Hotel bookings have been affected due to uncertainty over when the 13th general election will be held.
According to hoteliers, this has not only affected room reservations but also seminars, meetings and weddings.
1881 Chong Pian Cultural Hotel director Seah Kok Heng said it has not received many bookings from locals even though it is the school holidays.
“We only have 40% to 50% occupancy this month.
“Usually, our hotel would be at least 80% full during school holidays,” he said.
Seah added that this could be due to uncertainty over the GE date, while some may be tightening their belts after Chinese New Year.
Empire Hotel group general manager Ricky Ho said bookings for seminar meetings have slowed down this week.
“Corporations would prefer to hold them after the elections,” he said.
Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners executive director Shaharuddin M. Saaid said many people have put on hold their travel plans, business deals and even weddings due to the elections.
“They are waiting for the GE to take place,” he added.
However, Malaysian Association of Hotels vice-president Christina Toh said bookings were picking up as many people believe the GE will not take place this month.
“They are confident it will be after the school holidays,” she said in a phone interview yesterday.
In the last few days, hotels nationwide have been receiving last-minute bookings, she said.
Toh, who is also Dorsett Regency Kuala Lumpur's general manager, added that the domestic market contributes about 20% to 30% of hotel stays.
Many Malaysians met during the MATTA Fair held earlier this month said they were putting their vacation plans on hold until after the elections
Source : STAR
Showing posts with label tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tourism. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
No one will be very surprised that I have picked Malaysia as one of the most exciting hotel destinations around the world. It was the ninth most visited country during 2011 with 24.7 million tourist arrivals, and it likely will have remained in the top 10 during 2012 when new data is released by the United Nation World Tourism Organization.
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| David Grossniklaus |
Economic growth fueled by trade agreements with neighboring countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region combined with a young and dynamic workforce offers some of the ingredients for long-term growth. While the global economy might show signs of contraction and increased inflation, real gross domestic product in Malaysia is expected to grow at almost 5% per annum until 2020, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Looking at the big picture
Malaysia’s GDP growth is expected to have reached 5.2% in 2012, according to the EIU. According to a World Travel and Tourism Council report, travel and tourism directly contributed 6.7% to the country’s total GDP in 2011 and is expected to contribute 4% during 2012. The travel and tourism sector provided direct employment to more than 750,000 people during 2011 and indirectly contributed to more than 1.5 million jobs across Malaysia. The WTTC data suggest that travel and tourism will continue to benefit employment growth by 2.8% per annum until 2022.
Malaysia’s GDP growth is expected to have reached 5.2% in 2012, according to the EIU. According to a World Travel and Tourism Council report, travel and tourism directly contributed 6.7% to the country’s total GDP in 2011 and is expected to contribute 4% during 2012. The travel and tourism sector provided direct employment to more than 750,000 people during 2011 and indirectly contributed to more than 1.5 million jobs across Malaysia. The WTTC data suggest that travel and tourism will continue to benefit employment growth by 2.8% per annum until 2022.
Supporting Malaysia’s economic travel industry growth, the airline industry plays a key role in the pace of hotel development. New airplane orders can be translated to new supply not only in capital Kuala Lumpur but also in the more remote regions such as Sabah or Sarawak.
Joining the OneWorld alliance earlier this year, Malaysian Airlines will be able to benefit particularly from partner airlines on some strategic routes to Europe and Australia. Improved connection with key source markets certainly will be beneficial for the hotel industry. This is particularly true as Tourism Malaysia reported tourist arrivals during 2012 declined for those coming from Australia (-9%), United Kingdom (-0.4%) and New Zealand (-19.2%).
Malaysia and China recently signed an economic agreement that will boost economic exchanges between both countries. Arrivals from China should increase in the long run, building off the 12.4% increase recorded during 2012, according to Tourism Malaysia.
Hotel performance
Hotels in Malaysia during 2012 experienced mixed results in the three key performance metrics tracked by STR Global, sister company of HotelNewsNow.com.
Occupancy decreased 0.6% to 66.7%, average daily rate was up 3% to 340.96 Malaysian ringgits ($110.07) and revenue per available room increased 2.3% to 227.36 ringgits ($73.40).
Hotel supply is expected to increase 7% by 2014, according to STR Global.
Kuala Lumpur
Hotel occupancy in Kuala Lumpur increased 1.4% to 74.3% during 2012 while ADR grew 4.5% in local currency to 354.52 ringgits ($114.45), according to STR Global.
Despite the addition of two large hotels that opened at the end of 2012—the Grand Hyatt (455 rooms) and the Majestic Hotel (300 rooms)—and the 482-room Aloft, which will open this year, hotel performance is expected to remain unchanged in 2013, according to Horwath HTL’s “Hotel yearbook 2013: Scenarios for the year ahead.”
Looking forward, STR Global hotel pipeline data shows that the city’s hotel inventory will to continue to grow by 5.5% through 2014. Brand such as Regent Hotels & Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts have projects expected to open during 2015.
The regions
Penang looks to continue a period of strong demand growth, with an uptick in supply during the next three years to accommodate an increase in tourist arrivals, according to the Horwath HTL report.
Meanwhile, Langkawi, an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea some 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia, is hurting. The region has seen its own building boom in recent years, which, when coupled with broader economic challenges, has dampened hotel performance. Langkawi saw occupancy decline 9.2% to 58.9% during 2012. ADR in local currency dropped 7.9% to 620.66 ringgits ($200.74), according to STR Global.
The good news is new hotel supply on the island is expected to remain practically unchanged (+0.3%) until 2014, which should help stabilize rate and occupancy, according to STR Global.
Developers are getting their shovels ready in other regions as well, such as Johor, where a Sheraton and Amanresort are planned, according to the Horwath HTL report.
Looking at the main economic drivers and the prospect of growth in the travel and tourism industry, I have placed Malaysia on my watch list of destinations that will see a significant transformation in the coming years.
David can be contacted on david.grossniklaus@ehl.ch Follow him on Twitter @dgrossniklaus.
Source
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Helicopter Tour Package New Tourist Attraction In Malaysia
Tourists can now enjoy scenic bird's eye views of the country from a helicopter tour.
Six travel agencies will be offering the high-end tour service initially under the 1Malaysia Helicopter Tour Packages which were launched by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen at the Skypark Business Aviation Centre, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, here.
"The helicopter tour packages are expected to attract more high-yield tourists, which in turn will increase the tourism industry's contribution to our economy," she told reporters after the launch.
