AirAsia to feature Visit Sarawak livery from next year

KUCHING: AirAsia will display the Visit Sarawak livery on its aircraft starting next year to promote the state's tourism campaign.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) CEO Sharzede Salleh Askor said the livery will depict a hornbill along with STB's new colourful Sarawak logo.

"This will be instrumental in promoting Sarawak as a destination full of life, vibrancy and excitement, with its many attractions and products in culture, adventure, nature, festivals and food," she said during the signing of a memorandum of agreement with Laduni Services Sdn Bhd for the livery here on Monday (Dec 17).

Sharzede said the livery will adorn one AirAsia plane flying regional routes for a period of two years, while seven aircraft will carry Visit Sarawak advertising on their cabin overhead compartments and tray tables.

"Visibility is a key word in the Visit Sarawak 2019 campaign. Aircraft livery is part of our strategy to create visibility in the domestic and international markets.

"We are also going strongly on digital platforms to reach out to travellers," she said, adding that the state was targeting five million tourist arrivals next year.

AirAsia non-executive director Datuk Abdul Aziz Abu Bakar said the airline looked forward to the partnership with STB and to help the state achieve its tourism target next year.

"I think it will not be difficult to achieve the target of five million tourists because Sarawak has so much to offer in terms of nature, food, culture and diverse ethnic groups.

"The key is that all stakeholders have to work together as a strong team," he said.

-thestar online.

Malaysia Tourism Target 2018, 2019 & 2020

-Tourism Malaysia.

Penang cruise tourism has been booming - Penang Exco

GEORGE TOWN, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- The Penang government debunked a news article, saying that cruise tourism in the state has been growing in comparison to last year.

The statement was a response to the news article published by The Star on Dec 1, stating that the number of cruise ships calling on Penang this year has dropped from 1,985 last year to 1,119 since end of October.

State Tourism, Heritage, Culture and Arts committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin clarified that while the number stated for last year was true, the vessels that called on Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) from January to October 2018 was 1,756, and expected to exceed 2,100 by the end of this year.

Yeoh also clarified that the number of total passengers from January to October this year was 868,060 against 985,739 in the corresponding period of 2017, in response to the article claiming that Penang had 1.2 million cruise passengers last year and lost 500,000 this year.

“The figure I have just given is for total passengers and not for just cruise passengers, so we are unable to ascertain how the figure of 500,000 stated was obtained,” he said in a press conference, here today.

According to the said article, the statistics was cited from a source in SPCT, but the name was not identified.

Penang Port Chief Executive Officer V. Sasedharan, who was also present during the press conference, said that only he had the source.

Sasedharan added that he had sent a letter to The Star publication last Monday regarding the misleading article.

“Since then, I have yet to receive any response from them,” he said.

According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) 2017 Asia Cruise Trends report, Malaysia is ranked number five in the Asian market, in which George Town, Penang ranked number one in Malaysia.

-bernama.

Local touch to attract more tourists

Amirudin, (back row, centre) Abdul Rasid, (next to him in grey jacket), Selangor Community Host graduates including Rubendran (sitting centre with glasses) and representatives from the Sabak Bernam District Council, Klang Municipal Council and Kuala Selangor District Council 

at the graduation ceremony.

LOCALS will know every nook and cranny of their hometown as well as the hidden gems that tourists often miss.

Rubendran Arumugam, 20, who wanted to popularise his hometown of Port Klang, enrolled in the Selangor Community Host Programme 2018.

He was among 21 people who graduated from the programme. Not only was he the youngest participant, Rubendran’s passion saw him topping the class and being awarded best graduate.

“There are so many things to discover in Klang and Port Klang but I always wondered why not many people promoted these attractions,” he said.

Rubendran, who found out about the programme through his uncle, said his father had often hosted visitors to Klang.

Together with two others from the programme, who are also from Klang, the team is discussing ways to better promote their district.

Rubendran, who is pursuing a diploma in mechatronics engineering, said he would continue studying while promoting Klang and Port Klang.

The six-month course began in March to educate and train community hosts to be guides so they will be able to promote heritage, culture and interesting places within their districts.

The first programme focused on three districts – Sabak Bernam, Klang and Kuala Selangor and included on-site teaching.

