Hop on for a new MATTA experience

A fair to remember: (From left) Wong, Syed Azhar and Phua promoting the upcoming MATTA Fair next to the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus at Wisma Matta in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is back with its MATTA Fair in March and along for an exciting ride is its latest partner KL Hop-On Hop-Off city tour bus service.

The open-deck double-decker bus service is expected to fulfil a gap in the marketplace, encouraging visitors to explore top tourist attractions in the KL City Centre.

Having the Hop-On Hop-Off bus service at the upcoming MATTA Fair March 2019 would provide a further boost to the domestic city’s tourism economy, said MATTA honorary secretary-general Nigel Wong.

“It is actually a good way to see the city, as there are places you won’t be able to appreciate while you are driving,” he told a press conference at Wisma Matta here yesterday.

“Visitors to the three-day fair from March 15 would continue to be spoilt for choice as travel agents are becoming more creative in introducing holidays,” said Wong.

Among the highlights of the fair, he said, was the inclusion of Sabah as Malaysia’s favourite destination, Taiwan as Asia’s favourite destination while the Desaru Coast and Legoland Malaysia Resort as the country’s favourite theme park.

He pointed out that National Tourism Organisations (NTO) from Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Macao and Indonesia have confirmed their participation in the fair. 

“Taiwan and Japan NTOs are expected to launch new products which offer different experiences outside the norm. Japan is promoting secondary cities while Macau introduces food and culture based packages,” he said.

KL Hop-On Hop-Off group chief executive officer Syed Azhar Syed Nadzir said visitors would be able to see over 50 major attractions here, such as the Museum of Illusions which was introduced last year, throughout 30 designated stops in the city.

MATTA chief executive officer Phua Tai Neng said that they hoped to attract over 100,000 visitors to the fair this year, and that it expected to generate sales of RM210mil.

“With the KL Hop-On Hop-Off bus service, we are hoping to achieve our target,” said Phua, adding that 265 exhibitors had high expectations of the fair which will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

The 47th edition of MATTA Fair will feature 1,369 booths in seven halls, with 29,000 sq m exhibition space.

Halls 1,2,3 and the Linkway will feature international destinations, Halls 4 and Hall 5 will be for domestic destinations, and Hall 1M features Umrah packages with 88 booths.

The fair is open from 10am to 9pm. Admission is RM4 per person and free for children aged below 12.

The public can visit MATTA Fair official Facebook account @mattafairkualalumpur and official Twitter account @MATTA_FAIR to receive the latest updates.

-thestar online.

Tourism Malaysia And Malaysia Airports Sign MOU For JITDP

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 JANUARY 2019 – Earlier today Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airports signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Joint International Development Tourism Programme (JITDP) in a signing ceremony held at Sama-Sama Hotel, KL International Airport (KLIA). 

YB Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, the Minister of Tourism Malaysia, and YB Dato’ Kamarudin Jaffar, Deputy Minister of Transportation, witnessed the ceremony as Datuk Musa Hj Yusof, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and YM Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin, Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airports, represented both agencies.

The MOU looks into possible cooperation between the two parties especially in the area of international tourism promotion. Among the initiatives planned are airlines collaboration, the operation of inaugural and charter flights, as well as high-yield niche tourism promotion. The ceremony marks a refreshed commitment between Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airports, having secured a similar successful programme in 2018.

Tourism Malaysia highlighted that the initiative already succeeded in covering 20 main projects for short and long haul markets in 2018, while Malaysia Airports said that they would continue playing their role as a major airport operator in Malaysia and to enhance route development at local airports and continue strengthening Malaysia’s position as a hub. Over the past several years, Malaysia’s traffic performance was mainly driven by international sectors where international passenger traffic makes up 50% of total passenger traffic. 

In 2018, Malaysia Airports welcomed 11 new airlines and more than 40 new services (routes) to international destinations were added nationwide, registering a total 99 million passenger traffic movements for Malaysia operations which 51.6 million were international passengers.

Both parties will contribute up to RM10 million each for this programme to be disbursed to eligible industry players for the purpose of marketing and promoting Malaysia to international audience.

Tourism representatives from major airlines, hoteliers and tourism industry associations were also present to witness the ceremony.

-Tourism Malaysia.

http://www.malaysia.travel/https://www.malaysiaairports.com.my

Plunge in Singaporeans visiting M’sia prompts tourism tacticals

Singaporeans at the Woodlands Checkpoint

After arrivals from Singapore took a tumble last year, Malaysia’s inbound players are stepping up on efforts to turn things around.