She said tourists would get to view the magnificent architectural wonders, historical landmarks, cities, buildings, villages and plantations in Malaysia from above via the helicopter tours.
"The tours range from 15, 30 to 60 minutes and priced from RM1,250 to RM4,950, with the helicopters able to seat three to six people," she added.
The six travel agencies involved in the tour packages include Shajasa Travels & Tour Sdn Bhd, Elite Luxury Vacations (M) Sdn Bhd, Langkawi Helicopter Xtours and Kota Kinabalu Aerial Tour.
Dr Ng said the helicopter pilot should be a good story-teller to explain and promote the country to tourists.
She said the 1Malaysia Helicopter Tour Packages were part of the ministry's initiative to come up with innovative and creative tourism products to cater to diverse tourists' interests and budgets.
Source : bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Six travel agencies will be offering the high-end tour service initially under the 1Malaysia Helicopter Tour Packages which were launched by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen at the Skypark Business Aviation Centre, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, here.
"The helicopter tour packages are expected to attract more high-yield tourists, which in turn will increase the tourism industry's contribution to our economy," she told reporters after the launch.
She said tourists would get to view the magnificent architectural wonders, historical landmarks, cities, buildings, villages and plantations in Malaysia from above via the helicopter tours.
"The tours range from 15, 30 to 60 minutes and priced from RM1,250 to RM4,950, with the helicopters able to seat three to six people," she added.
The six travel agencies involved in the tour packages include Shajasa Travels & Tour Sdn Bhd, Elite Luxury Vacations (M) Sdn Bhd, Langkawi Helicopter Xtours and Kota Kinabalu Aerial Tour.
Dr Ng said the helicopter pilot should be a good story-teller to explain and promote the country to tourists.
She said the 1Malaysia Helicopter Tour Packages were part of the ministry's initiative to come up with innovative and creative tourism products to cater to diverse tourists' interests and budgets.
Source : bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Malaysia To Attract More High Yield International Business Travellers
Malaysia wants to attract more high yield international business travellers to the country as they spent three times more than leisure tourists, says Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
In a media briefing here today, Zulkefli said international business tourism visitors spent an average of RM7,418 per trip in Malaysia compared with RM2,257 for leisure visitors.
International business travellers also spent an average of RM1,268 per day compared with RM337 for other travellers.
MyCEB was established by the Ministry of Tourism in 2009 to further strengthen Malaysia's business tourism brand and position for the international meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market.
Zulkefli said 1,278,014 international business travellers visited Malaysia in 2010, an increase of two per cent from 2009.
They were estimated to have spent RM10.6 billion in 2010 and the economic impact value of their spending was estimated at RM17.6 billion, he said.
Given that the average length of international conventions is 3.9 days, the length of stay for international business tourism visitors including pre- and post-touring is 5.85 days.
An estimated 46 per cent of international delegates extend their stay for pre and post travel providing benefits to regional communities and that an estimated 25 per cent of all international participants have an accompanying partner or spouse with them.
Last year, Malaysia leapt three notches to 28th position in the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) country rankings and the government is pushing for the country to be one of the top five destinations in the world by 2020.
In 2010, MyCEB supported 28 convention bids representing 38,500 delegates and an economic value of RM438 million. It also assisted 124 meetings and conventions, 16 exhibitions and 49 corporate incentive groups, which contributed an estimated economic impact of RM775 million to the country.
Zulkefli said the latest ICCA rankings reflected growth by Malaysia's association meetings business amidst competition from other countries.
Key developments include the expansion of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre by an additional 10,000 sq metres by end-2013, the Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre by 2014 and the proposed development of the MATRADE Centre (93,000 sq metres) by 2014.
Other new infrastructure to support the growing industry include the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the integrated urban mass rapid transit system and the construction of a series of pedestrian walkways throughout the capital city as part of the Greater Kuala Lumpur plan.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
In a media briefing here today, Zulkefli said international business tourism visitors spent an average of RM7,418 per trip in Malaysia compared with RM2,257 for leisure visitors.
International business travellers also spent an average of RM1,268 per day compared with RM337 for other travellers.
MyCEB was established by the Ministry of Tourism in 2009 to further strengthen Malaysia's business tourism brand and position for the international meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market.
Zulkefli said 1,278,014 international business travellers visited Malaysia in 2010, an increase of two per cent from 2009.
They were estimated to have spent RM10.6 billion in 2010 and the economic impact value of their spending was estimated at RM17.6 billion, he said.
Given that the average length of international conventions is 3.9 days, the length of stay for international business tourism visitors including pre- and post-touring is 5.85 days.
An estimated 46 per cent of international delegates extend their stay for pre and post travel providing benefits to regional communities and that an estimated 25 per cent of all international participants have an accompanying partner or spouse with them.
Last year, Malaysia leapt three notches to 28th position in the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) country rankings and the government is pushing for the country to be one of the top five destinations in the world by 2020.
In 2010, MyCEB supported 28 convention bids representing 38,500 delegates and an economic value of RM438 million. It also assisted 124 meetings and conventions, 16 exhibitions and 49 corporate incentive groups, which contributed an estimated economic impact of RM775 million to the country.
Zulkefli said the latest ICCA rankings reflected growth by Malaysia's association meetings business amidst competition from other countries.
Key developments include the expansion of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre by an additional 10,000 sq metres by end-2013, the Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre by 2014 and the proposed development of the MATRADE Centre (93,000 sq metres) by 2014.
Other new infrastructure to support the growing industry include the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the integrated urban mass rapid transit system and the construction of a series of pedestrian walkways throughout the capital city as part of the Greater Kuala Lumpur plan.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Monday, July 11, 2011
Street Demos Hamper Tour Programmes
The two street demonstrations held here yesterday forced tour agencies to cancel or shelve city programmes for visiting foreign tourists for fear of their safety.
Sri Sutra Travel Sdn Bhd said it took precautionary measures to avert any inconvenience for tourists under its charge.
Managing director Datuk Syed Mohd Razif Al-Yahya Syed Yassin said the tourists were confined to activities in the vicinity of their hotels yesterday.
He said the street demonstrations would have given the tourists a bad impression of Malaysia and it would take some time for them to pick Malaysia as their travel destination again.
He also said that wide coverage of the street demonstrations by the international media was also bad publicity for the country.
The Association of Bumiputera Travel and Tour Agents (Bumitra), which has more than 300 members, said the closure of several major roads in the city to thwart the demonstrators had jeopardised several tour activities and affected the income of agents.