Participants learned about tourists’ consumption psychology, development trends in tourism, as well as local culture and heritage development, among others.

The graduation ceremony took place at Grand Bluewave Hotel Shah Alam, and was attended by Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari and Selangor Culture and Tourism, Malay Tradition and Heritage committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rasid Asari. The programme by Tourism Selangor was in partnership with Empire Putra College and supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry,

Abdul Rasid said with the programme, there were now tour guides, comprising local residents, who were especially needed in rural areas.“It gives visitors an opportunity to discover a district through a local guide. Nowadays, tourists are looking for unique cultural and historical value.”

Amirudin said people viewed Selangor as a place where they work and have little knowledge of its many attractions. He said the state had many tourism assets that could be better promoted.

Amirudin reminded graduates that learning does not stop after graduation.“You should explore what is available in your locale and find new attractions,” he said. Next year’s programme will focus on Hulu Langat, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Langat.

-thestar online.

“Malaysia Fantastic Deals” Launched

OFFERS VALUE-FOR-MONEY HOLIDAY PACKAGES TO MALAYSIA WITH MALINDO AIR
BOOKING PERIOD: 15 DEC 2018 – 15 JAN 2019
TRAVEL PERIOD: 1 FEB 2019 – 31 JULY 2019

CHENNAI, 11 DECEMBER 2018: The “Malaysia Fantastic Deals” package was launched today to promote more value-for-money holiday packages to Malaysia for tourists from India. The campaign was officiated by Tuan Syed Yahya Syed Othman, Director of Package Development Division, Tourism Malaysia, and and Mr. Manoj Mehta, Country Manager of Malindo Air.

The initiative sees Tourism Malaysia in partnership with Malindo Air and several popular hotels and a restaurant in Malaysia to offer a total of five packages catered specifically to the India market. The packages can be purchased through selected Indian travel agents based in Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta. Bookings are open only from 15 December 2018 to 15 January 2019 for travel to Malaysia between 1 February and 31 July 2019.

For the “Malaysia Fantastic Deals” campaign, Malindo Air, a premium Malaysia-based airline operating to nine cities in India, is offering a 10% discount on air fares from Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta. Meanwhile, industry partners Sunway Hotel & Resorts, Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa Langkawi, Lexis Hotel & Group and Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant KL Tower have come hand in hand to offer irresistible deals on hotel stays, services, activities and food and beverages for destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Port Dickson, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia.

Tuan Syed Yahya said, “We are proud of this partnership with some of the key names in Malaysia’s tourism industry, and believe that tourists from India will enjoy better value and have a memorable experience of Malaysia. These packages bring together the best of Malaysia’s islands and beaches, city, gastronomy and family-friendly experiences, and will provide a broader experience of Malaysia.”

He added, “We have seen such great support from our industry partners here in India and this campaign is our effort to acknowledge their support and boost their promotional efforts here.”

Chandran Rama Muthy, CEO of Malindo Air said, “We are honored to be part of this initiative with Tourism Malaysia in India, to promote our premium airline service from 9 cities in India to Malaysia. Our flights offer spacious legroom, in-flight entertainment, meals, baggage allowance as well as Business Class option. In year 2019, we are targeting a 12% incremental of passenger's load from India compared to this year. We believe this partnership will contribute in achieving our goal and boost the number of visitors to Malaysia.”

India has consistently been one of the top 10 tourist generating markets for Malaysia and has continuously made significant contributions to tourist arrivals and tourist receipts to Malaysia. From January till September 2018, Malaysia received 437,736 tourist arrivals from India which is an increase of 10.4% as compared to last year. As for tourist receipts, RM1.2 billion was received from India market from January till June which was an increase of 15% compared to the same period of last year.

Malaysia’s shopping branding is centred on the “Experiential Shopping” concept that promotes Malaysia as a fun and wholesome shopping destination, complemented by entertainment and recreation activities, gastronomic adventures, luxury services and visits to popular tourist spots. It is made possible by the support of more than 500 integrated shopping malls and retail outlets in the country whose numbers are increasing every year. Developments are in the pipeline for new retail and lifestyle hubs which will further stimulate Malaysia’s shopping scene.