In the January to September 2018 period, arrivals from Singapore had dropped by 15.6 per cent year on year to 7.8 million. According to Edzuar Zar Ayob Azari, Tourism Malaysia’s Singapore office director, 97 per cent of Singapore arrivals to Malaysia were by land.

Tourism Malaysia is running a tactical campaign with EasyBook.com, a land and sea transportation online booking platform in South-east Asia. The tactical includes special getaway packages and a 15 per cent discount on all bus bookings from Singapore to Malaysia purchased from the EasyBook.com site. The promotion is valid for bookings received up to March 15 for travel up to end March, shared Edzuar Zar.

Edzuar Zar surmised that part of the reason behind the decline was congestion at both checkpoints (Causeway and the Second Link), which deterred overland travel from Singapore to Malaysia in favour of more hassle-free nearby destinations such as Bintan and Batam in Indonesia.

To ease congestion, Tourism Malaysia’s Singapore office has since late last year been informing the immigration department in advance of the Singapore school holiday season and when there are large groups travelling to Malaysia.

On the other hand, at Johor-based New Asia Holiday Tours & Travel, business from Singapore were up last year. Raaj Navaratnaa, general manager, shared: “It is good that Tourism Malaysia is taking measures to arrest the decline. I think it is temporary and the market will recover as Malaysia is a shorthaul destination. On our part, we have segmentised the market and come out with packages for soft adventure, gastronomy tours, sports and the student market. As a result, business from Singapore saw an increase last year.”

To boost overall arrivals into the country, Tourism Malaysia’s Singapore office plans to intensify its B2C marketing campaigns this year and to build closer ties with the local travel trade.

Tourism suppliers in the destination are also doubling down on promotions in Singapore.

For example, Anthony Wong, managing director, Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa, said the drop in Singapore arrivals to Langkawi is partly due to airlines offering attractive promotions to other destinations such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.

“Singaporeans are spoilt for choice. Next week, our hotel sales people are travelling to Singapore to make sales calls as an effort to boost sales.”

He further opined that agents and Tourism Malaysia should refresh their package offerings. “We cannot be selling the same old tours and attractions as we did a decade ago.”

-TTG Asia.

PETRONAS SEPANG RACING TEAM Unveils New Look For Historic Season

28 January 2019

The PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team this afternoon presented their ambitious project for 2019 at the PETRONAS Twin Towers, unveiling the stunning new colour scheme that will adorn the team’s five riders and their machines across the three categories of the MotoGP World Championship this year. The new PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team riders in MotoGP – Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo – and their 2019 Yamaha YZR-M1 machines lined up alongside PETRONAS Sprinta Racing riders Khairul Idham Pawi (Moto2), Ayumu Sasaki and John McPhee (Moto3) were the stars of the ceremony. This historic moment in Malaysian motorsport took place in the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS Foyer.

This special occasion also served as a statement of intent from the team, who for the first time ever in Southeast Asia will have a presence in all three categories of Grand Prix motorcycle racing – MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3. Indeed, it was an unforgettable day for the whole of the PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team and the country in general – demonstrated by the presence of some of Malaysia’s dignitaries – as well as the many partners who have made this dream a reality.

The headline news of the event was the official unveiling of the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team line-up in MotoGP, which will feature 2018 Rookie of the Year Franco Morbidelli and the man who will look to relieve him of the title, Fabio Quartararo, who makes the step up from Moto2. The team will be Yamaha’s only satellite representation on the grid, receiving top level material and factory support thanks to the magnificent working relationship between the team and Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.

In the intermediate category, the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing outfit heads into its second season with a new face on board – Malaysia’s two-time Grand Prix winner Khairul Idham Pawi. Meanwhile in Moto3, Ayumu Sasaki welcomes a new team-mate in John McPhee, forming a new pairing ready to fight for the positions of honour at the front of the pack.

The first track appearance for the new-look PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team will take place from 6th – 8th February at the first Official MotoGP Test of 2019 in the Sepang International Circuit. Later, from the 11th-13th February, the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Moto2 and Moto3 teams will take part in a private test at the same track.

-Petronas SRT facebook.

OMNI WAVES 2019 @ MITEC Kuala Lumpur ( 23 March 2019 )

Minds will be blown at OMNI, Malaysia’s first-ever and largest indoor live music festival!