Its president, Mohd Ayub Hassan, said the association, in keeping with a directive from the Tourism Ministry, had given preference to the safety of tourists and kept them away from the "sensitive" spots during the demonstration.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen had said a week ago that it would take the ministry six months to restore confidence in foreign tourists regarding their safety when in Malaysia.
She had also said that the uncertainty caused by the bad publicity on the street demonstration would slash tourist arrivals and cost national revenue by as much as RM1 billion.
Source :Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Sri Sutra Travel Sdn Bhd said it took precautionary measures to avert any inconvenience for tourists under its charge.
Managing director Datuk Syed Mohd Razif Al-Yahya Syed Yassin said the tourists were confined to activities in the vicinity of their hotels yesterday.
He said the street demonstrations would have given the tourists a bad impression of Malaysia and it would take some time for them to pick Malaysia as their travel destination again.
He also said that wide coverage of the street demonstrations by the international media was also bad publicity for the country.
The Association of Bumiputera Travel and Tour Agents (Bumitra), which has more than 300 members, said the closure of several major roads in the city to thwart the demonstrators had jeopardised several tour activities and affected the income of agents.
Its president, Mohd Ayub Hassan, said the association, in keeping with a directive from the Tourism Ministry, had given preference to the safety of tourists and kept them away from the "sensitive" spots during the demonstration.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen had said a week ago that it would take the ministry six months to restore confidence in foreign tourists regarding their safety when in Malaysia.
She had also said that the uncertainty caused by the bad publicity on the street demonstration would slash tourist arrivals and cost national revenue by as much as RM1 billion.
Source :Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Malaysia Expects More Tourist Arrivals From Middle East
Malaysia expects more tourist arrivals from middle eastern countries despite some of then having problems currently countries, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
Though the ministry couldn't set any target on the number of arrivals from those countries, she hoped that it would be more than 320,000 arrivals this year.
She said Malaysia recorded 322,000 arrivals from the middle east last year and they each tourist spent around RM7,400 during their visit.
"The middle east tourists tend to spend more, stay longer and do more shopping compared to other tourists," she told a press conference at the Al-Amar Lebanese Restaurant in the Pavilion here Monday.
Dr Ng said overall, the ministry recorded that RM2.36 billion were spent by Arab tourists last year.
"We hope the market will go up. In fact, the ministry is doing lots of promotional programmes for the middle eastern market through advertisements in CNN, websites and the local Arab televisions.
"Apart from advertisements, the ministry is using its tourism directors in Dubai, Jeddah and Iran to promote Malaysia's tourism products," she said.
Earlier, she launched The Arab Ramadan Festival themed "The Blessings Of Ramadan, 1Malaysia" to be held during Ramadan at i-City in Shah Alam.
Though the ministry couldn't set any target on the number of arrivals from those countries, she hoped that it would be more than 320,000 arrivals this year.
She said Malaysia recorded 322,000 arrivals from the middle east last year and they each tourist spent around RM7,400 during their visit.
"The middle east tourists tend to spend more, stay longer and do more shopping compared to other tourists," she told a press conference at the Al-Amar Lebanese Restaurant in the Pavilion here Monday.
Dr Ng said overall, the ministry recorded that RM2.36 billion were spent by Arab tourists last year.
"We hope the market will go up. In fact, the ministry is doing lots of promotional programmes for the middle eastern market through advertisements in CNN, websites and the local Arab televisions.
"Apart from advertisements, the ministry is using its tourism directors in Dubai, Jeddah and Iran to promote Malaysia's tourism products," she said.
Earlier, she launched The Arab Ramadan Festival themed "The Blessings Of Ramadan, 1Malaysia" to be held during Ramadan at i-City in Shah Alam.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tourism Ministry Utilises Social Website To Promote Domestic Tourism
The Tourism Ministry has utilised the social website Facebook to promote domestic tourism among IT-literate Malaysians, especially the youngsters, said its Deputy Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit.
He said the ministry had developed six Facebook applications for Tourism Malaysia which cost a total of RM1,758,432 with each page costing RM293,072.
"The pages include product promotions, tourism destinations and activities such as 'Cuti Cuti 1Malaysia', Citrawarna 1Malaysia, 1Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival, Year End Sales Carnival and Fabulous Food 1Malaysia," he said in reply to a question from Loke Siew Fook (DAP-Rasah) who had asked on the justification for the expenditure at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Dawos added that an advertising company, Impact Creations Sdn Bhd, was responsible for all advertisements and events of the ministry and Tourism Malaysia or the domestic market for 2011 until 2013.
However, the RM1.8 million expenditure was questioned by several members of Parliament who claimed that it was a waste.
Loke said it was irrelevant as the social website could be accessed free of charge while Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) asked whether the ministry had set any key performance indicators to monitor the advertising agency's performance.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
He said the ministry had developed six Facebook applications for Tourism Malaysia which cost a total of RM1,758,432 with each page costing RM293,072.
"The pages include product promotions, tourism destinations and activities such as 'Cuti Cuti 1Malaysia', Citrawarna 1Malaysia, 1Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival, Year End Sales Carnival and Fabulous Food 1Malaysia," he said in reply to a question from Loke Siew Fook (DAP-Rasah) who had asked on the justification for the expenditure at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Dawos added that an advertising company, Impact Creations Sdn Bhd, was responsible for all advertisements and events of the ministry and Tourism Malaysia or the domestic market for 2011 until 2013.
However, the RM1.8 million expenditure was questioned by several members of Parliament who claimed that it was a waste.
Loke said it was irrelevant as the social website could be accessed free of charge while Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) asked whether the ministry had set any key performance indicators to monitor the advertising agency's performance.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
KL Festival Set To Attract 700,000 Visitors
The month-long Kuala Lumpur Festival 2011 starting July 1 is expected to attract about 700,000 local and foreign visitors.
Ministry of Information Communication and Culture secretary-general Datuk Seri Kamaruddin Siaraf said the targeted turnout could be achieved with the increase of events from 104 at 47 locations last year to 122 at 51 locations this year.
He said the festival with the theme "Where the Arts Come Alive" was in line with the government's effort to lift Kuala Lumpur as the hub of arts and culture internationally.
Jointly organised by the Ministry of Information Communication and Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Federal Territories and Urban Well-being, he said KL Festival attracted the participation of 18 companies and non-governmental organisations, he told a pre-launch news conference at KL Tower here Monday.
Kamaruddin said visitors would be feted to arts, including visual and performing arts, and cultural activities, traditional games, Malaysian cuisine and literary events.
Schedules and details of the events will be posted on the KL Festival website at www.klfestival.org and the facebook-klfest secretariat, he added.
