Tourism Malaysia Eyes 70,000 Tourist From Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, March 10 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia aims to attract 70,000 tourists from Sri Lanka this year, where more than 200 events await them, its Deputy Director-General (Planning), Datuk Azizan Noordin said.

"Sri Lanka has always been an important market for us," he said. Tourist arrivals from Sri Lanka stood at 64,051 in 2013, which was an increase of two per cent from 62,821 tourists in 2012.

"With new products and destinations being promoted specifically for the Sri Lankan market, we are expecting 10-12 per cent increase which is close to 70,000 tourists," he told Bernama in an interview here, today. Azizan said the sales mission to Sri Lanka was the largest ever and the first after a four years gap.

He said although the primary objective of the mission was to strengthen Malaysia's standing as a dream travel destination, Tourism Malaysia was also looking forward to gathering strong support from both the Sri Lanka media, travel trade and airline fraternity for the on-going Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

"We have about 50 participants from Malaysia comprising hoteliers, event operators and travel agents. We have invited about 160 outbound travel agents in Sri Lanka," he said, adding that about 30 media personnel were also covering the event.

He said a wide variety of area were being promoted in Sri Lanka, namely, the F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix, CIMB Golfing Challenge, 1Malaysia Mega Sales, Penang World Music Festival as well as places like the LEGO Land theme park, KidZania.

"After the civil war ended, more Sri Lankans have started to travel, especially the affluent middle income and above, and Tourism Malaysia is working with various airlines to ensure Malaysia is in their radar," he said.

The focus area for Sri Lankan travellers were Klang Valley, Melaka, Penang and Langkawi, he said, adding that there were plans to promote other places as the market expanded.

"We are looking at promoting Borneo. The Royal Belum Rainforest is an exciting and new ecotourism destination to visit. We are also planning to promote the weekend escapade given the close proximity between Malaysia and Sri Lanka (which takes about three hours and 20 minutes by flight)," he said.

Azizan believed that three years from now Sri Lanka would also emerge as a potential market for Malaysia My Second Home programme, weddings as well as medical tourism.

"These are among Tourism Malaysia's plan for the Sri Lankan market in the future. There are great potentials here and we will move step by step in promoting Malaysia here," he added.

Malaysia's tourism sector continued to be a significant contributor to the country's economy in 2013. Tourist receipts were RM65.44 billion, an 8.1 per cent increase from RM60.56 billion in 2012. Tourist arrivals grew by 2.7 per cent to 25.7 million compared with 25 million in 2012.

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 is expected to see around 28 million tourists visiting the country and generating receipts of up to RM76 billion. From Colombo, the Sales Mission will move to India covering Kochi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and conclude in New Delhi.
-bernama.

Malaysia's Fung aims to shine for Team Asia in EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM

Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung is determined to shine for Team Asia and repay captain Thongchai Jaidee’s faith in him at the inaugural EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM against Team Europe later this month.

The 23-year-old Fung is ready to rise to the occasion in the Ryder Cup style showdown at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from March 27-29 against the Miguel Angel Jimenez-led European side which includes Graeme McDowell, Thomas Bjorn and Jamie Donaldson, who finished tied second at the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship on Sunday.

Fung said he enjoys the pressure of match play situations, especially when his first professional victory came at a match play tournament in Vietnam.

“My first pro win (in 2010) was in a match play event. As I was still a new pro golfer, I never thought I would win but I started winning all my matches. In the quarterfinals, I was three down through 13 holes but I told myself that I still had five holes to play and then I made five birdies in a row to win the match,” said Fung.

“I do enjoy playing match play. During my amateur days, I played for my state and country in numerous events and I think I’ve only lost one match during that time. There is so much pressure as you don’t want to lose your match and let the team down. But I like it.”

Thongchai, who finished tied sixth in the United States over the weekend, picked Fung and countryman Prayad Marksaeng as his two captain’s picks. Fung said it would be his ultimate goal to deliver three points for Team Asia in the fourball, foursomes and singles matches.   

“It will be important to win all my matches,” he said. “It will be tough against Europe but I’ll be determined to play my best. I’m really proud to be picked for Team Asia. I’m sure I will be nervous on the first tee in the first day of the event but I guess I’ll have to deal with it.”

Fung is ready to put up a bold front when he puts on the Team Asia apparel. The last character of his Chinese, Yung, means ‘brave’ and Fung knows he must show courage during the EurAsia Cup matches.

