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]
Monday, January 01, 2007
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]
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