The festival will be launched simultaneously by three ministers -- Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen and Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin at the KL Tower's 1Malaysia Cultural Village on June 25.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Ministry of Information Communication and Culture secretary-general Datuk Seri Kamaruddin Siaraf said the targeted turnout could be achieved with the increase of events from 104 at 47 locations last year to 122 at 51 locations this year.
He said the festival with the theme "Where the Arts Come Alive" was in line with the government's effort to lift Kuala Lumpur as the hub of arts and culture internationally.
Jointly organised by the Ministry of Information Communication and Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Federal Territories and Urban Well-being, he said KL Festival attracted the participation of 18 companies and non-governmental organisations, he told a pre-launch news conference at KL Tower here Monday.
Kamaruddin said visitors would be feted to arts, including visual and performing arts, and cultural activities, traditional games, Malaysian cuisine and literary events.
Schedules and details of the events will be posted on the KL Festival website at www.klfestival.org and the facebook-klfest secretariat, he added.
The festival will be launched simultaneously by three ministers -- Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen and Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin at the KL Tower's 1Malaysia Cultural Village on June 25.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Tourism Ministry Opens Facebook Account To Further Promote Tourism
The Tourism Ministry created the Facebook account "Citrawarna 1Malaysia" because it is aware of the social networking site's potential to promote popular locations in Malaysia to visitors, said its minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen.
"We know that we are now at this social media era and we have to keep with the times. Our target (in using the application) are young people and we encourage them to go the site and share their experiences with others," she said after launching the "Citrawarna 1Malaysia" Facebook account here Wednesday.
The application created in conjunction with the annual Citrawarna 1Malaysia event which will take place at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday is to enable the public to access the ministry's www.facebook.com/cuticuti1malaysia site and participate in various contests in the form of dance games.
The participant with the highest score as of the end of June gets to win an iPad while there will also be 10 consolation winners who will be given vouchers to dine at Saloma Bistro.
Ng added that the Facebook feature was part of the ministry's transformation plans to further improve its delivery system.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
"We know that we are now at this social media era and we have to keep with the times. Our target (in using the application) are young people and we encourage them to go the site and share their experiences with others," she said after launching the "Citrawarna 1Malaysia" Facebook account here Wednesday.
The application created in conjunction with the annual Citrawarna 1Malaysia event which will take place at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday is to enable the public to access the ministry's www.facebook.com/cuticuti1malaysia site and participate in various contests in the form of dance games.
The participant with the highest score as of the end of June gets to win an iPad while there will also be 10 consolation winners who will be given vouchers to dine at Saloma Bistro.
Ng added that the Facebook feature was part of the ministry's transformation plans to further improve its delivery system.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Penang airport records 25% passenger growth rate
The Penang International Airport registered the highest growth rate among airports in Malaysia last year, recording a 25% increase with some 4.1 million passengers in 2010 compared with 3.3 million the year before.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) senior general manager Datuk Azmi Murad said the increase highlighted the need to expand the airport from its current peak-hour passenger capacity of 1,291 per hour to as many as 2,000 per hour.
The second highest increase among airports was registered by the KL International Airport (KLIA) which saw a passenger volume hike of 14% over the same period.
Azmi said this during a media tour of the Penang airport’s expansion and renovations exercise here over the weekend.
The RM250 million project, implemented through funding from the federal government, would give a new modern iconic facade to the airport. The whole project is expected to be completed in June 2012.
The expansion also entails increasing the terminal capacity to 51,543 sq m from the current 27,526 sq m, while the number of car park bays would be raised from to more than 2,000 from 1,200, Azmi said.
The airport would also have more than 10,000 sq m of commercial space dedicated lounges for their passengers.
MAHB is also considering building an airport hotel and multi-storey car park art the site, but details on these have not been confirmed yet, he added.
A total of 13 commercial passenger airlines and nine cargo airlines currently operate at the Penang Airport, for domestic and regional flights.
Azmi also announced that a key road currently being used for vehicles to drive up to the airport’s present departure lobby will be closed from April 1 till the end of July to facilitate the renovation works.
He said the authorities have planned a temporary loop to be jointly used by vehicles going to the departure and arrival sections, as well as for public transport vehicles. Traffic will be regulated and managed by Rela, the police and airport officials.
Source : The SUN
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) senior general manager Datuk Azmi Murad said the increase highlighted the need to expand the airport from its current peak-hour passenger capacity of 1,291 per hour to as many as 2,000 per hour.
The second highest increase among airports was registered by the KL International Airport (KLIA) which saw a passenger volume hike of 14% over the same period.
Azmi said this during a media tour of the Penang airport’s expansion and renovations exercise here over the weekend.
The RM250 million project, implemented through funding from the federal government, would give a new modern iconic facade to the airport. The whole project is expected to be completed in June 2012.
The expansion also entails increasing the terminal capacity to 51,543 sq m from the current 27,526 sq m, while the number of car park bays would be raised from to more than 2,000 from 1,200, Azmi said.
The airport would also have more than 10,000 sq m of commercial space dedicated lounges for their passengers.
MAHB is also considering building an airport hotel and multi-storey car park art the site, but details on these have not been confirmed yet, he added.
A total of 13 commercial passenger airlines and nine cargo airlines currently operate at the Penang Airport, for domestic and regional flights.
Azmi also announced that a key road currently being used for vehicles to drive up to the airport’s present departure lobby will be closed from April 1 till the end of July to facilitate the renovation works.
He said the authorities have planned a temporary loop to be jointly used by vehicles going to the departure and arrival sections, as well as for public transport vehicles. Traffic will be regulated and managed by Rela, the police and airport officials.
Source : The SUN
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Monday, March 28, 2011
More South Indian Tourists To Land On Malaysian Shores
South India is poised to become a major source of tourists for Malaysia, with holiday-makers from states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, capitalising on the increasing air accessibility to Southeast Asian capitals.
With India's changing economic topography, plus the availability of cheaper flights, visitors from southern cities are increasingly selecting Malaysia as their value-for-money destination.
"South India is one of our focal points to draw tourists to Malaysia. It is becoming a favourite family destination, mainly due to the accessibility and shorter travel time.
"We are expecting a double digit growth this year from south India," P. Manoharan, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board director for India told Bernama today.
With over 60 weekly flights from South India alone, more Indians from cities like Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Tiruchi find it cheaper and convenient to travel to Malaysian tourist spots, compared to domestic holiday travels.