“As I’m a small guy, I need to show my fighting spirit. During my amateur days, the other players were hitting the ball much farther than I was but I made up for it by playing hard and with a good short game,” said the Malaysian, whose full name is Nicholas Fung Chee Yung.

“I am sure there will be a lot of local support when the EurAsia Cup starts. A lot of my family members and friends are already making plans to fly from Kota Kinabalu to Glenmarie to support Team Asia which will be great,” said Fung.

Last year, he won the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit following one victory and three runner-up finishes. He also finished tied sixth and runner-up at the Resorts World Manila Masters and Indonesia Open respectively to earn his Asian Tour card after finishing in 36th place on the Order of Merit, performances which caught Thongchai’s eye.

“My goal is to get into the world’s top-100 and then slowly move up higher. My aim is to win one tournament on the Asian Tour this year and also win on the Asian Development Tour as well,” said Fung, who is currently ranked 244th.

“With my full exemption on the Asian Tour, I can now play in Switzerland and Japan in the co-sanctioned events. It will be good experience for me. But right now, my thoughts are on the EurAsia Cup and to ensure that Team Asia wins the first edition.”

Tickets for the inaugural EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM are available for purchase via online and hotline. Golf fans can purchase tickets on www.ticketpro.com.my or call +603 7880 7999 for further details.

Tickets are priced as follow: Day 1 RM78, Day 2 RM78, Day 3 RM78 and Season Ticket RM158. Entry is free for children under the age of 16. Entry is free to all on March 26, Wednesday which is the pro-am day.

Each ticket will include a voucher for a free EurAsia Cup team cap. This can be redeemed on site at the EurAsia Cup at the Official Merchandise shop at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

The format of play for the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM will see five fourball matches being played on the first day (March 27, Thursday) followed by five foursomes matches on day two (March 28, Friday) and 10 singles matches on the final day (March 29, Saturday) at Glenmarie’s Garden course.

The EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour. Professional Golf Malaysia (PGM) will act as the local facilitator for the event.

Keep up to date with the EurAsia Cup at www.eurasiacup.com, www.facebook.com/eurasiacupgolf and @EurAsiaCupGolf.

Team Asia

Thongchai Jaidee (Captain, Thailand), Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand), Gaganjeet Bhullar (India), Nicholas Fung (Malaysia), Kim Hyung-sung (Korea,) Anirban Lahiri (India), Prayad Marksaeng  (Thailand), Koumei Oda (Japan), Siddikur Rahman (Bangladesh), Hideto Tanihara (Japan).

Team Europe

Miguel-Angel Jimenez (Captain, Spain), Thomas Bjorn (Denmark), Jamie Donaldson (Wales), Victor Dubuisson (France), Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (Spain), Stephen Gallacher (Scotland), Pablo Larrazabal (Spain), Joost Luiten (Netherlands), Graeme McDowell (N Ireland), Thorbjorn Olesen (Denmark).

-www.eurasiacup.com

World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship (WAITGC): Round One In Johor

JOHOR BAHRU, 10 March 2014 – The first round of the annual World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship (WAITGC) 2014 tees off today with the first qualifying round at and IOI Palm Villa Golf & Country Club and Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, two well-known golf venues in Johor.

The 4-day qualifying round of the 21st edition of WAITGC is participated by five teams from Australia, six teams from Brunei, one team from China, five teams from Hong Kong, two teams from Japan and one team from Malaysia.

The participants will first play at the IOI Palm Villa Golf & Country Club which is perfectly crafted for challenge and leisure. The resort offers a variety of golfing challenges at the 27-hole golf course and a comprehensive range of club facilities.

The tournament will then continue at the 6,271 meter par-72 Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club. The club offers an exclusive 18-hole international standard golf course designed by Australian golf architect, Ross Watson who applied the ‘risk reward’ design principle to the course.

WAITGC is Tourism Malaysia’s initiatives to promote the country as a top-of-mind golf destination in the region. It is played in Strokeplay gross for gross category and Stableford for the nett and senior category. The event has emerged as a well-regarded tournament and one of the highly anticipated golfing events on the golfer’s calendar. Since it made its debut in 1994, WAITGC has attracted more than 500 participants every year.

Besides testing the participants’ skills, this homegrown golf tournament also helps to promote Malaysia’s tourism attractions as it encourages the participants and their families to explore the many interesting sights and sounds in the country. As WAITGC is also open to members of the media, it consequently boosts the stature of the event and promotes Malaysia internationally as a desirable golf destination.

