the threat of political instability in neighbouring countries and natural disasters such as floods which may affect tourist arrivals,” the analyst said.
“Nevertheless, on the whole, the prospects look bright.”
Meanwhile, RAM Consultancy Services Sdn Bhd managing director and chief economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said VMY2007 should be a much-anticipated event for the retail sector.
“If successfully promoted, it should help to increase the number of non-Asean tourists, particularly the higher spending, high income tourists from Europe, America and Northeast Asian countries.”
From an economic viewpoint, Yeah said, VMY2007 would have a significant impact on the local economy but this depended much on the average length of stay and amount spent per visitor.
“Both the airline and hotel sectors should see higher traffic volumes and occupancy rates in line with the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals,” he said.
“Given that retail and hotel industries are labour-intensive sectors, the impact on the local economy will be felt not just in terms of stronger growth but also higher disposal income growth for those employed in industries such as these,” Yeah added.
Tourism contributes as much as 12% to 14% of the country‘s gross domestic product, with the bulk of the spending benefiting the retail, hospitality and transport industries.
Besides state events, a total of 240 programmes have been planned for VMY2007 consisting of 50 major events.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Campaign to Attract Foreign Exchange of RM44.5bil
PETALING JAYA: The much-awaited Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007 is expected to bring in big bucks for the country and place it in the forefront as a destination of choice.
The campaign, aimed at attracting 20.1 million visitors and a foreign exchange revenue of RM44.5bil, will benefit many sectors of the economy – tourism, hotel, leisure and entertainment, retail, food, agriculture and transportation.
The Tourism Ministry, armed with a budget allocation of about RM200mil, has been working closely with various government agencies as well as the private sector to make VMY2007 a spectacular year for tourism.
As Malaysia’s leading leisure and hospitality company, Resorts World Bhd would maintain room rates this year in efforts to attract more visitors and in support of VMY 2007, its management told StarBiz.
Over 18 million visitors, both Malaysians and foreigners, visit Genting Highlands Resort each year.
“In conjunction with VMY2007, we are all prepared to welcome our visitors with new and better facilities such as better room selections at the First World Hotel (Superior Deluxe rooms) and newly refurbished rooms and hotel lobby at Resort Hotel,” the management said in a written reply.
Genting Highlands Resort will also be bringing over 50 signature shows and events to its patrons during the year. It has lined up events such as the International Lion Dance Competition which is expected to draw the best lion dance troupes from around the world, top notch Michelin Star Chefs to cook up a delightful fine-dining experience and World Gourmet Festival to tantalise the taste buds.
“We have also some mega concerts featuring Boys II Men, Sir Cliff Richard, Joey Yung and Sally Yeh.
“In terms of performing arts, we will be organising a two-day Genting International Jazz Festival on June 6,” the management said.
In keeping up with the theme Fun At The Peak, the resort’s theme park will add two new rides in 2007 – the Mini Train and the Pirate Ship.
The Shangri-La group also has a lot of plans up its sleeve worldwide. Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur area manager and general manager Jarlath Lynch said: “By working together as a group, we will be attacking all the different global markets. We are also putting aside a reasonable sum for VMY2007 – all in all, we are doing a lot in support of the campaign,” he said.
Area director of communications Rosemarie Wee said the group's Shangri-La properties in the country were going full force into promoting VMY2007 by having many activities including cultural performances, organising traditional games, offering different types of Malaysian cuisine and providing traditional dance classes.
“At Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, we plan to receive groups and tourists weekly with our cultural troop made up of six members playing the kompang and six women in various national costumes,” she said. Lynch said Shangri-La was optimistic it would continue to see development and growth not only in Malaysia but across the group.
“We should capture a sizeable share of the market based on our service and products. We are doing very well in Malaysia, and the group in general is already expanding very fast.
“We are very optimistic of turning in a better performance, especially with VMY2007. The outlook is also pretty good for us as there will be more of our hotels coming up,” he said. Shangri-La is known in Asia-Pacific as a leading luxury hotel brand. The Shangri-La group has 49 hotels under the 5-star Shangri-La and 4-star Traders Hotels, and room inventories of about 23,000.
The group has 40 projects under development in countries like Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, the Philippines and Thailand.
Travel group Reliance Pacific Bhd views VMY2007 as a business booster for the group.
Executive director (travel division) Tan Sin Chong said: “We are positive about our performance for the year. VMY2007 will certainly result in an increase in arrivals and Reliance will be a beneficiary of this.
“If you look at the statistics on the past two campaigns in 1990 and 1994, you will notice a surge in arrivals from previous years.”
Tan anticipates a good year for Reliance in tandem with the expected growth in tourism as a result of VMY2007. Besides the economic benefits, Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Victor Wee noted that VMY2007 would also draw a lot of talented people to work in the industry. “This will continue to help move the product and service quality to a higher level. The tourism industry is very competitive and other countries will always upgrade their services to attract foreign tourists. So it will help if we put more effort and commitment to excel in the industry.”
Wee reckoned VMY2007 would help to formulate innovative solutions to facilitate tourist-related issues and the systems implemented could be sustained even after 2007.
The VMY2007 launch will take place on Saturday at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa with the unveiling of the giant Ferris wheel “Eye on Malaysia”.
By ELAINE ANG
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The campaign, aimed at attracting 20.1 million visitors and a foreign exchange revenue of RM44.5bil, will benefit many sectors of the economy – tourism, hotel, leisure and entertainment, retail, food, agriculture and transportation.
The Tourism Ministry, armed with a budget allocation of about RM200mil, has been working closely with various government agencies as well as the private sector to make VMY2007 a spectacular year for tourism.
As Malaysia’s leading leisure and hospitality company, Resorts World Bhd would maintain room rates this year in efforts to attract more visitors and in support of VMY 2007, its management told StarBiz.
Over 18 million visitors, both Malaysians and foreigners, visit Genting Highlands Resort each year.