India's thriving outbound travel is forecast to grow at about 13 per cent annually, driven largely by the robust economy, which had boost up disposable income.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation estimates that India's outbound tourists would hit 50 million by 2020, as more Indians eye overseas holidays.
Last year, about 690,000 Indians landed on Malaysian shores. This year, figures are expected to expand by another 17 per cent.
"Friendly environment, cultural similarities and shopping are some elements that continue to attract Indian tourists to Malaysia. It is a potential market," added Manoharan.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
With India's changing economic topography, plus the availability of cheaper flights, visitors from southern cities are increasingly selecting Malaysia as their value-for-money destination.
"South India is one of our focal points to draw tourists to Malaysia. It is becoming a favourite family destination, mainly due to the accessibility and shorter travel time.
"We are expecting a double digit growth this year from south India," P. Manoharan, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board director for India told Bernama today.
With over 60 weekly flights from South India alone, more Indians from cities like Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Tiruchi find it cheaper and convenient to travel to Malaysian tourist spots, compared to domestic holiday travels.
India's thriving outbound travel is forecast to grow at about 13 per cent annually, driven largely by the robust economy, which had boost up disposable income.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation estimates that India's outbound tourists would hit 50 million by 2020, as more Indians eye overseas holidays.
Last year, about 690,000 Indians landed on Malaysian shores. This year, figures are expected to expand by another 17 per cent.
"Friendly environment, cultural similarities and shopping are some elements that continue to attract Indian tourists to Malaysia. It is a potential market," added Manoharan.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tourism Malaysia Strategises To Woo More Singaporeans To Malaysia
The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board has lined up strategies to introduce affordable new tourism products and packages to attract more Singaporeans to Malaysia.
Malaysia Tourism Singapore director Zalizam Zakaria said Singapore was a "very big and important market for us".
"It has always been the biggest contributor to our nation's tourism economy," he told Bernama after the launch of the Central Region Seminar and Travel Mart 2011, here.
Zalizam said Malaysia Tourism Singapore contributed nearly 53 per cent of the total tourist arrivals from Singapore to Malaysia, saying: "In 2009, we had about 12 million Singaporeans visiting Malaysia. Last year, the number was up by four per cent to 13 million." This year, he said, although the target set by the Tourism Ministry was only 12 million tourists but "I think we can match the same number or little bit higher than that."
Explaining that Singapore has only five million population and how did Malaysia received 13 million Singaporean tourist arrivals, Zalizam said this was because of repeat visitors. "On the average, at least one Singaporean goes to Malaysia 2.5 times. After two or three times, where do they go, that's why we have to expose new places for them. Our strategy now is to open new places and new products for them," he said.
Citing east coast states (Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang), Perak, Sabah and Sarawak as well as the rest of Malaysia are popular but were getting less visitors.
He said Tourism Malaysia Singapore was aggressively working with various state governments to woo Singaporeans to these places. Zalizam said Tourism Malaysia Singapore initiated this seminar and travel market last year by focusing on region by region.
"We started with the east coast last year and today we are organising the event to promote the central region comprising Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya," he said. He said the seminar and the travel market served as a fitting platform for tourism players from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya to meet Singapore travel and tour agents.
"The objective of organising this session is to allow the states to update their latest tourism development happenings and to introduce these new products and packages in their future travel itineraries," he added.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Malaysia Tourism Singapore director Zalizam Zakaria said Singapore was a "very big and important market for us".
"It has always been the biggest contributor to our nation's tourism economy," he told Bernama after the launch of the Central Region Seminar and Travel Mart 2011, here.
Zalizam said Malaysia Tourism Singapore contributed nearly 53 per cent of the total tourist arrivals from Singapore to Malaysia, saying: "In 2009, we had about 12 million Singaporeans visiting Malaysia. Last year, the number was up by four per cent to 13 million." This year, he said, although the target set by the Tourism Ministry was only 12 million tourists but "I think we can match the same number or little bit higher than that."
Explaining that Singapore has only five million population and how did Malaysia received 13 million Singaporean tourist arrivals, Zalizam said this was because of repeat visitors. "On the average, at least one Singaporean goes to Malaysia 2.5 times. After two or three times, where do they go, that's why we have to expose new places for them. Our strategy now is to open new places and new products for them," he said.
Citing east coast states (Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang), Perak, Sabah and Sarawak as well as the rest of Malaysia are popular but were getting less visitors.
He said Tourism Malaysia Singapore was aggressively working with various state governments to woo Singaporeans to these places. Zalizam said Tourism Malaysia Singapore initiated this seminar and travel market last year by focusing on region by region.
"We started with the east coast last year and today we are organising the event to promote the central region comprising Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya," he said. He said the seminar and the travel market served as a fitting platform for tourism players from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya to meet Singapore travel and tour agents.
"The objective of organising this session is to allow the states to update their latest tourism development happenings and to introduce these new products and packages in their future travel itineraries," he added.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Malaysia in top 5 for medical tourism
Malaysia is one of the world's top five medical tourism destinations for tourists and foreign investors.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said patients chose to come to Malaysia because they could get the best medical treatment at a lower cost.
She said Malaysia was also known for having internationally-recognised quality standards, extensive diagnostic and therapeutic resources, modern healthcare facilities and trained medical staff.
"The government now wants to spur the growth of the healthcare industry and for healthcare transformation under the 10th Malaysia Plan, we are considering key points where healthcare access, coverage and quality can continue to be improved," she said when launching the Asia Healthcare Operations Summit 2011 yesterday.
She said the government would focus on four areas, including transforming healthcare delivery, increasing the capacity, coverage and quality of healthcare structure, and shifting towards disease prevention.
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said patients chose to come to Malaysia because they could get the best medical treatment at a lower cost.
She said Malaysia was also known for having internationally-recognised quality standards, extensive diagnostic and therapeutic resources, modern healthcare facilities and trained medical staff.
"The government now wants to spur the growth of the healthcare industry and for healthcare transformation under the 10th Malaysia Plan, we are considering key points where healthcare access, coverage and quality can continue to be improved," she said when launching the Asia Healthcare Operations Summit 2011 yesterday.
She said the government would focus on four areas, including transforming healthcare delivery, increasing the capacity, coverage and quality of healthcare structure, and shifting towards disease prevention.
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Malaysia’s tourism appeal drops
Malaysia has taken a slight dip in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, according to a report by the World Economic Forum.
The 2011 report, which covers over 139 countries, showed that Malaysia dropped three places to 35th, after being 32nd in 2009. Its closest neighbour, Singapore, maintained its original position, registering at 10th on the index.