Take your senses on an epic, transcendental space odyssey as OMNI whisks you across galaxies of many genres to the tune of live performances by stellar artists.

Combining psychedelic light and sound effects with an out-of-this-world stage design and captivating pyro effects, your voyage with OMNI will surely uplift your mind to a whole new soundscape.

No spacesuit required. Standby for lift-off.

Samuel Tsui 

Samuel Tsui is an American singer/songwriter and video producer. In 2011, Tsui debuted his own YouTube channel, apart from his collaboration with Kurt Schneider. Tsui has collaborated with fellow musician Kurt Hugo Schneider since high school, when the pair recorded music with an electronic keyboard and GarageBand. As of April 2017, the YouTube channel "KurtHugoSchneider" has garnered over 2.1 billion total views and over 8 million subscribers. His videos have been described by Time as a combination of Glee and Attack of the Clones.

DJ Gold Fish and Blink 

Alvin Teoh, aka Goldfish and Lau Hoe Yin, aka Blink, met a decade ago and started collaborating as a team over the recent years "Goldfish & Blink" has been in the forefront of the DJing culture in Malaysia, quickly establishing a unique style through their music backgrounds and versatality in production styles.

Madilyn Bailey Wold 

Madilyn Bailey Wold is an American singer and songwriter.Bailey began her career shortly before graduating by covering popular songs and posting them on YouTube, which gathered over 100 million views.

-TicketCharge.

https://premier.ticketcharge.com.my/shows/show.aspx?sh=OMNIWV19

Zamani - Bikin Gempak Hard Rock Café Tour @ Singapore ( 9 March 2019 ), Melaka ( 16 March 2019 ) & Kuala Lumpur ( 23 March 2019 )

ZAMANI also known as Zamani Slam is a popular male singer in Malaysia. He started his singing career through the famous 1990s pop group, Slam from 1993 to 1999.

He then launched a solo music career in 2002 and is now one of the best singers in Malaysia and Indonesia as well as regional countries. His powerful and unique vocals has gained him fans from all ages until he was placed on a par with the best vocalists in the country.

Album
Syair Si Pari-Pari (2002)
Kala Hujan (2004)
Terima Kasih (2010)

Single
Isabella '98 – with Jamal Abdillah, Amy and Saleem
Syair Si Pari-Pari (2002)
Kala Hujan (2004)
Tak Keruan (2010) – with Sharifah Zarina
Cahaya Asmara (2015)
Tambatan Hati (2016

ZAMANI will be performing in Hard Rock Café Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Singapore in March 2019 as part of the Bikin Gempak Hard Rock Café Tour 2019.

-AirAsia RedTix.

https://airasiaredtix.com/hardrock-zamani-2019

Extended visa exemption for Chinese, Indians a boon for M’sian travel agents

Friendly visa policies will help the destination better compete against neighbours, agents say

Malaysia has again extended the temporary 15-day visa exemption for tourists from China and India to the end of 2019.

Agents handling these markets welcomed the continuation of the exemption, most recently planned to cease on December 31, 2018, saying it would help Malaysia compete better with Thailand and Indonesia – the former offers visa on arrival while the latter offers visa exemption to Chinese and Indian tourists.

K Thangavelu, president of the Malaysian Indian Tour & Travel Association (MITTA) as well as Grandlotus Travel Agencies managing director, said: “There is plenty of direct air connectivity from China and India to Malaysia. Airfares are also very competitive on these routes.

“The continuation of the 15-day visa exemption, which has been extended on a year-to-year basis from October 1, 2015 for Chinese tourists, and from April 1, 2017 for Indian tourists, is a good move by the new government because the hassle of getting a visa has always been a hindrance to travel. If the Malaysian government doesn’t offer this, we may lose both these big markets to neighbouring Indonesia and Thailand.”

Uzaidi Udanis, president, Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, said the extension of the visa exemption was timely in view of the upcoming Chinese New Year period, which is also a peak travel period for Chinese tourists.

He said: “I was in Hunan recently and our trade counterparts there were concerned whether the exemption would be continued. It is good that the government is announcing this (ahead of the peak season) as this is a selling point for Chinese tourists who have yet to decide on which medium-haul destination to choose.