“In conjunction with VMY2007, we are all prepared to welcome our visitors with new and better facilities such as better room selections at the First World Hotel (Superior Deluxe rooms) and newly refurbished rooms and hotel lobby at Resort Hotel,” the management said in a written reply.
Genting Highlands Resort will also be bringing over 50 signature shows and events to its patrons during the year. It has lined up events such as the International Lion Dance Competition which is expected to draw the best lion dance troupes from around the world, top notch Michelin Star Chefs to cook up a delightful fine-dining experience and World Gourmet Festival to tantalise the taste buds.
“We have also some mega concerts featuring Boys II Men, Sir Cliff Richard, Joey Yung and Sally Yeh.
“In terms of performing arts, we will be organising a two-day Genting International Jazz Festival on June 6,” the management said.
In keeping up with the theme Fun At The Peak, the resort’s theme park will add two new rides in 2007 – the Mini Train and the Pirate Ship.
The Shangri-La group also has a lot of plans up its sleeve worldwide. Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur area manager and general manager Jarlath Lynch said: “By working together as a group, we will be attacking all the different global markets. We are also putting aside a reasonable sum for VMY2007 – all in all, we are doing a lot in support of the campaign,” he said.
Area director of communications Rosemarie Wee said the group's Shangri-La properties in the country were going full force into promoting VMY2007 by having many activities including cultural performances, organising traditional games, offering different types of Malaysian cuisine and providing traditional dance classes.
“At Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, we plan to receive groups and tourists weekly with our cultural troop made up of six members playing the kompang and six women in various national costumes,” she said. Lynch said Shangri-La was optimistic it would continue to see development and growth not only in Malaysia but across the group.
“We should capture a sizeable share of the market based on our service and products. We are doing very well in Malaysia, and the group in general is already expanding very fast.
“We are very optimistic of turning in a better performance, especially with VMY2007. The outlook is also pretty good for us as there will be more of our hotels coming up,” he said. Shangri-La is known in Asia-Pacific as a leading luxury hotel brand. The Shangri-La group has 49 hotels under the 5-star Shangri-La and 4-star Traders Hotels, and room inventories of about 23,000.
The group has 40 projects under development in countries like Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, the Philippines and Thailand.
Travel group Reliance Pacific Bhd views VMY2007 as a business booster for the group.
Executive director (travel division) Tan Sin Chong said: “We are positive about our performance for the year. VMY2007 will certainly result in an increase in arrivals and Reliance will be a beneficiary of this.
“If you look at the statistics on the past two campaigns in 1990 and 1994, you will notice a surge in arrivals from previous years.”
Tan anticipates a good year for Reliance in tandem with the expected growth in tourism as a result of VMY2007. Besides the economic benefits, Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Victor Wee noted that VMY2007 would also draw a lot of talented people to work in the industry. “This will continue to help move the product and service quality to a higher level. The tourism industry is very competitive and other countries will always upgrade their services to attract foreign tourists. So it will help if we put more effort and commitment to excel in the industry.”
Wee reckoned VMY2007 would help to formulate innovative solutions to facilitate tourist-related issues and the systems implemented could be sustained even after 2007.
The VMY2007 launch will take place on Saturday at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa with the unveiling of the giant Ferris wheel “Eye on Malaysia”.
By ELAINE ANG
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
VMY 2007 Takes
Berjaya to invest RM60mil to upgrade facilities:
Berjaya Land Bhd’s hotels and resorts division has spent over RM60mil to upgrade its facilities in preparation for the influx of tourists.
Berjaya Hotels and Resorts senior general manager Foo Toon Kee said last year the average occupancy of its hotels and resorts Malaysia was about 60%.
Berjaya Langkawi Beach and Spa resortFor this year, he is confident that revenue would rise by 10% to 15%, largely thanks to more tourists being attracted to better facilities and upgraded services.
Vice-president of sales and marketing Lynn Oh said: “We’ve been doing some extensive marketing overseas for our Langkawi resort and also added rooms and upgraded some rooms at Berjaya Langkawi Beach and Spa Resort. We've also upgraded our chalets on land and over water. We invested RM28mil for this.”
At its Pulau Redang resorts, the company is adding 112 units, costing RM35mil, as well as putting in more efforts into their maintenance.
All upgrading works are expected to be completed by June.
“We’ve also seen growth in business for the resort in Pulau Tioman as well as in our flagship Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Convention Centre, which has a 70% occupancy rate now,” Oh said.
Major plans are also underway, including building a convention centre cum spa and resort in Bukit Tinggi, loosely called Chateau Spa Resort for now.
The convention centre is to fit from 800 to 1,000 people, and through that, Berjaya Hotels and Resorts plans to enter deeper into the highly competitive but potentially lucrative convention and conference market.
Oh said that she was confident of its success, following the success of its Langkawi property as a popular choice for large-scale conventions.
Berjaya Hotels and Resorts spends about 5% to 8% of its annual revenue on marketing in each financial year, according to Foo.
One major marketing effort involves its e-business. “It is a strong source of bookings of rooms,” Foo said, “As such, we are expecting to expand our e-business this year.”
The company also uses a global distribution system, getting ticketing agents to use dynamic pricing to help manage occupancy surges and low seasons each year.
Berjaya Hotels and Resorts’ Malaysian properties receive 30% of its total foreign guests from Europe, 10% from the Middle East and the remainder from the Asean region.
After the upgrade of its facilities, Foo believes the division will achieve a 10% to 20% growth in revenue this year, while margins are expected to improve from 35% to 40%.
ISC to PROJECT Malaysia AS AN EXCITING PLACE:
Advertising group Integrated Strategic Communications (ISC) aims to project Malaysia as the most exciting place on earth in 2007, said president Austen Zecha.
“We developed a single-minded proposition called One Golden Celebration to showcase Malaysia to the world for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007.
Berjaya Langkawi Beach and Spa resortThe agency's proposition of One Golden Celebration aptly encapsulates the multitude of offerings, festivities and celebrations in Malaysia's year-long celebration to mark its golden anniversary.