-Tourism Malaysia.
https://www.malindoair.com/

Estate Run 2.0 2019 @ Yan, Kedah ( 26 January 2019 )

Dimaklumkan bahawa Tourism Malaysia Kedah dan dengan kerjasama Majlis Daerah Yan akan menganjurkan program ’ESTATE RUN 2.0 2019’ pada 26hb Januari 2019 bertempat di Yan, Kedah.

Untuk makluman, tujuan program ini diadakan adalah untuk memupuk kesedaran tentang kepentingan mengamalkan cara hidup sihat dengan bersukan di kalangan warga Malaysia khususnya para remaja melalui aktiviti larian dan dalam masa yang sama meningkatkan kesedaran dalam menjaga khazanah alam semulajadi.

Penganjuran Program ‘Estate Run 2.0 2019’  ini adalah kesinambungan dari program Estate Run 2018 yang telah diadakan pada 3 Februari 2018 di D’Belimbing Homestay, Kuala Nerang yang telah mendapat sambutan yang sangat baik dan ini juga merupakan salah satu usaha Tourism Malaysia dalam meningkatkan pergerakan pelancong domestik secara terancang dengan melancong melalui pakej-pakej yang dibangunkan oleh agensi pelancongan tempatan terutamanya yang berasaskan ‘adventure & nature’ kepada penduduk tempatan.

Tourism Malaysia Kedah berbesar hati menjemput semua untuk menyertai program larian ini yang telah ditetapkan pada 26 Januari 2019 (Sabtu), bertempat di SJK (C) Pei Eng, Yan, Kedah. Untuk makluman, wang tunai berjumlah RM500 telah disediakan sebagai hadiah kepada organisasi yang menghantar penyertaan terbanyak untuk program kali ini.

Pendaftaran peserta boleh dibuat melalui https://event.howei.com/event/estate-run-asia-2019.

-Tourism Malaysia Kedah office.

Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast NYE Countdown Party

To usher in the new year 2019 with a bang, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast is hosting a new year’s eve celebration.

Guests will be brought along a musical journey with none other than Malaysia’s sweetheart superstar, Yuna. With tunes to serenade and captivate, the Billboard artiste will be sending guests off into the new year with nothing but good music and good vibes.

Besides that, Live band and DJ will also be readying on the dance floor to keep your feet moving all night. Tickets are available for first 150 guests only. Other Terms & Conditions Apply.

-AirAsia RedTix.

https://airasiaredtix.com/hardrock-desaru-nye

The Phantom Of The Opera @ Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur ( Opens 15 June 2019 )

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. 

Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano – Christine , the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, the Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide.

Andrew Lloyd Webber ’s most famous musical is also one of the most successful in entertainment history, playing to over 145 million people in 150 cities across 30 countries. It is the longest-running show on Broadway, having celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018, and has won more than 70 major theatre awards, including seven Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards, including one for Best Musical.

The 37 strong international cast is joined by a full 12-piece live orchestra playing some of Lloyd Webber’s most memorable music, including The Phantom of the Opera, Think of Me and Music of the Night.

-TicketCharge.

https://premier.ticketcharge.com.my/shows/show.aspx?sh=TPOTO19

2018 Poised to Advance Tourism's Leadership among Top Global Economic Sectors

Madrid, Spain, 28 November 2018 – The latest figures on world tourism issued by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) show that international tourist arrivals grew 5% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2018. This reflects continued strong demand in a favourable overall economic context. 

All world regions enjoyed robust growth in international tourism in the first nine months of this year, fuelled by solid demand from major source markets. Asia and the Pacific led growth (+7%), followed by Europe and the Middle East (+6% each), Africa (+5%) and the Americas (+3%).

Despite comparatively slower growth between July and September, UNWTO estimates that destinations worldwide received 1,083 million international arrivals through September, an additional 56 million when compared to the same period of 2017.

2018 results to date are in line with UNWTO’s growth forecast of +4% to +5% for the year. The first nine months of the year usually account for about three quarters of total annual international arrivals, as they include the Northern Hemisphere high season months of July and August. For detailed results click here.

Positive growth in tourism earnings across most destinations

With few exceptions, preliminary data on international tourism receipts confirm the positive trend seen in arrivals, with particularly strong results in Asian and European destinations.

Among the top earners, tourism earnings in the United Kingdom were up by 12% despite a decline in arrivals. In Australia, receipts increased by 11% whereas France reported an 8% growth and Italy 6%, both in line with growth in arrivals. Tourism receipts in the United States, Spain and Germany went up 3%.