Malaysia’s other neighbour, Thailand, was ranked lower on the global travel scale. Thailand had dropped two places to 41st, while Indonesia had improved, rising seven spot to 74th.
The report also showed that Malaysia had one of the highest percentage of budgets when it came to travel and tourism. According to the report, Malaysia seemed to have one of the highest average travel and tourism investment spending as a percentage of GDP (gross domestic product) between 2006 and 2010. The country was second only to Egypt in terms of average investment spending as a percentage of total economy investment spending (between 2006 and 2010).
Even so, the large amounts of cash pumped into the tourism industry did not seem to change the country’s travel scene for the better, according to the report’s individual indices. Out of 139 countries, Malaysia was competitive in terms of tourism pricing (third). On the other hand, it was shown to be a rather unsafe place to visit (83rd for safety and security). It also seemed to have problem with health and hygiene (75th), and a lack of tourism infrastructure (74th).
According to the report, other matters also plagued the country such as environmental sustainability (64th), and ICT infrastructure and the availability of qualified labour (50th).
On the other hand, the country scored fairly well in terms of policy rules and regulations (21st), affinity for travel and tourism (17th) and natural resources (22nd).
The report also showed that the only clear edge that Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand had over smaller Singapore was their price competitiveness and natural resources. This may be due to the island nation’s smaller size and higher currency value.
Source : Malaysia Today
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Kuwaitis Often Tag Malaysia As Attractive Destination
Whenever Malaysia's name crops up at regular Kuwaiti family reunions or 'diwanya', it is with fond reference to interesting stories about the country.
Malaysian Ambassador to Kuwait Datuk Ashaary Sani noted that in lieu of the many initiatives undertaken by Malaysian authorities to lure tourists from Middle Eastern countries, the country's name seems to appear more often at the 'diwaniya'.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's attendance in the 'Invest Malaysia 2011' conference in Abu Dhabi late last month, was a clear demonstration of Malaysia's will to attract investors from the Gulf countries.
The conference saw Malaysia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signing the Framework Agreement on Economic, GCC, Commercial, Investment and Technical Cooperation, which reflects the significant increase in economic relations between Malaysia and the six GCC member states, namely United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.
Ashaary told Bernama which attended the celebration to commemorate Kuwait's 50th independence anniversary, 20th Liberation Day, and fifth anniversary of the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah's ascension to power, said the visit by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen in May last year also left a significant impact in the mind of the people here about Malaysia.
Noting that the size of Malaysia's trade with Arab countries, particularly Kuwait, was still relatively small, he said the potential to grow rapidly was always there. Ashaary said trade volume between the two countries from January to October last year reached RM1.7 billion, an increase of up to 41.12 per cent as compared to the previous year.
He said the various measures taken by Malaysia, such as promotional tours, development of various infrastructure to meet the needs of Arab tourists, invitation to access investment in Asean countries for the Middle Eastern investors, besides presenting itself as a Muslim country, sent a clear signal about Malaysia's invitation to Kuwait, whether for social or business purposes.
Attractive foreign exchange rates (one Kuwait Dinar is about RM13) also provides many advantages for Kuwaiti visitors.
Ashaary said Kuwaitis usually preferred a destination that provided everything, from a theme park, beautiful beaches, green forests, shopping paradise, to comfort for a variety of businesses. And, Malaysia provides these and much more.
The fact that the number of Kuwaiti tourists who visited Malaysia rose 15 per cent last year as compared to previous years, proved that the country's tourism sector has vast potential to develop.
In terms of business, Ashaary said Kuwait provided access for the entrepreneur to explore open markets in Iraq. He said investors could develop a base in Kuwait to enter neighbouring Iraq, the country which is currently under active development in the post-Gulf War era. Meanwhile, the prosperity of the Kuwaiti can also be a plus factor for anyone interested to visit an Arab country, to make a visit here.
Ashaary said the Malaysian community of about 200 people here, comprising students and professionals, enjoyed close relationship and always cared for one another.
He said the Malaysian Kuwait Association often held gatherings to bring families closer.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Malaysian Ambassador to Kuwait Datuk Ashaary Sani noted that in lieu of the many initiatives undertaken by Malaysian authorities to lure tourists from Middle Eastern countries, the country's name seems to appear more often at the 'diwaniya'.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's attendance in the 'Invest Malaysia 2011' conference in Abu Dhabi late last month, was a clear demonstration of Malaysia's will to attract investors from the Gulf countries.
The conference saw Malaysia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signing the Framework Agreement on Economic, GCC, Commercial, Investment and Technical Cooperation, which reflects the significant increase in economic relations between Malaysia and the six GCC member states, namely United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.
Ashaary told Bernama which attended the celebration to commemorate Kuwait's 50th independence anniversary, 20th Liberation Day, and fifth anniversary of the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah's ascension to power, said the visit by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen in May last year also left a significant impact in the mind of the people here about Malaysia.
Noting that the size of Malaysia's trade with Arab countries, particularly Kuwait, was still relatively small, he said the potential to grow rapidly was always there. Ashaary said trade volume between the two countries from January to October last year reached RM1.7 billion, an increase of up to 41.12 per cent as compared to the previous year.
He said the various measures taken by Malaysia, such as promotional tours, development of various infrastructure to meet the needs of Arab tourists, invitation to access investment in Asean countries for the Middle Eastern investors, besides presenting itself as a Muslim country, sent a clear signal about Malaysia's invitation to Kuwait, whether for social or business purposes.
Attractive foreign exchange rates (one Kuwait Dinar is about RM13) also provides many advantages for Kuwaiti visitors.
Ashaary said Kuwaitis usually preferred a destination that provided everything, from a theme park, beautiful beaches, green forests, shopping paradise, to comfort for a variety of businesses. And, Malaysia provides these and much more.
The fact that the number of Kuwaiti tourists who visited Malaysia rose 15 per cent last year as compared to previous years, proved that the country's tourism sector has vast potential to develop.
In terms of business, Ashaary said Kuwait provided access for the entrepreneur to explore open markets in Iraq. He said investors could develop a base in Kuwait to enter neighbouring Iraq, the country which is currently under active development in the post-Gulf War era. Meanwhile, the prosperity of the Kuwaiti can also be a plus factor for anyone interested to visit an Arab country, to make a visit here.
Ashaary said the Malaysian community of about 200 people here, comprising students and professionals, enjoyed close relationship and always cared for one another.
He said the Malaysian Kuwait Association often held gatherings to bring families closer.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Monday, February 21, 2011
Yahoo! lists Penang among world’s top 10
An online travel guide has picked Penang as one of the top 10 islands in the world “you must see before you die.”