All campaign materials will showcase an endless list of events and activities catering to tourists from all walks of life, from shopping and entertainment to cultural events and natural discoveries. ISC is one of Tourism Malaysia's advertising agencies, handling all markets except for the Asean and domestic sectors.
To promote Malaysia as the ideal destination for leisure travel in 2007, ISC made Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi the key spokesman delivering a message to the world and inviting them to the year-long celebration. According to Zecha, the television commercial (TVC) is already on air and would progressively be aired on CNN, Discovery, BBC, SkyNews, Euronews, Eurosports, CNBC, ESPN, MTV, National Geographic, StarTV and TVBI.
“So far, we have received positive feedback, citing the positioning of the Prime Minister as spokesperson as a nice personal and warm touch to the campaign,” he said.
ISC also wrote and composed an original theme song for VMY2007 based on the overall One Golden Celebration theme and ending with the Malaysia, Truly Asia signature tune sign-off.
MATTA - DOMESTIC TOURISM TO ENJOY DOUBLE-DIGIT GROwth:
The travel and tours business is in for a busy and prosperous year ahead – with the expectations of cash registers ringing incessantly and credit card swipe machines working overtime.
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Ngiam Foon said the prospects were very bright for inbound and domestic tourism.
“We strongly believe domestic tourism will grow by double digits. I am sure achieving a 15% to 20% growth will not be an issue, with all the promotions carried out by the Government.
Matta members have been advised to leverage on VMY2007 in their tour packages and come up with new packages.
“We are also encouraging our members to help spread the good cheer by placing VMY2007 logo stickers on their vehicles and in all their communications, including e-mails,” Ngiam said.
Reliance Pacific Bhd executive director (travel division) Tan Sin Chong stressed that VMY was not all about attracting foreign visitors to Malaysia but more about promoting Malaysia to Malaysians.
“As we see it, Malaysians form the biggest bulk of tourists. In conjunction with VMY, Reliance will be launching a new line of travel products for Malaysians,” he said.
To be promoted under the brand name MALAYSIAWORLD, the product covers all aspects of what Malaysia has to offer – from hill resorts to beach resorts, bustling cities to tranquil villages, and family fun to romantic escapades.
These products will be distributed through the group's online shop (www.reliancetravel.com), 26 retail shops throughout the nation, and over 300 sales agents.
Tan said Reliance's objective in the international market was to focus on high-yield and big-volume products.
“As such, we have chosen to differentiate our products from others by introducing mass wedding/honeymoon packages in Malaysia. This product is currently being actively promoted in India and China,” he said.
A'Famosa Resort Malaysia is also waiting for the good times to roll as VMY2007 takes off this weekend.
Chief operating officer Lau Joo Liang said the resort had been preparing for VMY since last year and had been promoting Malaysia to countries like India, China, Taiwan, South Korea and the Middle East.
A'Famosa is a 520ha integrated resort which offers, among others, a 27-hole golf course, Animal World Safari, Water World Theme Park, equestrian club, resort hotel, villas and condotels.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Berjaya Land Bhd’s hotels and resorts division has spent over RM60mil to upgrade its facilities in preparation for the influx of tourists.
Berjaya Hotels and Resorts senior general manager Foo Toon Kee said last year the average occupancy of its hotels and resorts Malaysia was about 60%.
Berjaya Langkawi Beach and Spa resortFor this year, he is confident that revenue would rise by 10% to 15%, largely thanks to more tourists being attracted to better facilities and upgraded services.
Vice-president of sales and marketing Lynn Oh said: “We’ve been doing some extensive marketing overseas for our Langkawi resort and also added rooms and upgraded some rooms at Berjaya Langkawi Beach and Spa Resort. We've also upgraded our chalets on land and over water. We invested RM28mil for this.”
At its Pulau Redang resorts, the company is adding 112 units, costing RM35mil, as well as putting in more efforts into their maintenance.
All upgrading works are expected to be completed by June.
“We’ve also seen growth in business for the resort in Pulau Tioman as well as in our flagship Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Convention Centre, which has a 70% occupancy rate now,” Oh said.
Major plans are also underway, including building a convention centre cum spa and resort in Bukit Tinggi, loosely called Chateau Spa Resort for now.
The convention centre is to fit from 800 to 1,000 people, and through that, Berjaya Hotels and Resorts plans to enter deeper into the highly competitive but potentially lucrative convention and conference market.
Oh said that she was confident of its success, following the success of its Langkawi property as a popular choice for large-scale conventions.
Berjaya Hotels and Resorts spends about 5% to 8% of its annual revenue on marketing in each financial year, according to Foo.
One major marketing effort involves its e-business. “It is a strong source of bookings of rooms,” Foo said, “As such, we are expecting to expand our e-business this year.”
The company also uses a global distribution system, getting ticketing agents to use dynamic pricing to help manage occupancy surges and low seasons each year.
Berjaya Hotels and Resorts’ Malaysian properties receive 30% of its total foreign guests from Europe, 10% from the Middle East and the remainder from the Asean region.
After the upgrade of its facilities, Foo believes the division will achieve a 10% to 20% growth in revenue this year, while margins are expected to improve from 35% to 40%.
ISC to PROJECT Malaysia AS AN EXCITING PLACE:
Advertising group Integrated Strategic Communications (ISC) aims to project Malaysia as the most exciting place on earth in 2007, said president Austen Zecha.
“We developed a single-minded proposition called One Golden Celebration to showcase Malaysia to the world for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007.
Berjaya Langkawi Beach and Spa resortThe agency's proposition of One Golden Celebration aptly encapsulates the multitude of offerings, festivities and celebrations in Malaysia's year-long celebration to mark its golden anniversary.
All campaign materials will showcase an endless list of events and activities catering to tourists from all walks of life, from shopping and entertainment to cultural events and natural discoveries. ISC is one of Tourism Malaysia's advertising agencies, handling all markets except for the Asean and domestic sectors.