“On our part, we are helping boost awareness on Malaysia in China by organising the Malaysia-China Spring Festival Carnival in Kuala Lumpur on February 16 to showcase the Malaysian Chinese culture and heritage. Hunan TV will broadcast this event to their viewers in China. We hope this activity will also help to create more interest in Malaysia and in turn, encourage more Chinese tourists to Malaysia.”

Bobby Eng, general manager, Sunflower Holidays, shared that the extension of the visa exemption will help him sell Malaysia to corporate incentive or meeting planners.

“In the past, the process of obtaining a visa took about five working days. It was a hassle especially for organisers who had to coordinate with participants from different parts of the country. Now individuals planning to travel to Malaysia can register online for the 15-day visa exemption – the approval is fast and the system is user friendly,” Eng remarked.

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Malaysia Focuses On Traditional European Markets To Strengthen Arrivals & Yields 2019-2020

MADRID, 23 JANUARY 2019 – Malaysia continues its efforts to attract more Spanish tourists and improve yield for leisure and MICE travellers to Malaysia with Tourism Malaysia’s 17^th year of participation in FITUR International Tourism Fair from today to 27 January 2019. YB Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture is leading a Malaysia delegation with participation from three main Spanish partners selling packages to Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak and the highlands. Joining them are two Malaysian agents selling East Coast of Malaysia tours. Packages promoted will involve an average of 8 nights’ tour.

Malaysia’s presence at FITUR indicates its interest to increase the number of Spanish tourists to Malaysia significantly, through promoting a greater awareness of Malaysia as a top-of-mind holiday destination, as well as fostering greater cooperation between tour operators and members of the tourism fraternity. 

YB Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi says, “Malaysia is an experiential destination which offers satisfying experiences and unique discoveries for all guests.”

Spanish arrivals to Malaysia has shown an increase of 23.7% with 33,915 tourists entering Malaysia for the period of January to September 2018. Contributing to the significant increase were efforts by travel agents, distributors and airlines offering travelers with tactical promotions through travel packages and competitive airfares. Digital and social media also played an important role in influencing travelers’ decisions to Malaysia as did quality media coverage by travel and lifestyle media on Malaysia’s various offerings for visiting travelers. A series of joint travel workshops and seminars with travel retailers and airlines have also contributed to the positive growth of Spanish travelers to Malaysia. 

Spanish travelers are attracted to Malaysia’s lush tropical rainforest, to experience adventure and culture, with eco-tourism travel and gastronomy topping the list. Popular destinations for the Spanish are Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Penang, Terengganu, Sabah, Sarawak, Langkawi and Pahang. 

At FITUR, Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi will attend some high level meetings at UNWTO headquarters in Madrid. From 26 to 28 August, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and UNWTO will jointly organize the 5^th Edition of World Tourism Conference, which will take place in Malaysia.

He will also have meetings with major tour operators such as TUI Spain and airlines namely Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways to explore areas of collaboration in increasing connectivity and arrivals.

Backgrounder:

This year is the 39^th year of FITUR since it was first organised in 1981, and it is regarded as one of the largest travel trade exhibitions in Spain, attracting hundreds of trade visitors and consumers from all over the world. The five-day programme, held at the IFEMA, Madrid will be an opportunity for buyers and sellers to network with each other and develop new tourism products and packages.

-Tourism Malaysia.

http://www.malaysia.travel/

Maybank Championship 2019 @ Saujana Golf & Country Club, Malaysia ( 21 ~ 24 March 2019 )

Maybank Championship 2019: Where the Best Meet

Drive. Desire. Heritage.

The 2019 edition of the Maybank Championship will bring the crème de la crème of ASEAN and the world together as they go head-to-head – spurring rivalries that will capture the imagination of young and old alike.

Now in its fourth edition, the Championship strives to build greater opportunities for a new generation of talent, while ensuring the sport’s rich heritage runs deep at the heart of the tournament.

As a leader in the financial services industry, we aim to be where the growth is. The Maybank Championship is no different. As the game evolves towards greater heights, so does our commitment to provide a truly world-class tournament experience – giving players and fans a flavour of the future, while celebrating our past.

This year’s event is driven by the desire to bring our fans, customers, and community closer under the banner of the championship. From exclusive culinary sessions conducted by Master Chef victors to a legendary football star appearance, this year’s championship promises an all-encompassing sensory experience for visitors of all ages and interests.

Join us this year as we bring you the best from all over the world on one stage, showcasing the finest in sportsmanship, cuisine and lifestyle – the Maybank Championship will truly be Where the Best Meet.