In Asia, China recorded a 21% increase in tourism earnings, with Macao (China) and Japan also leading results with 20% and 19% growth, respectively.

International tourism expenditure

Preliminary data on tourism spending for the first nine months of 2018 reflect increasing demand from major source markets.

The Russian Federation (+15%) reported the largest increase in spending and continues to recover strongly after some years of decline. The United Kingdom reported 10% growth despite a weak pound against the euro and US dollar, and tourism spending from France picked up 10% after some years of rather flat growth.

The United States, the world’s second largest source market, recorded a 7% increase in line with the performance of recent years while top source market China showed a minor decrease in spending in the first six months of 2018 as a result of the weaker Yuan.

-UNWTO.

LAMPU 2018 @ Putrajaya, Malaysia ( 28 ~ 31 December 2018 )

For the sixth consecutive year, Putrajaya will be hosting the Light and Motion Putrajaya 2018 (LAMPU) Festival, the most awaited international event held in the city.

With the signature Grand Projection Mapping show, the façade of the grand Palace of Justice in Precinct 3 Putrajaya will once again be transformed into a colossal background for the displays of fascinating multimedia effects and lively imageries using the state of the art lighting mapping technology.

LAMPU 2018 will showcase 25 exciting events and activities including colourful buildings illuminations, street performances, creative lighted gardens, illuminated free- standing structures, e-sports arena, holographic displays and many more stunning visual enticements.

-Perbadanan Putrajaya facebook.

Langkawi International Blues Roots Aseana @ Langkawi, Malaysia ( 28 december 2018 ~ 1 January 2019 )

The music festival is a public event in conjunction with 2019 countdown!

It offers a high-end Blues music with the participating bands/artiste from various countries i.e. United States, Australia, Iran, Philippines, England, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Singapore along with our Blues legend, Blues Gang and many other local bands/artiste.

Apart from the stage performance, we also have exhibitions and Malaysian traditional snack/ bars as the additional attractions. Activities such as hub competition, music clinic and pocket shows are the colors to the music festival.

-Langkawi International Blues Roots Aseana (LIBRA) facebook.

World’s leading low-cost carrier for the sixth time

Suhaila (fourth from left) and Audrey (fifth from left) accepted the World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline and World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew awards from World Travel Awards president and founder Graham Cooke (fourth from left), flanked by AirAsia cabin crew.

AIRASIA has been named the world’s leading low-cost airline for the sixth year running at the World Travel Awards (WTA) grand final.

AirAsia emerged top in the category after receiving the most votes from travellers and industry executives, ahead of Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Ryanair, EasyJet, Jetstar Airways, Norwegian Air, West Air, fFydubai, Air Arabia, Flynas and Fastjet.

The airline also took home the award for World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew for the second time in a row.

AirAsia Group cabin crew head Suhaila Hassan and AirAsia Group communications head Audrey Progastama Petriny accepted the awards on behalf of the company at a gala ceremony at Pátio da Galé in Lisbon, Portugal.

“In addition to a slew of digital initiatives, such as our Fast Airport Clearance Experience System (FACES) facial recognition boarding system and Freedom Flyer Programme, we have built up our customer happiness team to ensure we continue to improve on our ability to serve our guests, who demand friction-less, responsive customer support at a touch of the button on the go, and we are working hard to deliver that.

“We remain guest-obsessed as we evolve from an airline into a travel technology company. Our guests will always be at the core of everything we do, and we believe the various travel and lifestyle ventures we are working on now – from deals and e-commerce to fintech and logistics – will only serve to further enhance the overall AirAsia experience for them.”

Suhaila said: “We now have more than 5,900 cabin crew members from all over the world, including Australia, Brazil, Zambia and the United States.

“It’s amazing to see how far we have come, but what is truly incredible is to see that, despite this rapid growth, my colleagues have maintained the same passion for service that we had in the early days, and we are thrilled and humbled that our guests and our peers feel the same way too.”

The World Travel Awards is one of the most prestigious, compre­hensive and sought after awards programmes in the global and tourism industry. Established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across key sectors of travel, tourism and hospitality industries, the World Travel Awards brand is now recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

-thestar online.