To promote Malaysia as the ideal destination for leisure travel in 2007, ISC made Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi the key spokesman delivering a message to the world and inviting them to the year-long celebration. According to Zecha, the television commercial (TVC) is already on air and would progressively be aired on CNN, Discovery, BBC, SkyNews, Euronews, Eurosports, CNBC, ESPN, MTV, National Geographic, StarTV and TVBI.
“So far, we have received positive feedback, citing the positioning of the Prime Minister as spokesperson as a nice personal and warm touch to the campaign,” he said.
ISC also wrote and composed an original theme song for VMY2007 based on the overall One Golden Celebration theme and ending with the Malaysia, Truly Asia signature tune sign-off.
MATTA - DOMESTIC TOURISM TO ENJOY DOUBLE-DIGIT GROwth:
The travel and tours business is in for a busy and prosperous year ahead – with the expectations of cash registers ringing incessantly and credit card swipe machines working overtime.
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Ngiam Foon said the prospects were very bright for inbound and domestic tourism.
“We strongly believe domestic tourism will grow by double digits. I am sure achieving a 15% to 20% growth will not be an issue, with all the promotions carried out by the Government.
Matta members have been advised to leverage on VMY2007 in their tour packages and come up with new packages.
“We are also encouraging our members to help spread the good cheer by placing VMY2007 logo stickers on their vehicles and in all their communications, including e-mails,” Ngiam said.
Reliance Pacific Bhd executive director (travel division) Tan Sin Chong stressed that VMY was not all about attracting foreign visitors to Malaysia but more about promoting Malaysia to Malaysians.
“As we see it, Malaysians form the biggest bulk of tourists. In conjunction with VMY, Reliance will be launching a new line of travel products for Malaysians,” he said.
To be promoted under the brand name MALAYSIAWORLD, the product covers all aspects of what Malaysia has to offer – from hill resorts to beach resorts, bustling cities to tranquil villages, and family fun to romantic escapades.
These products will be distributed through the group's online shop (www.reliancetravel.com), 26 retail shops throughout the nation, and over 300 sales agents.
Tan said Reliance's objective in the international market was to focus on high-yield and big-volume products.
“As such, we have chosen to differentiate our products from others by introducing mass wedding/honeymoon packages in Malaysia. This product is currently being actively promoted in India and China,” he said.
A'Famosa Resort Malaysia is also waiting for the good times to roll as VMY2007 takes off this weekend.
Chief operating officer Lau Joo Liang said the resort had been preparing for VMY since last year and had been promoting Malaysia to countries like India, China, Taiwan, South Korea and the Middle East.
A'Famosa is a 520ha integrated resort which offers, among others, a 27-hole golf course, Animal World Safari, Water World Theme Park, equestrian club, resort hotel, villas and condotels.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Hotel occupancy rate to go up to 75%
PLAYERS in the hotel industry have rolled up their sleeves in the past few years – renovating, upgrading or refurbishing – their properties to ensure they are up to scratch and provide a lasting impression to guests.
Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) president Low Gee Tat said much capital investment had been made to enhance and complement existing facilities for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007. “We have also gone on promotional trips offering attractive packages and special offers. This would greatly help the overall hotel occupancy throughout the country as no sizable inventory will be added to the room count in Malaysia this year,” he said.
Low expects the average occupancy for 2006 to probably be in the high 60% or maybe 70% due to some unexpected slow months in 2006 and an improved last quarter.
“This year, with the aggressive promotion undertaken especially by the Tourism Ministry and industry players and with the expected high tourist arrivals, we are optimistic and forecast an average occupancy rate of 70% to 75%.
“Needless to say, what is more important is not so much the numbers, but how much in tourist receipts we hope to receive from the more long-staying and big-spending tourists,” he said.
However, Low pointed out that the hotel sector (owners and operators) needed to address the low room rates situation in the country.
“Although in the past 1½ years there was a gradual increase in the average room rates, rates at most 5-star hotels are still below US$100. This is not reflective of the true service standard and reputation of 5-star hotels in Malaysia whose property and service level is equivalent to, if not better than, 5-star hotels overseas,” he said.
To Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa group general manager Jean-Jacques Kiefer, VMY2007 is a good vehicle to bring return and new guests alike to the hotel's new and enhanced facilities.
“We are confident that VMY 2007 will spur growth in our leisure and corporate segments. We expect to close our 2006 financial year at an average occupancy rate of 75% and we look forward to a healthy growth of about 10% in occupancy this year,” he said.
To cater to the projected demand, the 1,234-room hotel has embarked on a three-year RM70mil renovation programme which, among others, includes the progressive upgrading of its inventory of guestrooms and suites.
In making itself more accessible, Sunway Resort Hotel has further invested in technology to implement features such as a booking engine to enable potential guests to log on to its website and obtain the most up-to-date information on room availability, and place their bookings.
Meanwhile, Value Hospitality Group general manager Dennis Tan sees VMY2007 as a golden opportunity to attract even more business in future years.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) president Low Gee Tat said much capital investment had been made to enhance and complement existing facilities for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007. “We have also gone on promotional trips offering attractive packages and special offers. This would greatly help the overall hotel occupancy throughout the country as no sizable inventory will be added to the room count in Malaysia this year,” he said.
Low expects the average occupancy for 2006 to probably be in the high 60% or maybe 70% due to some unexpected slow months in 2006 and an improved last quarter.
“This year, with the aggressive promotion undertaken especially by the Tourism Ministry and industry players and with the expected high tourist arrivals, we are optimistic and forecast an average occupancy rate of 70% to 75%.
“Needless to say, what is more important is not so much the numbers, but how much in tourist receipts we hope to receive from the more long-staying and big-spending tourists,” he said.
However, Low pointed out that the hotel sector (owners and operators) needed to address the low room rates situation in the country.
“Although in the past 1½ years there was a gradual increase in the average room rates, rates at most 5-star hotels are still below US$100. This is not reflective of the true service standard and reputation of 5-star hotels in Malaysia whose property and service level is equivalent to, if not better than, 5-star hotels overseas,” he said.
To Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa group general manager Jean-Jacques Kiefer, VMY2007 is a good vehicle to bring return and new guests alike to the hotel's new and enhanced facilities.