Mark your dates and tee up for an experience that will transcend the sport, while staying true to the heart of this spirited game.

-Proticket Malaysia.

https://proticket.com.my/maybank-championship-2019/

International Women's Day Zee Avi + Njwa Concert @ PWTC Kuala Lumpur ( 22 March 2019 )

International Women's Day Zee Avi + Njwa Concert combines two artists with a very distinct style of music. The concert is organised by FM Showlab Ventures which will host it in celebration of the International Women’s Day 2019. It will be held at Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Center (PWTC) Kuala Lumpur on 22 March, 2019.

Both artists have spread their music all over the world independently and unpretentiously and to have them doing a concert together, surely this will be a world-class sensation.

Zee Avi is an internationally recognised Malaysian singer, songwriter, musician and visual artist where she was the recipient of The International Youth Icon Award in 2011. One of her hit song, Swell Window was also featured in the international TV series including 21 Jump Street and Gossip Girl.

Najwa Mahiaddin, who now simply known as NJWA has just released a three track, self titled EP to celebrate her musical freedom and experimentation with an ethereal, neo-soul sound that she is extending to her show through out the country. Recipient of the Best New Artist and Best Local English Song during AIM 18, NJWA will surely bring something new for her fans.

The production design for the concert, with the concept of “Classy, Sophisticated and Elegant” will enhanced the duo’s status. Thus, will match their maturity in the music industry as respectful artists. They will perform their selection of songs in the 120 minutes show.

All elements in the stage design, Editing works on the background visuals will enhance every song. Technical expertise for sound system, lighting and visual are highly professional to ensure the smoothness of the concert. It is a show for their fans and to give maximum enjoyment to them. Trendy and classy with international standard.

-AirAsia RedTix.

https://airasiaredtix.com/zeeavinjwa

Bigger Malaysia Presence At SATTE 2019 To Promote Tourism

NEW DELHI, 17 JANUARY 2019 – Malaysia continues its efforts to attract more Indian tourists with Tourism Malaysia’s 15^th year of participation in South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE 2019) from 16 to 18 January 2019. 

YB Tuan Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture is leading a bigger delegation this year with 16 tour agents, 14 hotel operators, 4 product owners, 3 airline operators, state tourism boards and officials from Tourism Malaysia. Last year, Malaysia participated with 23 tourism industry players.

Malaysia’s presence at SATTE is a promotional effort to increase the number of Indian tourists to Malaysia significantly, through promoting a greater awareness of Malaysia as an ideal holiday destination, as well as fostering greater cooperation between tour operators and members of the tourism fraternity. Visitors to SATTE will be able to meet Malaysian sellers such as Genting Malaysia Berhad, Desaru Coast Malaysia, Sunway Hotels & Theme Park, Legoland Malaysia Resort, Tourism Melaka and Tourism Selangor. 

YB Tuan Muhammad Bakhtiar says, “Malaysia is a value-for-money destination with many attractions to appeal to all segments of the Indian market.”

He adds, “Along with ongoing efforts for better visa facilitation and various marketing and promotion activities lined up, we look forward to welcoming more Indian tourists to Malaysia.”

Tourism partners such as Genting Malaysia Berhad, Desaru Coast Malaysia, Sunway Hotels & Theme Park, Legoland Malaysia Resort are taking part under the Tourism Malaysia pavilion with irresistible holiday offers. Meanwhile, state tourism boards Tourism Melaka and Tourism Selangor are utilising the platform to introduce their latest tourism products. 

Tourism Melaka is showcasing A’Famosa, an integrated resort, theme park, shopping and golf attraction, as well as Encore Melaka, an immersive theatrical performance that re-tells Melaka’s history, staged at the new waterfront tourism hub, Impression City.

Tourism Selangor is promoting its new attraction, Sky Mirror, described as a mystery island that emerges at selected times of the month due to the movement of the tides. Other Selangor attractions being highlighted are its royal heritage tours, cave attractions at Batu Caves and Dark Cave, and Mitsui Outlet Park shopping mall.

YB Tuan Muhammad Bakhtiar will also have meetings with major travel agents and wedding planners to pitch Malaysia as a wedding and honeymoon destination. He will also be meeting airlines representatives to explore areas of collaboration in increasing connectivity to Malaysia.