The World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship is managed by the Golf Club Managers Association of Malaysia (GCMAM) and sanctioned by the Malaysian Golf Association.
-Tourism Malaysia.

LET’S SHOP MALAYSIA – “So Much To Do, So Little Time”

Kuala Lumpur, March 2014 - Welcome to Malaysia, a shopping heaven of the East. With its eclectic mix of mega malls, vintage retailers, unique mom-and-pop stores, open air bazaars and markets, Malaysia offers even the most finicky of shoppers a run for their money when it comes to shopping.  Voted 4^th amongst 12 of the World’s Best Shopping Cities by CNN, Kuala Lumpur bested the likes of Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai and Milan in the stakes for the most gratifying and enjoyable shopping experiences. KL offers some of the best bargain opportunities, quality upscale stores, variety of brands and merchandises, city splendour, dining experience, accommodation options and world class services.

The shopping landscape in the major cities in Malaysia tends to extend from the city centres to the outlaying suburban areas, meaning shoppers can experience great shopping wherever they go. While malls like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Suria KLCC, Fahrenheit88 and Starhill Gallery are clustered together in the Bukit Bintang area of Kuala Lumpur, shoppers can still enjoy great shopping in the suburban areas of Damansara, Bangsar and Subang. Three of the largest shopping malls are situated in these areas, 1Utama in Damansara, Mid Valley Megamall in Bangsar and Sunway Pyramid in Sunway, with hundreds of retail outlets at each mall to satisfy one’s shopping obsession. The same can be said when one travels to Penang (Queensbay Mall, Gurney Plaza and Straits Quay), Johor (Johor City Square, AEON Tebrau City and Danga City Mall) and the East Coast of Malaysia, Sabah (1Borneo Hyper Mall) and Sarawak (The Spring).

There are also specialty malls and outlets worth checking out like Low Yat Plaza for gadget enthusiasts and tech savvy individuals, or Publika Solaris in Damansara for its creative and artistic vibes. Sungei Wang Plaza, one of the oldest malls in Kuala Lumpur is a fascinating place for shoppers to browse for 'all kinds of everything' from fashion and beauty items to gadgets, Japanese anime bookstores and fun kitschy gifts and souvenirs. Unique pieces of arts and craft are available at the Kompleks Kraftangan Malaysia, where some of the best craft products from all the States in Malaysia are placed under one roof.  But for those looking for rare and unusual objets de arts, head over to the streets of Penang and Melaka where old world antiques and traditional handcrafted objects are sold at reasonable and bargain friendly prices.    

Street bazaars and night markets or 'Pasar Malam' are also part of the Malaysian retail scene. The Malaysian night markets are open in the evening, usually in residential neighbourhoods around the country. One can find fruits, vegetables, snacks, attires, household items and ornaments sold at individual stalls and at low prices. It often takes place on only one to a few days of the week, as the traders rotate around different neighbourhoods on different days of the week. The street bazaars in Malaysia are also unique, with their many varied products and goods of every colour, shape and size. It is simple irresistible especially for bargain hunters. Some of the more famous night markets and street bazaars in Malaysia are Petaling Street (Kuala Lumpur), Batu Feringgi Night Market (Penang), Jonker’s Walk Night Market (Melaka), Satok Weekend Market (Sarawak) and Gaya Street Sunday Market (Sabah).

What makes shopping in Malaysia even more attractive are the three major Sales Events i.e. the 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale in March, the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival from June to August and the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale in November to December. The whole of Malaysia celebrates the Sales during these months and prices of goods are slashed to retail lows to please even the most discerning of shoppers. On top of that, Malaysia was also declared a Duty Free Destination in 2011, which means shoppers can expect to buy more varieties of imported goods and at better prices. They now pay less for items like perfumes, handbags, apparel, gadgets, rugs, bed linen, footwear, hats, jewellery and toys. Most luxury brands in Malaysia have also reduced their retail prices by an average of 20%.

