Monday 31 December 2018

Dr Mahathir officiates Putrajaya signage


PUTRAJAYA, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today unveiled the ‘Putrajaya’ signage, the latest landmark at the federal government’s administrative centre.

With Perdana Putra, which houses the Prime Minister’s office in the background, the signage, in the form of letters – P, U, T, R, A, J, A, Y and A – and built using stainless steel, has colourful graphic images that also features the Jalur Gemilang.

The ceremony was held at Dataran Putra, Precinct 1 here and was also attended by Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) president Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim.

According to Aminuddin, the signage was inspired by young PPj officers as a manifestation of the entirety of Putrajaya as the federal government’s administrative centre.

He said the building of the signage was among plans to enliven Putrajaya that were tabled to the prime minister last Dec 12.

“Alhamdulillah, we were able to build it within a short time and Dataran Putra, where development of Putrajaya started, was chosen as its location,” he said.

Aminuddin said the graphic image on the letters would be changed every six months based on the theme of the current event.


“The prime minister is very happy and satisfied with the design and wants more ideas to be implemented to make Putrajaya cheerful,” he added.

- BERNAMA.

E-brochure to boost tourism

The Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge will feature in the electronic brochure and Facebook site, allowing both foreign and local fishing enthusiasts to book the dates. — Filepic

KUANTAN: The publication of “Salam Pantai Timur Highlights 2019” electronic brochure will help boost the tourism industry, including highlighting the latest products in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.

Tourism Malaysia (East Coast region) director Dr Zaliha Zainuddin said links to the publication, accessible on Tourism Malaysia’s east coast region Facebook site, would allow tourists to decide on their vacation plans for the year.

“This move is to enhance the initiative of promoting tourism in line with technological advances. There will be monthly updates on the Facebook site.

“The content also covers the dates of tourism events so visitors can make choices on selecting the dates and events and plan their trips,” she said after officiating the East Coast Region Tourism Highlights (ECRTH) 2018/2019 here.

In citing Pahang as an example, Zaliha said the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge in Cherating and Tioman Island would be featured in the electronic brochure and Facebook site, allowing both foreign and local fishing enthusiasts to book the dates.

She said tourism authorities in the east coast gathered travel industry players to identify and update existing products and to improve weaknesses in the industry.

Meanwhile, Idros said works on upgrading the suspension bridge at Taman Negara in Kuala Tahan, Jerantut, would be completed within three years.

He said the government provided an allocation of RM4.2mil for the bridge which would have a new route over a longer distance.

“The current route is 550m-long and has been recognised as the world’s longest suspension bridge. When completed, it may reach between 750m and 950m,” said Idros.


The additional distance was to enable visitors to appreciate the beauty of Taman Negara and to give them an experience that they would not find elsewhere, he said, adding that upgrading work was also done without felling trees to protect and preserve the environment.
– Bernama/thestar.
Tourism Malaysia e-brochures http://ebrochures.malaysia.travel/

Sunday 30 December 2018

World Amateur Championships set for Sabah

An aerial view of the Nexus Resort Karambunai

THE 25th staging of the global final of the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) is set to be held in Sabah from Oct 19 to 26, 2019.

Isac Saminathan, managing director of Delta Trend Golf & Leisure Holidays Sdn Bhd, the organisers of the event, confirmed that Sutera Harbour Marina Golf & Country Club, Sabah Golf & Country Club, Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club and Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai will be the four host venues in the week-long event.

He said the planning and preparations for the world final are under way.
Saminathan said they were grateful to car company Perodua for taking over as the tournament’s title sponsor seven years ago.

“And we are also thankful to the other agencies who have stepped in to support the event, namely Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Johor, KBS, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), as well as several other stakeholders who have played a vital role especially at the 2018 world final in Johor.”

Saminathan was appointed president of the World Amateur Golfers Championship for the next five years, with the mandate to manage the world final from a global perspective and help more countries get involved.

He added that there were 40 countries currently registered to participate in the 2019 event.

“This is not an easy task but one that requires a global outlook,” he said. “It is my desire and goal to ensure that the WAGC retains its premier position on the global calendar.”

The annual tournament was started in 1995 and has inspired many amateur golfers around the world by providing them a platform to compete in an international event.