India is the sixth top tourist generating market for Malaysia with a total of 552,739 Indian visitors recorded in 2017. From January to October 2018, Malaysia received a total of 495,620 Indian tourists, facilitated by the ease of electronic visa services. The figure showed a 10.2% growth over the same period in 2017. Consistent promotional efforts in the market and air accessibility via 222 weekly flights providing 39,460 seats to Malaysia contributed to this growth. 

Malaysia hopes to achieve 646,000 arrivals from the India market in 2020.

-TourismMalaysia.

Malam romantis si kaki pancing

PEMANDANGAN Hotel D’Ocean di Marina Island Pangkor.

LAZIMNYA, kaki pancing akan berdepan dilema untuk melunaskan obsesi mereka. Manakan tidak, kebanyakan mereka sudah berkeluarga manakala aktiviti memancing pula pastinya tidak menjadi pilihan kebanyakan isteri.

Memahami dilema tersebut, Rockbund Fishing Chalet (Rockbund) menawarkan pengalaman melancong yang sempurna buat para kaki pancing yang sudah berkeluarga.

Terletak di pinggir pulau buatan manusia, Marina Island Pangkor (Marina Island), di Lumut, Perak, Rockbund menyediakan 21 kabin kontena yang sengaja disusun berdekatan laut agar bayu segar sentiasa menemani pengunjung yang menginap. Lebih menarik, dok memancing turut disediakan hanya beberapa meter jaraknya dengan pintu masuk kabin.

Namun, itu bukan kemuncaknya. Pengalaman terbaik bagi penginap terletak di sebuah pelantar atas laut yang dihias indah dengan tema cinta.

D’Pine Cafe adalah tarikan utama Rockbund. Makan malam di atas pelantar ini menggabungkan tiga perkara paling romantis dalam dunia - pemandangan matahari tenggelam, bayu dingin laut serta suasana malam yang tenang dan mengasyikkan.

Rockbund merupakan salah satu produk pelancongan Marina Island, pulau buatan manusia berkeluasan 316.9 ekar di Pantai Teluk Muroh yang mula dibina sejak tahun 2002.

Baru-baru Lembaga Penggalakan Pelancongan Malaysia membawa rombongan media massa bercuti di Marina Island selama dua hari tiga malam.

Boleh disimpulkan, Marina Island adalah lokasi percutian yang sempurna buat mereka yang sudah berkeluarga.

Aktiviti yang ditawarkan bukan sahaja sesuai untuk golongan dewasa, malah sangat sesuai untuk kanak-kanak yang mahukan pengalaman bercuti yang menyeronokkan dan dalam masa yang sama memberi ilmu pengetahuan.

Kanak-kanak pasti teruja memberi makan ikan kerapu gergasi, mentjanting batik serta belajar ilmu kemandirian seperti membina rakit. Pengalaman ini pastinya tidak dapat diperolehi di pusat pelancongan biasa.

Frenzy Hippo Waterpark, taman tema air terbesar!

Perlu akui, Frenzy Hippo Waterpark adalah tarikan terbaik Marina Island. Bayangkan, taman permainan terapung bersaiz 24 gelanggang badminton dibentangkan di atas laut yang tenang tidak berombak.

Soal keselamatan, jangan risau. Pihak Marina Island menyediakan tidak kurang lima orang ‘paskal’ untuk anda. Para ‘paskal’ ini akan menjaga keselamatan anda selain daripada jaket keselamatan yang disediakan untuk semua pengunjung.

Frenzy Hippo Waterpark boleh dianggap seperti permainan Ninja Warrior, cuma darjah kesukarannya jauh lebih rendah. Tetapi, jangan anggap ia mudah. Tahap rendah pun, saya tetap bergelut nak selesaikan semua cabaran! Cuma kalau anda rasa anda sehebat Mat Redho, bolehlah cuba.

Bagi yang tidak berminat dengan permainan ala Ninja Warrior ini, anda boleh mengisi masa dengan berkayak di sekitar tempat permainan.

Berlayar bersama Rod, si Viking yang lucu

TIDAK cukup dengan pelbagai aktiviti di dalam, mereka juga dibawa keluar dari Marina Island menaiki kapal layar jenis Catamaran milik seorang warga Australia berketurunan Viking, Rod Featherstone, 63.

Dia yang sudah mula berlayar sejak tiga tahun lalu menjadikan khidmat membawa pelancong berlayar ke sekeliling Pulau Pangkor sebagai punca pendapatannya di sini.