The National Sales Events in Malaysia are usually supported by other thrilling events. As its name suggests, the 1Malaysia GP Sale is held nationwide every year in support of the Petronas Malaysia Formula1 Grand Prix. This year the 1Malaysia GP Sale will begin on 15 March to 6 April. At the same time, visitors to Malaysia can also get pleasure from the sales and exhibition of more than 50 brands at over 200 booths at the 5^th Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2014 (MISF 2014) which will take place from 27 to 30 March at the Kuala Lumpur Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC). This much anticipated ‘shoevaganza’ is set to feature established and up-and-coming local designers as well as renowned international brands, with offerings ranging from sexy stilettos, comfy flats and stylish pumps to trendy sneakers and classic leather wear. If swing is your thing, make time in your diaries to drop in on the EurAsia Cup Malaysia where you will see ten golf maestros from Asia and Europe pitting their skills against each other in a newly-launched team match play tournament. The event which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the European Tour is slotted to take place between 27 and 29 March 2014 at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club, Selangor.

Known as the ‘Mother of All Sales’, the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2014 which this year will run from 28 June to 1 September is a retail party celebrated nationwide. From coast to coast, malls and stores kick off with an itinerary packed with various activities, fun events, colourful performances and exciting contests- this on top of some of the best bargains you will find in the region. With the Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Eid festival and Malaysia’s National Day celebrations on 31 August 2014 coinciding with this sale period, visitors can look forward to a grand eight- week shopping spree where retail fun embraces cultural exuberance.

Penang was recently voted by Lonely Planet as a top culinary spot for 2014 and if this is any indication of what visitors can expect when they come to Malaysia, then the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia programme would be the ideal event to look out for. This programme is set to showcase the delicious and tantalising diversity of Malaysian cuisine for the period of three months beginning 1 October – 31 December 2014.  It is divided into several segments which are, the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival, Asian Food Heritage Trail, Street Food Festival and Restaurant Food Festival. So while enjoying the end of year festive shopping at the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale 2014 from 15 November 2014 to 4 January 2015, shoppers can also enjoy the delights of Malaysian cuisine from the various states in Malaysia and around the world.

If you are visiting Malaysia and Klang Valley in particular in March 2014, head for the Egyptian-inspired Sunway Pyramid Mall on 15 March where you can witness the grand launch of the 1Malaysia Grand Prix Sale 2014. Taking place at the LG2 Orange Concourse of Sunway Pyramid, visitors will be treated to a vibrant medley of cultural dances, busker entertainment, guitar and song performances by popular local artistes, an elegant fashion show and the star highlight- a display of a series of the sharp and sporty Lotus Supercars. A few of these cars will also be on display at the same area on 15 and 16 March for the appreciation and viewing pleasure of shoppers to the mall. So if you are in town for the Petronas Malaysia Formula1 Grand Prix taking place on the 28 to 30 March 2014, do try and arrive a couple of days earlier for a spot of shopping fun and therapy.

 

Ask any Malaysian why one should come here and the answer ranges from the diverse culture and mouth-watering food to the magnificent sceneries and landscapes, the warm and friendly people, the cities and natural surrounding and not forgetting, the great shopping experience! And with this year being Visit Malaysia Year 2014, tourists to Malaysia can expect events and activities to be bigger, better and grander. With additional events, activities and festive celebrations lined up to spark your imagination and interests, Malaysia welcomes the World to its shores.
-Tourism Malaysia. 

#Frequency Miri @ Beach Republic Miri ( 5 April 2014 )

Thank you for tuning in to the next FREQUENCY. #frequencymiri just keeps getting better. There will be 2 parts of the event, which are:

• The Carnival
• The Music Event

1. The Carnival will be held for 2 days, Saturday and Sunday (5-6 April 2014) from 9am to 6.30pm. It is a free admission, family friendly event, loaded with stalls, ranging from the big, fat, juicy burgers of Beach Republic to a sweet cotton candy booth. Contribute to our charity booths, Relax with a few drinks by the pool, enjoy the music from the outdoor stage on the beach and let the kids enjoy our fun carnival games, balloons, clowns, bouncers and others until the sunset. The carnival will resume the next day again with the same timings.

2. The Music Event is an adult only (18+) ticket entry festival. It consists of a great selection of local and international artists such as Heston (Toolroom Records, UK), Victor G (3 x Malaysian Pioneer Digital DJ Battle Champion, 1 x Asian Champion), Kenny Active (Koh Phangan) and also upcoming stars from Malaysia and Brunei such as Mr Ariffin (Malaysia’s No.1 Trance DJ) and K1 x Clique (MathLab) respectively. The event will have 2 stages, Outdoors (Wavelength) and Indoors (Spectrum). There are two ticket tiers, Standard Entry and VIP, both with Early Bird promotions. The Standard Entry ticket will take you to the Wavelength Stage whilst the VIP ticket will give you free access for both stages. Tickets are available at Beach Republic, Miri and online at www.airasiaredtix.com.