“The WAGC gives amateurs the chance to represent their respective countries in a world championship final, individually as well as in a team,” said Saminathan.
-thestar online.
https://www.worldgolfers.com/

Saturday 29 December 2018

8th World Summit On Arts & Culture @ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( 11 ~ 14 March 2019 )


Mobile Minds: Culture, Knowledge and Change

The times in which we live are marked by profound and ongoing transformation. Globalisation, technology, climate change, and migration reshape societies, create complex challenges and invite new solutions. The 8th World Summit on Arts and Culture will bring together leading policy makers, researchers, managers and practitioners from the arts and culture sector from around the world to address these issues and examine how governments, cultural organisations, creative practitioners, and citizens can – and do – work together to actively lead change.

The official language of the Summit is English. Where possible, we will provide translation into Spanish and French


Co-hosted by the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia and the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA), the 8th World Summit is expected to attract arts leaders and key policy makers from around the world.
- https://www.artsummit.org/

Friday 28 December 2018

Malaysia Welcomes Charter Flight From Kazakhstan To Langkawi


LANGKAWI, 27 DECEMBER 2018: A total of 226 tourists from Almaty, Kazakhstan, arrived at Langkawi International Airport on a charter flight at 9.30 am today to begin their 9-day tour of Langkawi. They will indulge in the island’s best experiences by visiting places of interest and savouring local delicacies. 

The Kazakhstan-Langkawi charter flight service is a result of a collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) with Kompas Tour Operator, one of the main tour operators in Central Asia.

The collaboration sees a total of three charter flights operating between Almaty and Langkawi. 

The first charter flight, which arrived today, was welcomed by the Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia (Promotion) Dato' Mohmed Razip Hasan, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Management) Tuan Haji Mohd Asri Redha bin Abdul Rahman and Embassy Alliance Managing Director, Michael Mitryakov. 

The second and third flights are scheduled to arrive on 4 January and 14 January 2019 respectively. Malaysia is eyeing to welcome a total of 705 passengers from Kazakhstan to Langkawi during this winter season through this charter flight service. The Boeing 757-200 model flight with expected capacity of 235 passengers per flight, operated by Sunday Airlines, will carry all passengers to Langkawi.

In 2017, Malaysia welcomed 12,577 tourists from Kazakhstan. As of October 2018, tourist arrivals from Kazakhstan registered a total of 11,302, an increase of 10.0% compared with corresponding period last year.
-Tourism Malaysia.

Thursday 27 December 2018

Majlis Rumah Terbuka Malaysia - KRISMAS 2018 @ Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu ( 29 Disember 2018 )


Tarikh: 29 Disember 2018 (Sabtu)
Masa: 10.00 pagi ~ 11.30 madam
Tempat: Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Aktiviti Menarik:
- Fiesta Food Truck
- Pameran Dari Pelbagai Agensi
- Jualan Rakyat
- Pelbagai Makanan Tempatan & Tradisional
- Persembahan Kesenian
- Persembahan Artis Terkenal

-MOTAC.

Tuesday 25 December 2018

Kedah to host Red Eagle Tour 2019 cycling event

(From left) Master Pacer Venture and Red Eagle Tour chief executive officer Noraidiazhar Sulaiman, Mohd Asmirul and Mentri Besar Kedah Incorporated chief executive officer Dr Mahadi Mohamad at the launch of the event.

KEDAH aspires to be a sports tourism hub in the northern region by hosting the Red Eagle Tour 2019 cycling event.

The cycling event will be one of the state’s many sports tourism activities aimed at creating a positive impact on Kedah’s economic development.

Organised by Master Pacer Venture, Red Eagle Tour 2019 will be held from April 23-27 and will see participation from 120 local and international cyclists.

Master Pacer Venture is renowned for organising cycling events such as Le Tour de Langkawi, Jelajah Malaysia, Tour De Selangor and KL State & National Team Cycling Rider.

“We hope to mould amateur young cyclists as well as improve the quality of the sport while promoting scenic routes in Kedah.

“The collaborative effort between Master Pacer Venture and the state in organising this event will also complement the government’s efforts to attract tourists under Visit Malaysia 2020,” added Mohd Asmirul.