Featherstone mempunyai banyak pengalaman hasil aktiviti pelayarannya. Berdasarkan kata-katanya, Featherstone dan isteri dikejar biawak komodo di Pulau Komodo, Indonesia serta keindahan Kepulauan Anambas, gugusan pulau yang terletak di antara Semenanjung Malaysia dengan Kepulauan Borneo.

Kata Featherstone lagi, Anambas adalah kawasan paling indah pernah diterokanya bersama kapal layarnya yang diberi nama Psycho Pussy. Kurangnya pelancong yang berjaya sampai ke situ menyebabkan kawasan itu tidak tercemar dan masih terpelihara gaya hidup serta budaya penduduknya.

“Berlayar ini 70 peratus membosankan, 25 peratus menarik dan lima peratus menakutkan!” kata nya disambut gelak ketawa kami yang memecahkan hening petang di Pangkor.

-utusan online.

Destination Seminar In Conjunction With Kazakhstan Famtrip To Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 JAN 2019 - Tourism Malaysia hosted a total of 30 Mega Fam participants from Kazakhstan in conjunction with the arrival of the third charter flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Langkawi.

In a bid to promote Malaysia as a holiday destination, the Mega Fam participants, comprising mainly travel agents, were invited for an eight-day seven-night stay in Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur from 14 to 21 January 2019.

The participants attended a tourism seminar at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel today. They were welcomed by Deputy Director General (Promotion) of Tourism Malaysia, YBhg Dato' Mohmed Razip Hasan before presented with a certificate of participation.

During the seminar, the participants were briefed by Sabah Tourism Board Marketing Manager, Mr. Humphrey Ginibun on the state's latest tourism development followed by Tourism Terengganu Assistant Secretary Mr. Wan Mohd Firdaus Bin Wan Sembak. Director of Sales YTL Hotels, Ms. Debbie Leow also delivered a presentation to highlight YTL group's latest products and developments. There was also a briefing by Managing Director Embassy Alliance Travel, Mr. Mikael Mitryakov on the summer travel packages in Malaysia.

In Langkawi, the participants enjoyed a mangrove tour, a city tour and a walk on the Cenang beach. They were also brought to inspect on several hotels and resorts, i.e. Dash Langkawi, Datai Langkawi, Ombak Villas, Andaman Langkawi, Holiday Villa, Camar and Aloft Langkawi.

In Kuala Lumpur, they were brought to Putrajaya, the federal administrative capital of Malaysia as well as the 100-year-old Hindu temple Batu Caves, and etc. In addition, they visited Sunway Hotels and Resorts and Traders Hotel.

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.

Malaysia is eyeing to welcome a total of 705 passengers from Kazakhstan to Langkawi during this winter season through three charter flights. The Boeing 757-200 model flight with an 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 September 2018, tourist arrivals from Kazakhstan registered a total of 10,411, an increase of 13.4% compared with the corresponding period last year.

- Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Shows Strong Tourism Presence At ATF 2019

PUTRAJAYA, 17 JAN 2019: Led by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi, Malaysia shows strong presence at the 38th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam, which has been held from 14 to 18 January 2019.

The Malaysian delegation is comprised of 33 sellers from hotels and resorts, tour agencies and state tourism boards, namely Tourism Selangor, Tourism Johor, Penang Global and Sabah Tourism Board. The delegation is also including the Secretary General of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah, Datuk Ahmad Shah Hussein Tambakau, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia and Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Datuk Musa Yusof. 

There are various events allowing Malaysian private sector to take part in the ATF TRAVEX to expand their business opportunity, i.e. exhibition and business appointments, conferences and networking sessions, tourism trade networking event and ASEAN National Tourism Organisation and Association meetings. ATF is one of the most significant annual tourism promotional events in Asia where ASEAN Ministers uses as a platform to meet and discuss regional issues. And this is the first time that YB Datuk Mohamaddin has attended this tourism event in his ministerial capacity with peers from the region.

This year’s ATF obtains participation from 315 buyers with 289 exhibitor booths, representing companies and properties from 10 ASEAN countries, as well as 145 international media.

In brief, Malaysia’s participation in the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 in Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam, has been fruitful as it opens various opportunities with international travel agents.