“We are confident that VMY 2007 will spur growth in our leisure and corporate segments. We expect to close our 2006 financial year at an average occupancy rate of 75% and we look forward to a healthy growth of about 10% in occupancy this year,” he said.
To cater to the projected demand, the 1,234-room hotel has embarked on a three-year RM70mil renovation programme which, among others, includes the progressive upgrading of its inventory of guestrooms and suites.
In making itself more accessible, Sunway Resort Hotel has further invested in technology to implement features such as a booking engine to enable potential guests to log on to its website and obtain the most up-to-date information on room availability, and place their bookings.
Meanwhile, Value Hospitality Group general manager Dennis Tan sees VMY2007 as a golden opportunity to attract even more business in future years.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Airlines Top Gainers from Tourism Promotions
IT goes without saying that airlines would be one of the beneficiaries of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007. Analysts have pointed out that they will, in fact, be the main beneficiaries of the 12-month-long campaign, being responsible for bringing foreigners into the country.
“We expect VMY2007 to boost our business as we are in the ideal position to leverage on inbound tourism,” Malaysia Airlines (MAS) executive director and chief financial officer Tengku Azmil Zahruddin said.
“Our joint promotion with Tourism Malaysia will include their sales mission, participation in consumer promotions, fairs and exhibitions,” he told StarBiz.
Tengku Azmil said that in view of VMY2007, the national carrier was also marketing creative packages such as the Discover Malaysia Pass, whereby foreign tourists could visit five Malaysian destinations of their choice for an airfare of US$199 only.
“There is also the Golden Holidays Medical Package supporting the Government’s efforts to promote medical tourism in the country. The packages include a medical check-up, accommodation with daily breakfast and airport transfers for prices ranging from US$300 to US$1,029,” he said.
“We have also clinched a deal with the largest Swedish tour operator to bring tourists into Malaysia from the Scandinavian region and are in the process of concluding similar arrangements in other countries.”
Asked whether VMY2007 would impact the company’s financial performance, Tengku Azmil said: “We expect that the multiplier effect of the tourist dollars during VMY2007 would boost MAS’ business.”
“We expect this year to be a good one for all parties involved. The Tourism Ministry, Tourism Malaysia and most of the states are all geared up to welcome the tourists.
“In addition, the VMY2007 secretariat is coordinating over 200 events across the country with 50 major events to showcase Malaysia’s wealth of tourism attractions. This, and our country’s natural beauty, including the lush forests, pristine waterfalls and diving spots, as well as warm hospitality, will help us win tourists to Malaysia,” he said.
Tengku Azmil cautioned, however, that some VMY2007 efforts might be hampered by floods, as well as the annual occurrence of the haze.
Over at no-frills carrier AirAsia Bhd, group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes is very excited and optimistic on the prospects of VMY2007. “For sure, our financial performance will improve significantly, “ he told StarBiz. Fernandes said AirAsia would allocate some RM7mil to RM8mil for promotional activities this year.
He said the company was working closely with Tourism Malaysia to ensure the best for its customers.
“Our promotional activities will be centred on low fares,” he said, adding that these, together with other promotions, would be announced soon.
Alban LeeEmirates country manager (Malaysia) Alban Lee is equally excited about VMY2007. “ We are a supporting partner of Tourism Malaysia and will do all we can to create awareness about the country worldwide,” he said.
“The tourism industry this year is going to be vibrant and exciting with the expected increase in tourist arrivals,” Lee said.
Etihad Airways, United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) national airline, is also positive on the campaign and recently teamed up with Tourism Malaysia to promote its latest destination, Kuala Lumpur, at the Autocar Middle East Awards.
“Since announcing that we will soon fly to KL, Etihad has been inundated with bookings from guests looking to experience Malaysia’s multi-cultural delights, either as part of a city trip or an adventure holiday,” said Etihad Airways head of marketing Peter Baumgartner in a statement last week. Tourism Malaysia's UAE, Gulf and Iran director Syed Muhadzir Jamallulil meanwhile said the launch of Ethihad’s flight to KL this month was very exciting as the country was celebrating the VMY2007 campaign.
“Etihad’s Kuala Lumpur flights to KL will assist Tourism Malaysia in bringing more tourists from the Middle East region to the country,” he said.
BY ELAINE ANG
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
“We expect VMY2007 to boost our business as we are in the ideal position to leverage on inbound tourism,” Malaysia Airlines (MAS) executive director and chief financial officer Tengku Azmil Zahruddin said.
“Our joint promotion with Tourism Malaysia will include their sales mission, participation in consumer promotions, fairs and exhibitions,” he told StarBiz.
Tengku Azmil said that in view of VMY2007, the national carrier was also marketing creative packages such as the Discover Malaysia Pass, whereby foreign tourists could visit five Malaysian destinations of their choice for an airfare of US$199 only.
“There is also the Golden Holidays Medical Package supporting the Government’s efforts to promote medical tourism in the country. The packages include a medical check-up, accommodation with daily breakfast and airport transfers for prices ranging from US$300 to US$1,029,” he said.
“We have also clinched a deal with the largest Swedish tour operator to bring tourists into Malaysia from the Scandinavian region and are in the process of concluding similar arrangements in other countries.”
Asked whether VMY2007 would impact the company’s financial performance, Tengku Azmil said: “We expect that the multiplier effect of the tourist dollars during VMY2007 would boost MAS’ business.”
“We expect this year to be a good one for all parties involved. The Tourism Ministry, Tourism Malaysia and most of the states are all geared up to welcome the tourists.
“In addition, the VMY2007 secretariat is coordinating over 200 events across the country with 50 major events to showcase Malaysia’s wealth of tourism attractions. This, and our country’s natural beauty, including the lush forests, pristine waterfalls and diving spots, as well as warm hospitality, will help us win tourists to Malaysia,” he said.
Tengku Azmil cautioned, however, that some VMY2007 efforts might be hampered by floods, as well as the annual occurrence of the haze.