Red Eagle Tour 2019 will be one of the many platforms to promote sports development, culture and the tourism industry to a new level as well as create new opportunities which will propel Kedah to become a sports tourism powerhouse.

The pre-event to Red Eagle Tour 2019 will be held on Jan 12 and 13 featuring a 7km Fun Run, 40km Fun Ride and 160km Century Ride.

The main event will cover a cycling distance of 750km.

A total of 20 teams will participate, of which there will be six cyclists in a single team contesting in five stages crossing five districts of Kedah.

Those interested to participate, can register at www.racexasia.com
-thestar online.

Monday 24 December 2018

Decorations put up as prelude to Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in February

(From left) Nur Izzati taking a selfie with Wong, Yeoh, Gooi and Ooi after the launching of ‘The Path’ at a sidewalk of the Esplanade in Penang.

THE presence of little, glowing baubles hung up at the Esplanade in Penang is an unmistakable sign that hot air balloons will soon be back in town.

As a prelude to the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in February, tourists on their evening walk along Light Street are now treated to colourful selfie opportunities beside the Esplanade field with 700 little hot air balloon paper crafts hanging overhead.

Dubbed ‘The Path’ of Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2019, they are lit up like lanterns from 7.30pm to midnight every day until March 14.

Another 400 paper craft hot air balloons will be displayed at the Butterworth Art Walk on the mainland from Dec 30 to March 30. All the crafts were made by children of up to 12 years old.

The fiesta is returning for the fifth year on Feb 9 and 10, which happens to be the fifth and sixth days of Chinese New Year.

State Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, who launched the lighting up ceremony, said the fiesta would feature 15 local and international hot air balloons over two days from 7am to 9.30pm at Polo Ground.

He added that the public could look forward to participating in family-friendly activities, creative workshops and many other exciting activities during the event.

“The Path of Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is a platform to showcase children’s creativity and create a place for the public to enjoy the beautifully lit paper balloons and take memorable photos together,” he said adding that Esplanade had always been a favoured recreational spot.

Meanwhile, Yeoh said a project to restore the 135-year-old ‘Fountain Garden’, located next to Town Hall, was nearing completion.

He said the North Seafront master plan was a comprehensive project divided into 10 different zones including Dewan Sri Pinang, two food courts, Fort Cornwallis, the clock tower as well as Town Hall and City Hall, which were being undertaken progressively.

Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2019 is organised by AKA Balloons Sdn Bhd and funded by the state government with the cooperation of Penang Island City Council, Seberang Prai Municipal Council and Penang Global Tourism.


Also present were state Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, AKA Balloons Sdn Bhd’s Nur Izzati Khairudin and TLM Event managing director Jack Wong.
-thestar online.

Guru bawa pulang RM20,000

Juara pertandingan memancing, Abdul Rahman Yahya, 42 (empat dari kiri) bersama pemenang kedua dan ketiga sempena Pertandingan Memancing Port Dickson Surfcasting Challenge 2018 di Pantai Bagan Pinang, Port Dickson. - Foto Mohd Khidir Zakaria

PORT DICKSON: Seorang guru membawa pulang RM20,000 selepas muncul juara Pertandingan Memancing Port Dickson Surcasting Challenge 2018 di Pantai Bagan Pinang, di sini, hari ini.

Guru dari Rembau itu, Abdul Rahman Yahya, 42, berjaya menaikkan ikan Gerung Belang seberat 3.54 kilogram (kg).


Katanya, ini kemenangan hadiah RM20,000 kali kedua selepas Mei lalu di Pantai Putri, Melaka.


“Mungkin sudah rezeki saya, namun hadiah wang tunai ini akan saya kongsikan bersama sahabat baik saya yang turut sama memancing.

“Saya pun tidak sangka dapat mendaratkan ikan Gerung Belang yang diketahui jarang bermain di pantai.

“Tiada rahsia, cuma saya beralih ke sebelah kanan hujung sekali, lokasi yang tak ramai peserta akhirnya umpan mengena pada jam 12.15 tengah hari,” katanya.