HIGHLIGHTS OF MALAYSIA’S PARTICIPATION IN ATF 2019:

ASEAN TOURISM FORUM TRAVEL EXCHANGE (ATF TRAVEX)

One of the major programmes which Malaysia has participated in is the ATF TRAVEX, a key platform for networking and contract negotiations with international trade buyers, which is held at the Quang Ninh Exhibition Center, (QNEPEC) from 16 to 18 January 2019. 

The event is made up of numerous activities, including buyers converging at Tourism Malaysia’s booth to engage with representatives of Malaysian tourism players and organisations, the showcase of Malaysia Airlines introducing its product offerings, MHexplorer and MHenterprise, as well as a new Business Suite. Apart from those, there are also Desaru Coast, Movenpick Hotel & Convention Centre, Tourism Selangor and Tourism Johor representatives welcoming all interested visitors with full tourism insights at Malaysia booth.

Malaysia has expected to achieve more than 1,000 appointments with international buyers covering 51 countries. The platform is effective in raising awareness among international delegates and media on various exciting tourism products, services and events in Malaysia.

NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION (NTO) COUNTRY MEDIA BRIEFING 

Datuk Ahmad Shah Hussein Tambakau, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia and Datuk Musa Yusof the Director General of Tourism Malaysia have shared Malaysia tourism highlights to the media at the NTO Media Briefing on 17 January 2019 at the Meeting Room of the Quang Ninh Exhibition Center, (QNEPEC). The 45-minute briefing is attended by 50 international media members.

Tourism Malaysia shares its plans to enhance tourism industry through airline partnerships, engagement with digital technology, marketing plans to first-and second-tier cities, and penetration into the filming industry.

The Visit Sarawak and Visit Melaka campaigns are also highlighted this year, including Tourism Malaysia’s key upcoming events and initiatives, i.e. ITB Partner Country titleship in March 2019, the 5^th World Tourism Conference from 26 to 28 August 2019 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and the Malaysia-China Cooperation Year in 2019-2020. New products and hotels, i.e. Desaru Coast, Alila Dalit Bay, Sabah, and the world’s first Monopoly Hotel, are also underlined.

Moreover, there are 69 multi-countries travel packages featuring ASEAN destination from 38 travel agents across Southeast Asia Malaysia is one of a significant members creating this initiative of The ASEAN Tourism Packages 2019-2020 to promote ASEAN as single destination with cooperation from all ASEAN members. 

These packages will be promoted through Tourism Malaysia and ASEAN NTOs websites as an online platform to entice more tourists to visit ASEAN.

ASEAN TOURISM AWARDS 2019

On 18 January 2019, a total of 18 Malaysian organisations have won the ASEAN Tourism Awards for ASEAN’s Best Sustainable Tourism Products Recognition for both rural and urban areas. The Malaysian winners are as follows:

3rd ASEAN Homestay Standard (2019-2021)

1.Pachitan Homestay, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
2.Ba’Kelalan HomestaySarawak
3.Misompuru Homestay, Kudat Sabah
4.Banghuris Homestay, Sepang Selangor
5.Rawa Homestay, Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan

2nd ASEAN Community Based Tourism Standard (2019-2021)

1.Koperasi Pembangunan Kampung Ulu Legong Berhad, Baling, Kedah
2.Min House Camp, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
3.Kadamaian Tourism Association, Kota Belud, Sabah

1st ASEAN Spa Services Standard (2019-2021)

1.The Banjaran Hotspring Retreat, Ipoh, Perak
2.Swasana Spa, Kuala Lumpur
3.Pangkor Laut Resort (Spa Village), Pangkor, Perak
4.Chill Chill Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor
5.Jari Jari Spa, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

1st ASEAN Public Toilet Standard (2019-2020)

1.Kuala Lumpur International Airport Public Toilet, Sepang, Selangor
2.Foh San Restaurant Public Toilet, Ipoh, Perak
3.Melaka Chinese Mosque Public Toilet, Krubong, Melaka
4.Pantai Rantau Abang Public Toilet, Dungun, Terengganu
5.Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre Public Toilet, Kuching, Sarawak

MINISTERIAL MEETINGS

ATF is made up of various high-level events, including a meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers and a meeting of the ASEAN NTOs. YB Datuk Mohamaddin will attend various Bilateral Meetings of the ASEAN NTOs and Tourism Ministers such as the 22nd ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, 18th ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Ministers Meeting (China, Japan & Republic of Korea), 7th ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers Meeting and the ASEAN Tourism Conference.

-Tourism Malaysia.

http://www.malaysia.travel/