For updates, please follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram - EQ Beats or visit www.equatorialbeats.com for more information.

-RedTixAirAsia.

KITA 20FORTEEN CONCERT @ KL Live Kuala Lumpur ( 29 March 2014 )

-www.ticketcharge.com.my

Pourseyedigolakhour Creates History

KUALA TERENGGANU, Saturday - Tabriz Petrochemical Team's Mirsamad Pourseyedigolakhour was today confirmed as Asia's first ever overall winner of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) after the finals stage won by Astana's Andrea Guardini to bring his record of stage wins in the race to 14.

Pourseyedigolakhour celebrated the victory after some hard work by his team to keep his slim 8 seconds lead over second placed Merhawi Kudus of MTN-Qhubeka in the six stages that followed the queen stage of the race in Genting Highlands on the fourth stage.

"I am especially proud to be the first Asian rider to win the overall title in this race. After 19 years it has happened, so this is a big victory for me and for Asian cycling," said Pourseyedigolakhour, who also became the first Asian to win the Genting Highlands stage in LTdL.

"After the fourth stage in Genting, my team had to work really hard to protect the lead, especially in some very long stages that followed. So, I have to thank them."

Lithuania's Aidis Kroupis of the Orica-GreenEDGE team bagged the points classification win after finishing second to Guardini in the bunch sprint at Dataran Shahbandar in Kuala Terengganu to end the race.

Guardini registered his second victory of this year's race, which was also his Astana team's second of the season, to add to his victory in Stage Three from Kampar to Kuala Lumpur and extended his record on a day when four stage winner Theo Bos of Belkin Pro Cycling only strolled home in 58th position, not contesting the bunch sprint.

"This year I would have liked to get more wins, but most of the stages didn't suit my sprints. For me, I prefer to have a long straight to start my sprint at 200 or 250 metres, but this year a lot of stages had a turn at 100 or 50 metres before the finish," said Guardini.

"So those kind of stages suited Bos, who also had a strong team to put him in good positions. Today, when I had a chance in a sprint that suited me, I am happy to have delivered the win.

Irish champion Matt Brammeier of the Synergy-Baku team had already confirmed his mountains classification win after Stage 9 yesterday and was satisfied with the overall performance of the team from Azerbaijan, who made an impact with their continues attacks and with Brammeier's jersey victory.

Another team which made a big impact was South Africa's MTN-Qhubeka, who not only finished as overall team champions ahead of Tabriz Petrochemical, but also introduced the surprise package of the race in 20-year old Eritrean rider Merhawi Kudus, who finished second overall just eight seconds behind Pourseyedigolakhour.
-www.ltdl.com.my

Santai Travel - Keluaran Mac 2014

Santai Travel keluaran Mac 2014 boleh didapati di Kinokuniya, MPH Bookstores, Times, Popular, Borders dan Malaysia Budget Hotel Association sekarang.
-Santai Travel.

Johor Tourism Masterplan To Be Launched In Mid Year

photo: PelanconganKini

JOHOR BAHARU, March 7 (Bernama) -- The Johor government will launch a tourism masterplan in the middle of this year in an effort to chart the direction of the tourism industry.

Chairman of Tourism, Trade and Consumerism Committee, Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said Johor has 340 tourism products that could be promoted to local and foreign tourists.

"Pontian district is famous for Kukup Laut and mainland Asia's southern most tip while Mersing has beautiful beaches and islands for diving activities," he said after opening the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Exhibition 2014, here today.

The 10-year Johor tourism masterplan is expected to be launched by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin in May or June.

Tee said Johor recorded a total of 23.9 million foreign tourist arrivals last year compared to 22.2 million tourists in 2012. Singapore was the major contributor with 72.71 percent followed by Indonesia (9.05 percent), China (4.84 percent), Philippines (2.4 percent) and India (1.8 percent). He was confident that the number of tourist arrivals to Johor will continue to increase in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2014.
-bernama.

Travel Smart and Beat the Queue with MHkiosk

Subang, 6 March 2014: Malaysia Airlines is encouraging passengers to take full advantage of its MHkiosk facility to beat the queue at the conventional check-in counters in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). 

10 units of the MHkiosk are strategically located at the Departure Hall for passengers departing from Kuala Lumpur. These MHkiosk are in addition to the 36 existing common user kiosks which are located at the Departure Hall.   