Tempat kedua dimenangi Ismadi Dolit, 25, dari Kuala Sungai Baru, Melaka selepas berjaya menaikkan ikan Todak seberat 1.8 kg dan menggondol RM6,000 dan ketiga, Badeli Shah Ngadimin, 47, dari Muar, Johor selepas menaikkan ikan Daun Baru seberat 1.02 kg.

Sementara itu, Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Port Dickson (MPPD), Mohd Zamri Mohd Esa, berkata seramai 1,058 peserta menyertai pertandingan memancing kali ini.

“Sudah lama Port Dickson tidak menganjurkan pertandingan memancing dan kali ini kita mengadakannya sempena cuti sekolah.

“Kemungkinan ini akan dijadikan acara tahunan dan kita mahu menaikkan kembali nama Port Dickson sebagai ikon kepada kaki pancing dari seluruh negara.

“Mungkin tahun depan, hadiah pun akan ditingkatkan bagi menarik lebih ramai peminat aktiviti memancing ini,” katanya.

Hadir sama, Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia merangkap Pengerusi Koperasi Kakitangan Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Malaysia, Datuk Musa Yusof dan Pengurus Program, Md Zali Kasnin.
-BH Online.

Five million tourists expected for Visit Sepang Year 2020

Abdul Rashid (third from left) and Muhammad Hafiz (second from left)
holding a tray of nasi ambeng at the soft launch in klia2.

SEPANG Municipal Council (MPSepang) is targeting to receive five million tourists during Visit Sepang Year 2020 as it will bring in RM5bil in income. 

“We are forming a special committee to carry out programmes for Visit Sepang Year 2020.

“These will include promoting Sepang as a shopping destination, sale of dragon fruit, organising cultural and beach festivals, a run as well as a river cruise,” he said.

MPSepang deputy president Muhammad Hafiz Shaari said the objective of having Visit Sepang Year 2020 was part of its other initiatives under the 2016-2020 MPSepang Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development. 

Selangor Culture, Tourism, Malay Customs and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari said Visit Malaysia Year 2020 would also be held simultaneously, and that 36 million visitor arrivals and RM168bil in tourism income were expected.

“We anticipate about 10 million tourists to visit Selangor in 2020, as the state has two international airports.

“Selangor has many products and services to offer and among those are eco, sports and medical tourism,” he said.

Cultural dance performances were held during the soft launch and there were booths that showcased interesting products from Sepang.
-thestar online.

Sunday 23 December 2018

Ministry to promote local craft products

Local goods: Mohamaddin (white shirt) looking at a locally-made product at the launch of the Johor Craft Festival 2018.

JOHOR BARU: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is targeting RM500mil worth of sales from local art products by the end of 2019.

Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said the ministry was identifying the products that would be sold and displayed in 37 tourism offices worldwide.

“As of Nov 30, our craft industry has managed to rake in RM465mil,” he said.
“We recently visited our tourism office in London and so far the feedback is positive and we are finalising this plan before implementing it early next year.”

On another matter, Mohamaddin said the ministry would empower the National Craft Institute to issue the Malaysia Skill Certificate for batik, metal and woodcraft making.

“We will open more opportunities for those with expertise in craft making and give them a chance to further their studies either to diploma or degree in arts,” he said.


Mohamaddin was speaking to reporters after officiating at the Johor Craft Festival 2018 at the Angsana Mall Johor Baru here yesterday.
-thestar online.

Saturday 22 December 2018

Focus on improving tourism services

Muhammad Jailani with the medal awaiting the winner in the run during Melaka Fiesta 2018.
— Bernama

MELAKA: Visit Melaka Year (VMY) 2019 promotion is focusing more on improving services in the state’s tourism sector and developing new products in efforts to attract about 20 million tourists next year.

Tourism, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Muhamad Jailani Khamis said this would also involve the upgrading of existing facilities, including public toilets for the comfort and satisfaction of tourists, besides protecting the image of the Unesco World Heritage Site.

“The Pakatan Harapan-led state government is currently operating in a situation of financial constraints since taking over from the previous government. However, it is not the main problem for us to make VMY 2019 a success or to promote it well.

“One of our promotional efforts is putting up VMJY 2019 billboards in various parts of the city soon,” he said at a news conference on the Melaka Fiesta 2018 and VMY 2019 here.