Yahoo! Travel writer Gary McKechnie ranks Penang eighth on the list of the “must visit” places.Other islands listed are Bali, Vieques in Puerto Rico, Easter Island in Chile, Ischia in the bay of Naples (Italy), Chiloe in Chile, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Key West in the Conch Republic, Galapagos in Ecuador and Palm Islands in Dubai.
These destinations offered something that could not be found anywhere else, said McKechnie in his article ‘10 Islands to Explore Before You Die’ (http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-37926474).
He praised Penang as Malaysia’s food capital and suggested that visitors did their “food crawl” along George Town’s street stalls.
He recommended that foodies head to the area adjacent to the Kek Lok Si Temple in Ayer Itam to feast on delicious food of rice, noodles, fish, shellfish, chicken, pork and vegetables. He also suggested visitors try out lor bak, lok-lok and ikan bakar.
On the local architecture, he described Penang as having a range of modern high-rise buildings to 19th-century British architecture.
He also pointed out a mix of beach resorts, preserved mangroves, fishing villages, temples, mosques and churches.
“Kek Lok Si was the best example as the largest Buddhist temple in South-East Asia,” he said.
Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Egypt turmoil sends Saudi holidaymakers to Malaysia
A large number of Saudis are, according to the Kingdom’s travel and air industry, heading to Malaysia for their holidays and steering clear of turmoil-hit Egypt.
The Malaysian Consulate in Jeddah has confirmed an increase in Saudi visitors to the country. “There has been a 12.6 percent increase since 2009. A large number of Saudis traveled to Malaysia during the short break this year because of cheap airline tickets available online,” he added.
Malaysian Airlines estimated the number of passengers traveling from Jeddah and Riyadh to Malaysia to be around 1,500 during the first 10 days of February.
According to an official spokesman for Malaysian Airlines in Jeddah, a growing number of people from the Kingdom are opting to travel to Malaysia rather than Egypt and Lebanon. Malaysia was one of the top sought-after holiday destinations this season, he said, adding that “cost is also a factor.”
Malaysia is the preferred choice among many Saudis because of its relaxed and cultured Muslim background. “It has the best cultural mix of Islam and modernism,” said Marwa Hussein, a frequent traveler to Malaysia. “We get halal food everywhere and there is a lot to do for families. The beaches, parks and urban infrastructure make it a top destination for tourists.”
Many expatriates are also worried about traveling to Egypt. “I would not risk going to Egypt because of the political instability. Safety comes first,” said Lujain Ahmed, a Lebanese national who canceled a recent trip to the country.
Asked when she will travel to Egypt, she said, “Not anytime soon or in the next three months. Even Lebanon is not safe right now. We prefer to travel abroad for our short break. Most of our friends suggest Malaysia or Dubai, which is similar to the Kingdom and so you're at home away from home but with a lot more to do.”
Another visitor to Malaysia said the country is “progressive” in nature. He added that people find a wide variety of activities available in Malaysia attractive and that many people want to get away from the Gulf to experience a change of atmosphere. “You feel like you are in the Gulf because of the Islamic atmosphere but you know you have opportunities to discover life out of the Gulf, which is a great change,” he added.
“Tourist traffic to Egypt may only pick up after three months when things return to normal. The dialogue, decisions and implementation of the political verdict directly influences travel,” said a travel agent in Jeddah.
Travel agencies say people feel attracted to Malaysia because of the weather, the open-minded environment and wide choice of things to do. “Most Saudis see Malaysia as modern yet traditional,” he added.
Saudis traveling from the Kingdom to Malaysia can acquire visas on their arrival.
Source : ArabNews
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
The Malaysian Consulate in Jeddah has confirmed an increase in Saudi visitors to the country. “There has been a 12.6 percent increase since 2009. A large number of Saudis traveled to Malaysia during the short break this year because of cheap airline tickets available online,” he added.
Malaysian Airlines estimated the number of passengers traveling from Jeddah and Riyadh to Malaysia to be around 1,500 during the first 10 days of February.
According to an official spokesman for Malaysian Airlines in Jeddah, a growing number of people from the Kingdom are opting to travel to Malaysia rather than Egypt and Lebanon. Malaysia was one of the top sought-after holiday destinations this season, he said, adding that “cost is also a factor.”
Malaysia is the preferred choice among many Saudis because of its relaxed and cultured Muslim background. “It has the best cultural mix of Islam and modernism,” said Marwa Hussein, a frequent traveler to Malaysia. “We get halal food everywhere and there is a lot to do for families. The beaches, parks and urban infrastructure make it a top destination for tourists.”
Many expatriates are also worried about traveling to Egypt. “I would not risk going to Egypt because of the political instability. Safety comes first,” said Lujain Ahmed, a Lebanese national who canceled a recent trip to the country.
Asked when she will travel to Egypt, she said, “Not anytime soon or in the next three months. Even Lebanon is not safe right now. We prefer to travel abroad for our short break. Most of our friends suggest Malaysia or Dubai, which is similar to the Kingdom and so you're at home away from home but with a lot more to do.”
Another visitor to Malaysia said the country is “progressive” in nature. He added that people find a wide variety of activities available in Malaysia attractive and that many people want to get away from the Gulf to experience a change of atmosphere. “You feel like you are in the Gulf because of the Islamic atmosphere but you know you have opportunities to discover life out of the Gulf, which is a great change,” he added.
“Tourist traffic to Egypt may only pick up after three months when things return to normal. The dialogue, decisions and implementation of the political verdict directly influences travel,” said a travel agent in Jeddah.
Travel agencies say people feel attracted to Malaysia because of the weather, the open-minded environment and wide choice of things to do. “Most Saudis see Malaysia as modern yet traditional,” he added.
Saudis traveling from the Kingdom to Malaysia can acquire visas on their arrival.
Source : ArabNews
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Malaysia smashes arrivals record
MALAYSIA registered 24.6 million international arrivals and tourism receipts of RM56.5 billion (US$18.5 billion) last year, the highest numbers recorded to-date, surpassing the government's 2010 targets of 24 million arrivals and RM55 billion in tourism revenue.
Arrivals from India registered the highest growth over 2009 at 17.1 per cent, followed by South Korea (16.2 per cent), the United Arab Emirates (16 per cent), Iran (14.3 per cent) and Cambodia (12.7 per cent).
China was the only non-South-east Asian country in the top five arrival markets with 1.13 million visitors, an increase of 10.8 per cent over 2009.