Malaysia Airlines’ Director of Customer Services Dato’ Mohd Salleh Tabrani said, “Malaysia Airlines is driven to ensure a smooth journey for all its passengers. We are committed to implementing productive operational process and procedures that will benefit our passengers”.

“The MHkiosk installed at the Departure Hall between Door 1 and 3 is one of Malaysia Airlines’ initiatives which offer hassle-free and faster check-in process. This will ensure a better travelling and on-ground service experience for our guests,” he added.   

MHkiosk, a tablet-based kiosk which runs on the Windows platform was introduced on 15 December 2013 to enable passengers to shorten check-in time at the airport, if they had not checked-in earlier via the web. Since its introduction, more than 15,000 passengers have enjoyed a seamless start to their journey with this simplified process.

Passengers need only to follow 4 simple steps – enter the Passenger Name Record (PNR), update details of travel documents, confirm check-in and print the boarding pass. 

All passengers travelling on Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur can check-in via MHkiosk. Passengers with manual or stand-by tickets, those who require special service assistance, group bookings of more than nine passengers and passengers travelling to American destination will not be able to check-in via the MHkiosk. 

Passengers may check-in 60 minutes before departure. For more info on MHkiosk, visit Malaysia Airlines’ website at www.malaysiaairlines.com.

-Malaysia Airlines.

Langkawi gets spiffed up to attract high-end travellers

photo: PelanconganKini

Constrained by issues of sustainability and carrying capacity in the face of a rising tide of arrivals, Langkawi will sharpen its focus on the lucrative premium travel segment to attract more tourists.

Visitor arrivals to Langkawi climbed 12 per cent last year to reach 3.4 million tourists, surpassing the three million target intially set for 2015 in the destination’s 2011 tourism masterplan, according to Khalid Ramli, CEO of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).

“We are hence revising our 2015 target to four million arrivals,” he said. “However, tourism receipts are still below our aim of RM3.8 billion (US$1.2 billion), so this will be a critical year for us to reach targets.”

The chief executive remarked: “We need to look at high net worth tourists because (this segment) will give higher revenue with a smaller number.”

“We don’t want amusement parks on Langkawi…We are focusing on iconic projects, not mega developments.”

In line with this stance, Langkawi’s property pipeline consists of several luxury hotels such as St Regis and Ritz Carlton, which will boost the destination’s room supply from the current 9,000 to 15,000 by 2017.

In addition, a host of new tourism products including an inclinator to bring visitors up to the Langkawi Sky Bridge (reopening by this year-end), an eco-theme park at the Oriental Village, Premium Outlets and World Cab Museum are to be launched in the Malaysian destination.

LADA is also leveraging Langkawi’s natural appeal to attract more sports and eco-related events, with high-profile events like the IFMA Muaythai World Championship and Ironman making their debuts this year.

Meanwhile, LADA is currently in talks with airlines and relevant authorities to welcome direct flights from the Middle East, China, South Korea and India, revealed Khalid.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia Unveils New Ecotourism Destination To European Market At ITB BERLIN 2014

Minister of Tourism and Culture, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (front, second from left) and British naturalist Nick Baker (front, first from left) introduce the Royal Belum Rainforest as a fascinating ecotourism product to Europe market

BERLIN, 5 MARCH 2014: The Royal Belum Rainforest was officially introduced as Malaysia’s best-kept ecotourism secret at Europe’s largest and most prominent tourism fair, International Tourismus Borse (ITB) Berlin 2014 which began here today.

“We are introducing the Royal Belum Rainforest as an exciting and new ecotourism destination to Europeans for the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014. The Royal Belum is a relatively untouched forest complex, believed to have been in existence for over 130 million years, even older than the Amazon and Congo rainforests.

“With the growing interest in ecotourism, I am confident that the Royal Belum Rainforest will have an extraordinary appeal amongst tourists. This 3,000 sq. km complex of nature is home to over 3,000 species of flowering plants, including three species of the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia. 

“It is also the natural habitat for 14 of the world’s most threatened mammals including the Malayan Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Asiatic Elephant,” said the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

“To complement Tourism Malaysia’s promotions of the Royal Belum, a new series of ecotourism television commercials will also go on air in Europe. This publicity is a build-up to the global release of “Eco Malaysia,” a special National Geographic documentary on the Royal Belum Rainforest and ecotourism hosted by renowned British naturalist, Nick Baker,” he added.