Muhammad Jailani said among the state’s tourism products to be upgraded were the Melaka River Cruise tourist boat service and Menara Taming Sari, besides organising activities such as arts and cultural events at Hang Tuah Village.

On the nine-day Melaka Fiesta 2018 from Dec 23 to be held in Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, here, he said it was expected to draw about seven million domestic and foreign tourists.

“Melaka Fiesta 2018 themed, ‘Melaka The Gateway to Historic Malaysia’, is the highlight of the VMY 2019 launch beginning Jan 1 with several programmes and activities organised and involving the participation of various communities,” he said.

Among the events are the Fabulous Melaka Photography Contest, Melaka Vendor Festival, traditional games, Dondang Sayang performance, Melaka Fiesta Run and Arm Wrestling competition.


Muhammad Jailani said in conjunction with the VMY 2019 launch, the state government would also be launching the Tourism Calendar of Events 2019 at the Menara Taming Sari grounds on Dec 31, to facilitate domestic and foreign tourists’ travel plans to Melaka.
-Bernama/thestar.

Friday 21 December 2018

Visit Sarawak Year 2019


KUALA LUMPUR, 21 DECEMBER 2018: It is the Visit Sarawak Year in 2019 with the campaign promoting “Sarawak, More to Discover,” a tagline that underscores the destination as a plethora of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals not found anywhere else in the world.

With the campaign rolled out, there’s never been a better time to experience this beautiful and exotic destination that is home to 37 national parks, 14 nature reserves, 5 wildlife sanctuaries, including dozens of attractions and activities, along with a rich history of culture and heritage.

So what does Sarawak have in store for tourists in 2019? Here are 5 great reasons to visit Sarawak in 2019:

  • DISCOVER UNIQUE CULTURES:
  • EXPLORE NEW ADVENTURES:
  • BE ONE WITH NATURE:
  • ENJOY DELICIOUS FOOD:
  • CELEBRATE VIBRANT FESTIVALS:

Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, is home to 27 ethnic groups, each with their own dialects, stories, beliefs, traditions and festivals.

You can meet people from the Iban tribe, known for their legendary headhunting customs from days of old. They have long since ceased this practice, of course, but their festivals, art, language and culture remain an integral part of their life even as they assimilate with the modern world.

The Orang Ulu, or ‘people from upriver,’ comprise of various tribes such as the Kayan, Kenyah, Lun Bawang and Kelabit. Their exotic art and music have spread internationally, as seen in the growing popularity of the boat lute or sape. The sape has become the symbol of the Rainforest World Music Festival, an event that has garnered international interest year after year.

Entrenched in Sarawak’s history are the remnants of the reign of the White Rajahs, the Brooke family monarchy that ruled the Kingdom of Sarawak from 1841 to 1946. Traces of this era can be found throughout the state, from physical reminders such as colonial buildings, preserved relics that populate today’s museums, and events such as the Sarawak Regatta, to the more intangible traces within the law and culture of the people.

Sarawak’s ever-expanding world-class museums, authentic hospitality, and a diverse religious and cultural trade, all form part of the cultural attraction.

Land, water, sky…take your pick of an adrenaline-pumping adventure! On land, there is everything from jungle trekking, mountain climbing to adventure caving and rock climbing. In the water, you can choose from river activities like scuba diving in Miri and Kuching, watersports, deep sea fishing, jet skiing and yachting. 

Looking for some airborne adventure? You can jump from Sarawak’s tallest building…safely. Or you can peer down from the treetops on your canopy walk in Mulu!

Urban explorers can visit Kuching, which has one of the most interesting architecture mix in Malaysia, with colonial buildings amongst religious, cultural and modern architecture.

Don’t forget to take home the arts and crafts created by local artisans, or better yet, learn how to make them from the local skilled craftspeople. The Orang Ulu are genius at beadwork, while the Iban are deft weavers. Both the Melanau and Bidayuh are associated with basketry making and weaving of hats and artifacts using natural resources like bamboo, palm, rattan and tree bark.

Sarawak has a whopping 56 totally protected areas, 37 gazetted national parks, five wildlife sanctuaries and 14 nature reserves. Its rainforests are the size of Austria.