Over at no-frills carrier AirAsia Bhd, group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes is very excited and optimistic on the prospects of VMY2007. “For sure, our financial performance will improve significantly, “ he told StarBiz. Fernandes said AirAsia would allocate some RM7mil to RM8mil for promotional activities this year.
He said the company was working closely with Tourism Malaysia to ensure the best for its customers.
“Our promotional activities will be centred on low fares,” he said, adding that these, together with other promotions, would be announced soon.
Alban LeeEmirates country manager (Malaysia) Alban Lee is equally excited about VMY2007. “ We are a supporting partner of Tourism Malaysia and will do all we can to create awareness about the country worldwide,” he said.
“The tourism industry this year is going to be vibrant and exciting with the expected increase in tourist arrivals,” Lee said.
Etihad Airways, United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) national airline, is also positive on the campaign and recently teamed up with Tourism Malaysia to promote its latest destination, Kuala Lumpur, at the Autocar Middle East Awards.
“Since announcing that we will soon fly to KL, Etihad has been inundated with bookings from guests looking to experience Malaysia’s multi-cultural delights, either as part of a city trip or an adventure holiday,” said Etihad Airways head of marketing Peter Baumgartner in a statement last week. Tourism Malaysia's UAE, Gulf and Iran director Syed Muhadzir Jamallulil meanwhile said the launch of Ethihad’s flight to KL this month was very exciting as the country was celebrating the VMY2007 campaign.
“Etihad’s Kuala Lumpur flights to KL will assist Tourism Malaysia in bringing more tourists from the Middle East region to the country,” he said.
BY ELAINE ANG
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Saturday, December 30, 2006
British Couple Writing Travel Guide on Perak
IPOH: A British couple who have been staying here for the past decade are writing a tourist guidebook on 12 places of interest in Perak.The 24-page book by David Miller and his wife Barbara will contain “honest” descriptions of the places and will be unveiled during the launch of the state-level Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
“But our main intention is to help uncover what tourists should discover when visiting the 12 places,” said David.
The couple from Crieff, Scotland, came to Malaysia under the “Malaysia My Second Home” programme.
David said Perak’s vibrant greenery and other natural attractions could be a major draw among foreign tourists.
“Perak has limestone hills and outcrops which many foreign tourists are dying to see, but the state understates itself and does not want to boast about these attractions,” he said.
Barbara said many of the state’s brochures had not changed in years.
“Tourists sometimes find themselves cheated because what is described in the brochures turn out to be no longer correct,” she said.
Among the couple’s top recommendations are Pangkor Laut Resort and Pangkor Island Beach Resort.
“These places are Perak’s jewels but what impressed us most was the marked improvement in cleanliness on the island,” Barbara said.
“The untidy sight of the island was gross, with rubbish strewn everywhere when I went there four years ago.”
David said he disagreed with the notion that Ipoh was a dead town, describing the city instead as having a good blend of traditional and modern lifestyles.
“There are many places tourists can visit provided they make an attempt to look for them,” he said.
Having been to many cities in the world, the couple said Ipoh had projected itself naturally and did not pretend to be what it was not.
“Most importantly, Ipoh is still much cleaner compared with certain other cities in Malaysia,” said Barbara.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Special Unlimited Komuter Tourist Pass
In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2007, KTM Berhad is introducing a special tourist pass for tourists to travel on the KTM Komuter.
The special KTM Komuter Tourist Pass is valid for unlimited travel on KTM Komuter for one day to any destination within the network.
The pass costs RM12 each while that for children and senior citizens is RM6. Children under four travel free.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
The special KTM Komuter Tourist Pass is valid for unlimited travel on KTM Komuter for one day to any destination within the network.
The pass costs RM12 each while that for children and senior citizens is RM6. Children under four travel free.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Pahang Aims for RM4b Tourism Revenue
KUANTAN: Pahang is targeting RM4bil in tourism revenue in 2007 and expects 7.5 million domestic and foreign tourists to visit the state.
State Tourism Action Council general manager Junus Suhit said various activities had been planned to attract tourists to Pahang.
This includes 12 international events like the Monsoon Madness wind surfing at Balok, the National Park Eco Challenge in Lipis, Rafting Expedition and the International Orchestra Festival.
He said efforts would be made to build more facilities and improve existing ones to make tourists stay longer.
Junus said 4.3 million people visited Pahang in the first six months of this year.
The tourists were mainly from Singapore, China and Britain.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
State Tourism Action Council general manager Junus Suhit said various activities had been planned to attract tourists to Pahang.
This includes 12 international events like the Monsoon Madness wind surfing at Balok, the National Park Eco Challenge in Lipis, Rafting Expedition and the International Orchestra Festival.
He said efforts would be made to build more facilities and improve existing ones to make tourists stay longer.
Junus said 4.3 million people visited Pahang in the first six months of this year.
The tourists were mainly from Singapore, China and Britain.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Errant Cabbies Irk Tourism Ministry
It has lately been an expensive ride for visitors travelling from KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang to the Kuala Lumpur city centre.
And this is not just annoying to the visitors, who feel the taxi drivers have fleeced them, but also to the Tourism Ministry, reported China Press.
The paper said irresponsible cabbies had been charging exorbitant fares for trips between KLIA and the city.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim said
a Japanese tourist had complained that a taxi driver charged RM300 to take him from the airport to a city ho-tel.
“A friend told me that he had to pay RM120 in taxi fare from KLIA to Damansara,” he added, alleging that this was due to the inefficient enforcement of the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
And this is not just annoying to the visitors, who feel the taxi drivers have fleeced them, but also to the Tourism Ministry, reported China Press.
The paper said irresponsible cabbies had been charging exorbitant fares for trips between KLIA and the city.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim said
a Japanese tourist had complained that a taxi driver charged RM300 to take him from the airport to a city ho-tel.
“A friend told me that he had to pay RM120 in taxi fare from KLIA to Damansara,” he added, alleging that this was due to the inefficient enforcement of the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
New World Hotel Renamed to Renaissance KL
THE New World Renaissance Hotel has been renamed Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, East Wing.The change of name is a move to make it easier for everyone, particularly those in the travel industry, to remember the hotel’s name.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim flagged off a convoy of taxis at the hotel to mark the occasion.