Holiday Tours Malaysia, with the support of Tourism Perak, also launched a 7D/6N tour programme today called Two Valleys, Perak Man and The Lost World: The Royal Belum and Pangkor’s Jewels. Besides showcasing the Royal Belum State Park, the tour programme also highlights other natural and historical treasures of Perak. 

Part of the Malaysian delegation taking part in ITB Berlin 2014, Europe’s largest and most prominent tourism promotion fair, pose at the Malaysia Pavilion

The Minister of Tourism and Culture is leading a 120-member delegation comprising 59 organisations from  Malaysian tourism boards, state governments, hotels and tour operators on a 12-day VMY 2014 sales mission which has covered  the key European cities of  Amsterdam, Paris and Milan before coming to ITB Berlin 2014. Earlier, Tourism Malaysia hosted the VMY 2014 Travel Mart & Seminar and a VMY 2014 Evening reception for the European media, tour operators and invited guests in Amsterdam, Paris and Milan. 

Malaysia which has been an active participant at the ITB Berlin over the last 40 years since 1974, is the Convention and Culture Partner for the ITB Berlin Convention 2014 which is one of the highlights of ITB Berlin.

“Our participation at ITB Berlin 2014 is of special significance as we celebrate VMY 2014. We are equally proud to be the Convention and Culture Partner for ITB Berlin Convention,” Dato Seri Mohamed Nazri continued.

Minister of Tourism and Culture, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (centre) officiates the opening of the Malaysia Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2014. Malaysia is this year’s co-host of ITB Berlin for the first time, giving prominence to the destination at Europe’s largest tourism promotion fair.

The Tourism and Culture Minister also opened the Malaysia Pavilion at ITB Berlin showcasing the rich diversity and culture of the country and its innumerable tourism attractions, crafts and cuisine. Over 300,000 visitors are expected to converge at ITB Berlin.

Dato Seri Mohamed Nazri’s extensive schedule also includes media interviews with leading European publications and broadcast stations besides meetings with the travel trade operators and tourism organisations.

On an average, over 1 million tourists from Europe visit Malaysia annually. The Europe market is expected to grow by 14.1% in 2014, and contribute towards the overall 28 million tourists expected to Malaysia. A total of 418 VMY 2014 packages worth €56 million have been developed and sold by Tourism Malaysia and its partners in Europe. 

-Tourism Malaysia.

Big Bos Makes It A Hattrick

MARANG, Thursday - Theo Bos made it three victories for himself in the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2014 after winning another bunch sprint to take Stage 8 from Kuantan to Marang, covering 202.2km under immense tropical heat today.

Bos, 31, of the Belkin Pro Cycling Team beat Astana Pro Team's Andrea Guardini to the finish line with Androni-Venezuela's Kenny van Hummel taking third place after the main sprinters managed to avoid a big crash involving numerous riders 1.5km from the finish line.

"It's a good feeling to have won my third stage this year to equal our record of three wins last year. That was our target," said Bos, who also won Stage 2 and Stage 7 to bring his personal tally of LTdL stage wins to five.

Yesterday's win was also Belkin Pro Cycling's sixth ever in LTdL, only one of them delivered by a rider other than Bos, as Tom Leezer won Stage 6 of the 2013 edition, which ironically ended in Kuantan, where the start of today's stage was held.

"I was lucky I was able to stay on my bike although I was touched by some riders when the crash happened, but I was able to stay on my bike. I had a good lead-out from Greame Brown and again was in a good position to sprint for the win.

"We have two more stages which are flat and we have the opportunity to look for more wins, so we will see how it goes."

The big crash also involved yellow jersey holder Mirsamad Pourseyedigolakhour of Tabriz Petrochemical, but the Iranian's overall lead remained unaffected as the crash happened inside the final 3km and thus those involved were accorded the same time as the peloton. Pourseyedigolakhour has two more days to go to emerge the first ever Asian winner of the LTdL overall title.

One jersey winner could be confirmed in tomorrow's 111.1km Stage 9 from Bandar Permaisuri to Kuala Terengganu which offers the final two categorised climbs of this year's race.

Synergy-Baku's Irish champion Matt Brammeier is the only jersey holder that remains from Stage 1 and will seal the victory in the mountains classification should he remain in the lead after tomorrow's stage.

Brammeier has 34 points, leading United Healthcare's ISaac Bolivar by just three points and Pourseyedigolakhour is nine points adrift as the mountains classification battle closes tomorrow.