Sarawak’s rainforests house one of the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystems. It is home to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia (that can grow to the size of a coffee table), squirrels and snakes that fly, deer the size of cats, plants that eat insects (and small animals). The orangutan, proboscis monkey, hornbill, the Rajah Brooke butterfly and the silverleaf monkey all call Sarawak home. Experts believe that there are some species of flora and fauna yet to be discovered. Sarawak also has the most number of Important Birding Areas (IBAs) in Malaysia, with a great portion of Borneo’s 650 bird species having been recorded here.

Mulu National Park is a priceless UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a league of its own as it qualifies for all four of the World Heritage criteria. Fewer than twenty World Heritage areas have managed this feat. Meanwhile, Bako National Park traces its first visitors’ footprint to 1957, making it one of Malaysia’s oldest National Parks.Niah National Park is famed for Sarawak’s genesis, with evidence of human presence from 40,000 years ago discovered in the form of Paleolithic and Neolithic burial sites.

So much to eat, so little time! Sarawak definitely has a long list of unique culinary offerings, i.e. the delectable “manok pansuh” which is chicken cooked in bamboo; the savoury “Sarawak laksa;” the delicious “kolo mee;” the mouth-watering jungle fern “midin” dish; the herby broth known as “kueh chap;” the rich “manok kacangma” made from motherwort and rice wine; the seasonal “dabai” fruit; the Melanau “umai” delicacy with thin slivers of fish and rich sago pearls, and more

The late Anthony Bourdain had popularised the “laksa Sarawak” as a breakfast option where he referred it as “breakfast of the gods” and had featured the delectable dish in his globally-acclaimed series, “No Reservations” and CNN’s “Parts Unknown.”

The month-long Kuching Food Fair isn’t all about local cuisine. The dazzling array of street food is inspired by cuisines from the world over. It’s a great way to mingle with the locals while sampling some of the best dishes from around the world. The festival typically stretches over the July/August period.

For those interested in learning the art behind the dishes, there are even traditional cooking classes available. You can bring a taste of Sarawak back to your own home.

Sarawak is home to the most unique festivals in Malaysia throughout the year, thanks to the diverse demographic found here. From the Gawai harvest festival of thanksgiving, to the Kaul which is celebrated by the Melanau fishing communities to mark the beginning of the fishing season, Sarawak offers a plethora of festivals for tourists to participate in.

The world-renowned three-day Rainforest World Music Festival has been running for 21 consecutive years and continues to attract up to 20,000 festival-goers a year. The festival sees world music performers come together to perform and host workshops in the heart of a rainforest which has attracted ardent followers worldwide and has been voted among the top 25 festivals in the world by London-based Songline magazine.


Other spectacular festivals include Borneo Jazz, Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival, Tidal Bore Festival, Borneo Cultural Festival and Sarawak Regatta.
-Tourism Malaysia.

Wednesday 19 December 2018

Prepare for Visit Malaysia 2020

Be our guest: Mohamaddin (third from left) opens Trove Hotel in Johor Baru. With him are (from left) Trove Hotel owner Ong Yoong Nyok, Gan Hong Lee and Johor Women Development and Tourism Committee chairman Liow Cai Tung.

JOHOR BARU: All local councils must upgrade infrastructure as part of preparations to welcome Visit Malaysia 2020, the government announced.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said focus must be given to public facilities. He said cleanliness must also be given emphasis.

“It is so messy with plastic bottles everywhere. It is not good at all for us,” he told reporters after officiating the grand opening of Trove Johor Baru owned by Care Luxury Hotels and Resort (CLHR) Management Group here yesterday. 

Besides being the gateway to Malaysia from Singapore, Johor was also able to attract visitors from other parts of the world with flights coming here.

Mohamaddin said last year, Malaysia received 25.9 million international tourists with a total expenditure of RM82.2bil in tourism receipts while for domestic tourism, 205.4 million visitors spent RM83.1bil.

For the record, in 2017, Johor was ranked third for the most visited state by both foreign and domestic tourists, the minister added.

He also urged industry players to come up with new packages from time to time in an effort to make Malaysia appealing and attractive to tourists.

“Industry players should not just play it safe but must have the think-outside-the-box mindset,’’ he added.
-thestar online.

Monday 17 December 2018

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.