Lim and Renaissance KL Hotel general manager Robert Frager earlier presented goodie bags filled with lunch boxes and gifts to the taxi drivers.
The goodie bag distribution to the taxi drivers was held for two consecutive days to create and increase awareness on the hotel’s East Wing.
About 600 goodie bags were distributed each day to all taxi drivers passing through Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang.
“The renaming is timely as Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007 is starting in a few days’ time,” said Lim.
“Tourism is a service-oriented and people-pleasing business. Tourists always remember their travel experiences, especially if they are pleasant and wonderful ones.
“Friendly smiles, courtesy, politeness and assistance can leave lasting impressions on our visitors – from the moment they exit the plane and board into a taxi, to their hotel stay, and more,” said Lim.
“I’m happy that this hotel is working hand in hand with several taxi associations to promote VMY 2007. The VMY stickers on the taxis and the display of non-slip dashboard mats and sun shades given by the hotel are great ways to promote Malaysia as a top tourist destination.”
According to Frager, the Renaissance KL Hotel now has two wings – the 521-room East Wing and 400-room West Wing.
“The Renaissance KL Hotel has undergone a few changes since its inception in June 1996, while New World Hotel opened its doors in July 1996,” he said.
“In 1998, New World Hotel was rebranded to the New World Renaissance KL Hotel and amalgamated with Renaissance KL Hotel, officially becoming Renaissance KL Hotel.
“Effective Jan 1, 2007, the New World Wing will change its name to East Wing, which completes the integration of the whole complex into one hotel with two wings – East Wing and West Wing.
“The purpose of renaming New World Renaissance Hotel to Renaissance KL Hotel, East Wing, is to eliminate all confusion and introduce new packages after the refurbishment is completed,” said Frager.
The East Wing has already embarked on a gradual renovation and upgrading process in the last one-and-a-half years, while its rooms will undergo total renovation from the third quarter of 2007.
The former Tempts restaurant located on the ground floor is now called Temptations, a very stylish and hip restaurant that serves local and Asian specialties. The Stage Lounge has also been given a new facelift.
“Our slogan for the official renaming is ‘You don’t need a compass to find your comfort – Be it East or Be it West ? We provide the Best',” said Frager.
He added that the hotel would promote VMY 2007 at the 2,700 properties located in 66 countries under Marriott International – the operator and franchisor of hotels under the Marriott, JW-Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, and several other brand names.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Mandarin Oriental's Lobby Party
Lobby party at its best
THE lobby of the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur will again be the venue for a great year-end party bash as it did last year.
Draped in elaborate floor to ceiling coloured curtains, the transformed lobby will again serve as the stage for renowned DJ Christof Van der Stichele.
Stichele will bring in his unique blend of house music to KL’s party revellers bidding farewell to 2006 and saying hello to 2007.
The partying starts from 10.30pm and cover charge is at RM88++ inclusive of a glass of champagne and a party pack.
Diners who take part in any of the New Year’s Eve promotional offers at any of the five F&B outlets at the hotel are entitled to free entry to the lobby party with complimentary drink.
For enquiries, call 03–2330 8798 or email mokul-fb@mohg.com
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
THE lobby of the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur will again be the venue for a great year-end party bash as it did last year.
Draped in elaborate floor to ceiling coloured curtains, the transformed lobby will again serve as the stage for renowned DJ Christof Van der Stichele.
Stichele will bring in his unique blend of house music to KL’s party revellers bidding farewell to 2006 and saying hello to 2007.
The partying starts from 10.30pm and cover charge is at RM88++ inclusive of a glass of champagne and a party pack.
Diners who take part in any of the New Year’s Eve promotional offers at any of the five F&B outlets at the hotel are entitled to free entry to the lobby party with complimentary drink.
For enquiries, call 03–2330 8798 or email mokul-fb@mohg.com
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Swiss Garden's Wonderland
Enter WonderlandABOUT 3½ hours from Kuala Lumpur and 1½ hours from Ipoh, the Swiss Garden Damai Laut in Perak is not the most accessible of destinations. However, the management thinks the resort’s remoteness makes it the ultimate getaway.
Located just a little south of Lumut, the Swiss Garden is located on a staggering 425-acre property, much of which remains undeveloped and home to monkeys and wild deer.
From the turn-off on the way to Teluk Senangin, one drives past oil palm estates, fruit orchards, and lush forests before the road opens up to reveal rolling hills of carefully manicured golf courses. In a sense, arriving in Swiss Garden Damai Laut really is like stepping through a mirror and into a wonderland.
The first thing to capture my attention as I walked to the lobby was the open balcony, with its panoramic view of the Straits of Malacca and Pangkor Island. And the breeze blows right through the lobby.
The resort takes full advantage of the spectacular sea view. After checking in, I was off to lunch at The Garden Terrace, an open-air, Caribbean-styled coffee house overlooking the sea, past a bougainvillea-lined garden.
The Garden Terrace, which boasts internationally experienced chefs with over 70 years of experience between them, offers an exciting range of Malaysian and Western cuisine.
After lunch, my host Katrina Chua, the marketing & communication manager, packed me into a coach bound for the private jetty. Here I hopped on a speedboat to Pangkor.
Now I have always had a weakness for speed, and I dare say there can be no more perfect way to enjoy a beautiful afternoon than to have endless blue sky above you, green water below and the wind in your face. Oh yes, it is good to be alive!
Island hopping is just one of the many activities you engage in while at Damai Laut. Snorkelling trips can also be organised at Coral Island, just off Pangkor.
And then there are the sunset cruises, river cruises, island drops, and fishing trips.
If you prefer to stay close to the beach, you can indulge in sailing, banana boat rides, and canoeing, which is harder to navigate than it looks.