Singapore maintained its position as the largest tourist-generating market for Malaysia with 13.04 million arrivals, followed by Indonesia (2.51 million), Thailand (1.46 million), China and Brunei (1.12 million).
This year, the Malaysian tourism ministry is targeting 25 million arrivals and RM60 billion in tourism receipts.
Source : TTG
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Arrivals from India registered the highest growth over 2009 at 17.1 per cent, followed by South Korea (16.2 per cent), the United Arab Emirates (16 per cent), Iran (14.3 per cent) and Cambodia (12.7 per cent).
China was the only non-South-east Asian country in the top five arrival markets with 1.13 million visitors, an increase of 10.8 per cent over 2009.
Singapore maintained its position as the largest tourist-generating market for Malaysia with 13.04 million arrivals, followed by Indonesia (2.51 million), Thailand (1.46 million), China and Brunei (1.12 million).
This year, the Malaysian tourism ministry is targeting 25 million arrivals and RM60 billion in tourism receipts.
Source : TTG
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Monday, February 07, 2011
New tourism slogan for Negri Sembilan
Return to Nature will be the tourism slogan for Negri Sembilan this year in line with other tourism packages of the state which are mostly nature-related.
State executive councillor for Tourism Datuk Mohamad Razi Kail said the slogan was aimed at enhancing the tourism sector in the state.
"The new slogan will be used to promote Negri Sembilan as an eco-tourism destination. This is because about 90 per cent of the state's tourism products is nature-related.
"We have beautiful beaches, mountains and forests hundreds of years old to explore. "It would be a shame if these bounties of nature were not promoted as an increasing number of tourists love eco-tourism packages," he said at a recent briefing session at the Tourism Malaysia office here.
Among the popular nature-related tourism products in the state are the Edu Eco-tourism Centre at the Sungai Menyala Forest Reserve in Port Dickson, Sungai Linggi in Rembau, Taman Alam Liar and Gunung Besar Hantu in Jelebu, and Gunung Angsi and Bukit Putus in Kuala Pilah.
There is also the popular Raptor Watch in Port Dickson, Scientific Expedition and Kenaboi International River Challenge at the Kenaboi Forest Reserve in Jelebu, and the Port Dickson International Triathlon.
Razi said it was time for the state to upgrade its tourism sector based on the numerous tourist spots in the state. He said tourists who selected tourism packages will also be introduced to the state's culture through the penginapan desa programme, which allows them to appreciate nature while getting a feel of kampung life.
To further enhance the eco-tourism sector products, he said the Tourism Ministry had allocated RM16.2 million under the Tenth Malaysia Plan for various projects.
These are to extend the Teluk Kemang beach front in Port Dickson, as well as upgrade the Ulu Bendol Recreational Park in Kuala Pilah and the Seremban Orchid Park.
He said RM12.6 million has been spent on past eco-tourism products in the state.
A total of 2.2 million tourists visited the state last year. The tourism target for this year is 2.4 million visitors.
He said the old slogan, Unique Culture, Popular Destination, will continue to be used for all state tourism products as it reflected the uniqueness of the state's adat perpatih practises
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
State executive councillor for Tourism Datuk Mohamad Razi Kail said the slogan was aimed at enhancing the tourism sector in the state.
"The new slogan will be used to promote Negri Sembilan as an eco-tourism destination. This is because about 90 per cent of the state's tourism products is nature-related.
"We have beautiful beaches, mountains and forests hundreds of years old to explore. "It would be a shame if these bounties of nature were not promoted as an increasing number of tourists love eco-tourism packages," he said at a recent briefing session at the Tourism Malaysia office here.
Among the popular nature-related tourism products in the state are the Edu Eco-tourism Centre at the Sungai Menyala Forest Reserve in Port Dickson, Sungai Linggi in Rembau, Taman Alam Liar and Gunung Besar Hantu in Jelebu, and Gunung Angsi and Bukit Putus in Kuala Pilah.
There is also the popular Raptor Watch in Port Dickson, Scientific Expedition and Kenaboi International River Challenge at the Kenaboi Forest Reserve in Jelebu, and the Port Dickson International Triathlon.
Razi said it was time for the state to upgrade its tourism sector based on the numerous tourist spots in the state. He said tourists who selected tourism packages will also be introduced to the state's culture through the penginapan desa programme, which allows them to appreciate nature while getting a feel of kampung life.
To further enhance the eco-tourism sector products, he said the Tourism Ministry had allocated RM16.2 million under the Tenth Malaysia Plan for various projects.
These are to extend the Teluk Kemang beach front in Port Dickson, as well as upgrade the Ulu Bendol Recreational Park in Kuala Pilah and the Seremban Orchid Park.
He said RM12.6 million has been spent on past eco-tourism products in the state.
A total of 2.2 million tourists visited the state last year. The tourism target for this year is 2.4 million visitors.
He said the old slogan, Unique Culture, Popular Destination, will continue to be used for all state tourism products as it reflected the uniqueness of the state's adat perpatih practises
Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Tourism Ministry Targets 25 Million Tourist Arrivals This Year
The Tourism Ministry is targeting an increase of 25 million tourists visiting the country this year, compared with 24 million last year, with a projected tourism revenue of RM60 billion.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said in order to achieve the target, her ministry would continue efforts to woo more visitors to visit Malaysia.
She said the efforts included continuing discussions with local and foreign airlines to provide more direct flights to major towns in the country.
"We may be able to meet the target by increasing the number of flights from abroad to the major towns like Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang or Melaka," she told reporters after attending a Chinese New year programme organised by the Tourism Ministry at the Dataran Raub, here Saturday night.
Dr Ng, who is also the Member of Parliament for Raub, hoped that this year there would be more tourists who would be staying up to 10 days, thus spending more in the country.
She said the ministry was targeting to woo more tourists from Russia, India, China, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland and the Middle East.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said in order to achieve the target, her ministry would continue efforts to woo more visitors to visit Malaysia.
She said the efforts included continuing discussions with local and foreign airlines to provide more direct flights to major towns in the country.
"We may be able to meet the target by increasing the number of flights from abroad to the major towns like Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang or Melaka," she told reporters after attending a Chinese New year programme organised by the Tourism Ministry at the Dataran Raub, here Saturday night.
Dr Ng, who is also the Member of Parliament for Raub, hoped that this year there would be more tourists who would be staying up to 10 days, thus spending more in the country.
She said the ministry was targeting to woo more tourists from Russia, India, China, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland and the Middle East.
Source : Bernama
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]
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