Lekat logo VMY 2020 pada pesawat Malaysia Airlines

Logo VMY 2020

KUALA LUMPUR 4 Dis. - Syarikat penerbangan nasional, Malaysia Airlines dicadang meletakkan pelekat logo ‘Visit Malaysia 2020’ di setiap badan pesawat komersialnya bagi menarik perhatian para pelancong luar negara.

Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, Mohammadin Ketapi berkata, langkah itu merupakan satu daripada strategi bagi mencapai sasaran 30 juta pelancong ke negara ini pada tahun 2020.

Katanya, langkah itu juga dapat memasarkan dan mempromosi Malaysia di luar negara.

“Saya telah pun beritahu kepada ketua pegawai eksekutif syarikat penerbangan itu untuk membawa serta memasarkan Malaysia di luar negara. Tolonglah lekat logo ‘Visit Malaysia 2020’ di semua badan kapal terbang,” katanya pada sesi pertanyaan-pertanyaan lisan di Dewan Rakyat hari ini.

-utusan online.

Rally Of Terengganu @ Terengganu International Endurance Park ( 14 ~ 15 December 2018 )

The final round of the 2018 Championship makes its first visit to the East after more than a decade and it returns with sting in the tail. Lembah Bidong in Kuala Terengganu is the venue of the rally. Lembah Bidong is famously known for Equestrian endurance trails has some of the best horse riding trails in the region and has been the venue of the many international events; most recent is the 2017 SEA games where the Sultan of Terengganu won Gold in the individual endurance category. In December it will be the host venue to the latest edition of the Malaysian Rally Championship. The State of Terengganu has been the co-sponsor for the 2018 Championship in conjunction the state’s tourism program titled Beautiful Terengganu. With such a keen eye in promoting tourism to the state, the event has the full support from the local authorities. 

The event will be centered around Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP). The ceremonial start and finish, service park and rally HQ will be station here with the rally stages close by. The event will be good for spectators and competitors alike as everything is in a closed loop. 

A total of 10 stages with a distance of competitive driving totaling 107km and a short 38km of liaison stage totaling 145km are spread over 2 days. The stages are a mix of very technical and flowing stage reminisced of WRC stages. 

However the highlight of the rally is 2 km tarmac and clay surface stage. The unique feature of the rally is the compact beach sand based surfaces on the stage that’s a mere meters from the beach line. It’s a gamble on tire choice and ultimately the skill of the driver and co-driver to blast through the stage as fast as possible.

The final round in Kuala Terengganu has all the promise and ingredients of an interesting and challenging event. Be sure not to miss all the action.

- http://malaysianrally.com/

Festival Boria @ Politeknik Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang ( 7, 8 & 9 Disember 2018 )

JANGAN LUPA TEMUJANJI KITA DI FESTIVAL BORIA 2018!!!

Pakat Tang Sini. Festival Boria Pulau Pinang akan dilaksanakan di Politeknik Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang pada 7,8 & 9 Disember 2018 ini mulai jam 10.00 pagi hingga 11.00 malam.

Pelbagai aktiviti menarik menanti anda Jualan Food Truck, Fun Ride Kayuhan Boria, Jualan Pasar Tani FAMA, Pakej Pelancongan dan Pameran Homestay, Pelbagai Pertandingan Balik Pulau Idol, Penang Got Talent, Battle of The Band, Pertandingan Boria, Karnival Kerjaya dan banyak lagi!

-Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara facebook.

Datuk Musa Yusof Appointed As New Tourism Malaysia Director General

photo: Tourism Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA, 4 DEC 2018: Datuk Musa bin Yusof has been appointed as the Director General of Tourism Malaysia effective 3 December 2018. His appointment was announced by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi at the Malaysian Parliament yesterday.

He succeeds Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab who officially retired from the post on 2 December 2018.

In his announcement, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture expressed appreciation to Datuk Seri Mirza for his 36 years of service to Tourism Malaysia. 

He said, “We have lost a figure who has made great contributions to the growth of Malaysia’s tourism industry. We wish him all the success and hope that his vast experience in tourism will continue to benefit and elevate Malaysia’s tourism industry.”

