Najib to attend tourism awards

The Prime Minister’s Special Award and the Minister of Tourism Award will be given for the first time at the 16th Malaysia Tourism Awards 2008/2009 gala dinner on Saturday.
The special awards will be conferred to a company or individual for outstanding contributions to the tourism industry.

Once a tourist attraction: The Raja Brooke Birdwing at the salt lick in Ulu Geroh before the destruction of the site. (Right) Workers cutting the iron pipe.

In addition to the two new honours, 46 recipients in 12 categories, including Best Tour Operator, Innovative Foreign Tour Operator and Innovative Homestay, will be awarded for their innovative efforts to enhance the industry.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will attend the black-tie event at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said it would be the first time a Prime Minister would grace the event in its 22 years.
“This implies the importance placed by the Prime Minister on this recognition,” Dr Ng told reporters yesterday.
First introduced in 1987, the awards are held every two years. In 2007, 43 awards in 11 categories were given out.
Winners from each category will receive a trophy and certificate while finalists will receive merit certificates.
Dr Ng added that although 2009 was not a good year for the global tourism industry, the number of foreign arrivals to Malaysia exceeded the target of 19 million.
“From January to November, international tourist arrivals to Malaysia stood at 21.5 million. This was an increase of 7.6% compared to the same period in 2008,” said Dr Ng.


Source : STAR
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