Lithuania's Aidis Kroupis of the Orica-GreenEDGE team remained in the points classification lead, just two points ahead of Michael Kolar of Tinkoff-Saxo and nine ahead of Bos.
-www.ltdl.com.my

Datai brand expands into Johor

Destination Resorts & Hotels (DRH) has disbanded its hotel management arm Archipelago Hotels & Resorts but its plans to export “the art of Malaysian hospitality” lives on through Datai Hotels & Resorts.

The brand, whose roots lie in the sole Datai property in Langkawi, will soon enter Johor as part of DRH’s integrated development Desaru Coast, which comprises four hotels, two golf courses, two ocean themeparks, a waterfront retail and lifestyle village and a hospitality, tourism and culinary arts school.

General manager of The Datai, Langkawi, Anthony Sebastian, has been seconded to oversee the opening of two Datai hotels in Desaru Coast – the five-star Datai Desaru and four-star family-oriented theme hotel, Anak Datai. The Daily understands a new GM is being sought for The Datai, Langkawi. The other two hotels in Desaru Coast are an Amanresort and a Sheraton, the latter with an adjoining convention centre.

But tour operators said it is debatable if The Datai, Langkawi, with its unique architecture, secluded beach and lush rainforest, can be replicated and if the name Datai has enough recall beyond its loyal following to be a global brand. Sixty per cent of The Datai, Langkawi’s clientele are upmarket UK visitors.

Sebastian, who is also DRH’s senior vice president-hotel management, said: “Datai’s DNA is not difficult to transport. The Datai, Langkawi is not just about location. Its core value actually is the staff – they make the resort what it is today. I’ve seen this for myself and I’ve heard this feedback from every single guest. So, it’s a question of transporting the service culture (to other Datai resorts) through having the right people and through training, so that there is consistency.

“Of course Datai Desaru will not have the same setting as The Datai, Langkawi but clients will find the same peacefulness and tranquility as in The Datai, Langkawi, and the same treatment by staff who know how to care for them and make them feel they are at home.”


Sebastian added he has been helping to set up policies and procedures for the two properties, while training and trial runs have started. Apart from the two Datai hotels in Desaru Coast, DRH is looking at other destinations, including London and Dubai, for potential expansion of the brand.

Asked why there are so few Malaysian hotel brands with regional or global footprint, Sebastian said it might be due to a lack of confidence and difficulty in finding talent.

DRH, owned by Khazanah Nasional, the investment arm of the Malaysian government, seeks to redress that with Datai Hotels & Resorts and by being the catalyst for the development of premier integrated resorts such as Desaru Coast. The project will open in phases, beginning with the golf courses in April, up to 2016.

-TTG Asia.

Raptor Watch 2014 Takes Flight In Tanjung Tuan This Weekend

www.mns.my

PORT DICKSON, March 6 (Bernama) -- Raptor Watch 2014, the country's largest and most popular eco-tourism event, will take flight at the PNB Ilham Resort near here this weekend.

Entering its 15th year, the event on March 8 and 9 is organised by Malaysia Nature Society (MNS), with support from the Melaka and Negeri Sembilan governments.

Raptor Watch 2014 is aimed at raising awareness on the need for conservation of birds of prey and their habitat. The habitats of raptors, which include hawks, eagles, falcons, vultures and owls, span six continents.

Tanjung Tuan near here is an important raptor migration stopover and crossover site as tens of thousands of raptors journey during the winter season, from the freezing northern hemisphere to the warm southern hemisphere and vice-versa.

MNS-Bird Conservation Council member Lim Kim Chye said events like the Raptor Watch brought about more awareness and the people together to understand and protect the natural heritage. He said MNS was heartened that the Melaka and Negeri Sembilan Governments, as well as Tourism Malaysia were joining forces to promote the eco-tourism event. He added that this year's Raptor Watch promised to be exciting and evenful.

"One of the biggest attractions will be the popular Raptor Hunt 2014 which is organised by MNS, with the support of Air France, the official flight for Raptor Watch 2014. Winners of the Raptor Hunt 2014 stand a chance to win tickets to Paris," he said in a statement here Thursday.

In November, Lim said, Malaysia would play host to the Asian Bird Fair promoted by the ABF Network, of which MNS was founder-member.

Since the first Raptor Watch in 2000, the event has attracted local and foreign visitors, and proven to be an important tourist magnet, as well. Local hotels and resorts have benefited tremendously, in terms of the tourism ringgit.
-bernama.