The Minister also said, “I hope Datuk Musa will bring Tourism Malaysia to greater heights and assist the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in our efforts to achieve our targets. I also hope that under this new leadership, we can enhance the cooperation among all agencies under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Cutlure, and work together as one to achieve excellence.”

Datuk Musa joined Tourism Malaysia (known as Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia or TDC at the time) on 7 July 1990 as Assistant Director of Enforcement & Facilitation Division.

During his tenure at Tourism Malaysia, he took on several key positions including the Special Officer (Tourism) to the Honorable Minister of Culture, Arts & Tourism of Malaysia, YB Dato’ Sabbaruddin Chik (1997-1998). He was also the Director of Tourism Malaysia Paris office from 1998 till 2003.

His experience in Tourism Malaysia includes market development, corporate, international promotion, promotional support and domestic marketing. He was Senior Director, International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa) prior to his appointment as Director General.

Datuk Musa received a Diploma in Tourism Management from Schloss Klessheim, Salzburg, Austria. He also received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with International Business from the University of Southern Mississippi, USA.

He was granted the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka (D.P.S.M) with the titleship Datuk on 11 October 2013 by Tuan Yang Terutama, Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka.

Meanwhile, Dato’ Mohmed Razip bin Hasan is Tourism Malaysia’s Deputy Director General (Promotion) and Mr. Zulkifly bin Md Said is Deputy Director General (Planning).

-Tourism Malaysia.

AirAsia's Singapore to Ipoh direct flight takes off

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (third from right), Perak exco Tan Kar Hing (right) and AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat (second from right) welcoming AirAsia passengers from Singapore at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh

IPOH: AirAsia made its maiden direct flight from Singapore to Ipoh on Monday (Dec 3).

The flight carrying 166 passengers departed from Singapore Changi Airport at 11.40am and arrived at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh at 1pm.

On arrival, passengers were greeted by Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu. Also present were state Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing, state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Paul Yong Choo Kiong, Tourism Perak chief executive officer Zuraida Md Taib and AirAsia chief executive officer Riad Asmat.

“We strongly believe this service will boost the number of tourists in Perak. As such, we are working hard to make sure all the facilities are in good condition to welcome tourists to the state,” said Ahmad Faizal during a press conference.

AirAsia will be flying four times weekly between Singapore and Ipoh. “Since the launch of our Johor Baru – Ipoh route in October, we have flown close to 10, 000 guests in and out of Ipoh, including from China, Indonesia, India and Singapore.

“This new Singapore service builds on our efforts to expand our Ipoh network, and hope it will contribute to increasing tourist traffic in Ipoh as well as Perak,” says Riad.

Riad added that starting from February next year, AirAsia will increase its Johor to Ipoh routes to seven times a week.

On another matter, Ahmad Faizal said the state airport will undergo several upgrades including extending the airport runway. “We are going to extend the runway to 250m each, making the runaway 2.5km long.

“We have only used about 50% of the airport capacity and the state has received several suggestions from private companies to add more nearby attractions to the airport,” said Ahmad Faizal.

-thestar online.

Musa Yusof ganti Mirza sebagai KP Tourism Malaysia baharu

photo: Tourism Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR : Datuk Musa Yusof dilantik sebagai Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia yang baharu menggantikan Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab yang bersara semalam.

Tourism Malaysia dalam satu kenyataan media hari ini memaklumkan pelantikan itu dibuat Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.
Musa mula menyertai Tourism Malaysia pada Julai 1990 sebagai Penolong Pengarah Bahagian Penguatkuasan dan Fasilitasi.

Sepanjang berkhidmat dengan Tourism Malaysia, beliau telah menjawat beberapa jawatan penting termasuk Pegawai Khas (Pelancongan) kepada bekas Menteri Budaya, Seni dan Pelancongan Malaysia Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik di antara tahun 1997 dan 1998.

Musa juga pernah menjadi Pengarah Tourism Malaysia Paris dari tahun 1998 hingga 2003.

Pengalaman beliau dalam Tourism Malaysia termasuklah dalam pembangunan pemasaran, korporat, promosi antarabangsa, promosi sokongan, dan pasaran tempatan.

Sebelum dinaikkan menjadi Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia, Musa telah menjawat jawatan sebagai Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Promosi Antarabangsa Asia/Afrika Tourism Malaysia.

-Astro Awani.
https://www.tourism.gov.my/