As the sun began to set, I met Katrina for dinner at The Gayam Seafood Barbecue and Bar, set on a rock outcrop, and, yes, overlooking the sea. The bar truly is a feast for the senses – the setting sun, a candlelit set-up, the aroma of grilled seafood, and a musical quartet belting out Christmas songs.
Our quick catch-up bite turned into an enjoyable, three-hour dinner. Feeling adventurous the next day, I signed up for the Rope Course in the morning. The six-element rope course comprising obstacles like a beam walk, tyre course, cargo net and flying fox finale was built by the Outward Bound School right smack in the resort’s very own lush forest.
Do not be deceived by how compact the obstacle course looks! An arm tangled in a rope here and a foot stuck in a tyre there, and you’ve worked out quite a sweat.
I had the delightful company of Linda Wong, Swiss Garden Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s marketing & communication manager, and Katrina for lunch at the Noodle House, striking for its wooden finishing and bamboo blinds.
Swiss Garden Damai Laut’s two specialties are golfing and spa.
The Samsara Spa offers various healing and rejuvenation treatments.
Take your pick of essential oils, and indulge in massages, facials, wraps, baths, scrubs and even steam treatments.
The Damai Laut Golf & Country Club boasts an 18-hole (par 72) championship, buggy-tracked golf course.
It was voted the third most scenic course in the country by Golf Malaysia Bi Annual Readers Poll Year 2005/2006.
According to the poll, the signature hole #15 is the second most scenic hole in Malaysia.
Beauty aside, the test of a really good course is in how challenging it is.
The club’s signature hole #13 was rated number three in the prestigious Par Golf’s Super 18 Malaysia this year.
General manager Radzman M. Tajudin said, “We have it all – a beautiful and tranquil resort, an award-winning golf course, an exclusive spa, white sandy beaches overlooking Pangkor Island, unspoilt natural surroundings, a jetty, and, most importantly, our friendly and helpful staff.”
Unwinding at the Blue Chip Lounge later in the evening in the company of the resort’s management team, I felt like I was among old friends.
Even guests who just arrived spoke as if they had known each other for years.
The house quartet belted out nostalgic 80s’ hits as the waves crashed on the rocks below with the onset of the evening tide.
Taking it all in, Radzman said, “What more can I say; I do work in paradise!”
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Friday, December 29, 2006
Sarawak Tourism Players urged to Use Internet
Sarawak state's tourism industry players have not capitalised on the Internet facilities to sell their tour packages and other related services.
Deputy state secretary (planning and development) Datuk Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani said as many such packages had not been developed to be put on the Internet they were not available on line to foreign tourists.
''The lack of reliable information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and services has been identified as a major obstacle to further progress of the tourism industry,'' he added when opening a seminar on ''Opportunities and economic impact of ICT in Sarawak'' at Kuching Hilton on Thursday.
The event was organised by the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC).
Morshidi said as the tourism sector had been identified as the key focus of the state's economy, the usage of the ICT would create a substantial economic impact on that sector.
He said the services industry contributed some 30% to the state's gross deomestic product (GDP).
Morshidi said the Sarawak public sector had been one of the leaders in the ICT usage in the country, adding that there were now more than 100 application systems in the state civil service.
Citing some of the government-to-citizen applications, he said the e-Recruitment system had enabled the public to view job vacancies and submit application on-line.
The public can apply for scholarship on-line through the e-Scholarship system as well as receive and pay utility bills, like electricity and water, assessment rates and telephone bills, by using the e-Billing and payment system.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Deputy state secretary (planning and development) Datuk Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani said as many such packages had not been developed to be put on the Internet they were not available on line to foreign tourists.
''The lack of reliable information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and services has been identified as a major obstacle to further progress of the tourism industry,'' he added when opening a seminar on ''Opportunities and economic impact of ICT in Sarawak'' at Kuching Hilton on Thursday.
The event was organised by the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC).
Morshidi said as the tourism sector had been identified as the key focus of the state's economy, the usage of the ICT would create a substantial economic impact on that sector.
He said the services industry contributed some 30% to the state's gross deomestic product (GDP).
Morshidi said the Sarawak public sector had been one of the leaders in the ICT usage in the country, adding that there were now more than 100 application systems in the state civil service.
Citing some of the government-to-citizen applications, he said the e-Recruitment system had enabled the public to view job vacancies and submit application on-line.
The public can apply for scholarship on-line through the e-Scholarship system as well as receive and pay utility bills, like electricity and water, assessment rates and telephone bills, by using the e-Billing and payment system.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
1,900 Tourist Cops will be Deployed
More than 1,900 tourist police will be deployed at designated spots throughout the country during Visit Malaysia Year 2007 to ensure a pleasant stay here for foreign tourists.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Abdul Aziz said police had identified 99 areas where police personnel would be deployed to ensure the safety of tourists.
At present, there are only 268 tourist police stationed at selected locations through out the country.
Mohd Najib said the number of police personnel would be increased if there was a need.
He said the Tourism Ministry would be organising courses on safety to better equip the police personnel to handle certain situations.
“This is a good chance for the police to get exposure and be educated on how to protect tourists when they are in the country,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, who was also present at the ceremony, said the ministry was expecting an influx of 20.1mil tourists for Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
He said, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor would be at the KL International Airport on New Year’s eve to personally welcome the tourists.
“I will be at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal to welcome tourists arriving on AirAsia flights,” he added.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]
Deputy Inspector General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Abdul Aziz said police had identified 99 areas where police personnel would be deployed to ensure the safety of tourists.
At present, there are only 268 tourist police stationed at selected locations through out the country.
Mohd Najib said the number of police personnel would be increased if there was a need.
He said the Tourism Ministry would be organising courses on safety to better equip the police personnel to handle certain situations.
“This is a good chance for the police to get exposure and be educated on how to protect tourists when they are in the country,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai, who was also present at the ceremony, said the ministry was expecting an influx of 20.1mil tourists for Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
He said, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor would be at the KL International Airport on New Year’s eve to personally welcome the tourists.
“I will be at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal to welcome tourists arriving on AirAsia flights,” he added.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]