Pertandingan Mencipta Pantun Sempena Program Dekad Bahasa Kebangsaan (DBK) Peringkat Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni Dan Budaya (MOTAC)

 

Syarat Penyertaan Pertandingan Mencipta Pantun

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lrRj-eeCNSPgZJtFm1LxJ54d2wG0PXnk/view

Borang Penyertaan

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l-0A8VXJKXojebze06Kcf8r-pGS32wi0MFOFESgbuVg/edit

-MOTAC.

Malaysia Airlines Brings Back its Special Incentive Programme in Supporting Domestic Tourism

 

KLIA, 27 September 2021: In supporting the reopening of more domestic destinations, Malaysia Airlines is now offering RM100 travel vouchers to the first 6,500 Malaysians under its Stimulus Cuti Malaysia Campaign for immediate booking and travel until 31 December 2021.

To be entitled, customers must be an Enrich member and will be required to register online at www.malaysiaairlines.com/cuticutimalaysia. Successful applicants will receive a RM100 travel voucher to be redeemed for immediate booking and travel on Malaysia Airlines’ Economy and Business classes to any domestic destinations. Applicants must be an Enrich member, or if not one yet, new Enrich member will be given additional 500 Bonus Enrich Points, which will be credited after the flight completes.

Malaysia Airlines Berhad’s Group Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Lau Yin May said, “Malaysia Airlines is delighted to continue supporting the government’s initiative to revive our domestic tourism as the country is transitioning from the pandemic to endemic phase. With the return of our Stimulus Cuti Malaysia campaign in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, coupled with our stringent safety protocols and the Contactless Journey providing assurance of seamless and hassle-free experience, I’m certain our customers will fly confidently and enjoy their much-deserved holiday, currently to the tropical paradise of Langkawi and soon to the serene heights of Kota Kinabalu or a quick city vacation on the bustling island of Penang and many other beautiful touristic spots in the country.

We foresee a positive trend in forward bookings that reflects customers’ confidence in travelling and believe that the reopening of more domestic destinations will further accelerate the recovery of the travel industry and country’s economy.”

Customers can travel with peace of mind with Malaysia Airlines’ Contactless Journey featuring enhanced safety and health measures that include temperature checks, mandatory usage of face masks at all times (except during mealtime), frequent aircraft disinfection, maintaining social distancing during check-in, while boarding, waiting in a queue in the aircraft cabin, disembarkation, and baggage collection.

All passengers will receive complimentary hygiene kits, which come with a face mask, a sachet of hand sanitiser and sanitary wipes, hygienically packed in a sealed zip-lock small sized pouch. Passengers are reminded to adhere to other preventive measures throughout the journey, including practicing strict hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing etiquette.

In conjunction with the campaign, customers can also take advantage of many other exciting deals by MHholidays, the tour operating arm of Malaysia Airlines via www.holidays.malaysiaairlines.com.

Head on to malaysiaairlines.com to get more information and book for your next Fly Malaysia holiday that you have been waiting for! To make sure you never miss out on great deals like these, as well as the many more exciting promotions and exclusives we have in store, download the Malaysia Airlines app today!

-Malaysia Airlines.

World Tourism Day ( 27 September 2021 )

 

#WTD2021

-UNWTO.

Langkawi’s reopening draws nature, upmarket travellers

 

Langkawi tourism and hospitality operators are observing good demand for five-star and boutique hotels as well as more high-end tours and activities, since the reopening of the Malaysian island last week to fully vaccinated domestic tourists under the pioneer travel bubble project.

Mega Water Sports & Holidays director of sales and marketing, Sharmini Violet, said: “Our clients come for weekend getaways and they are willing to spend on upmarket activities such as chartering a whole yacht and going on private tours, or enjoying our jet ski tours or sunset cruises.”

She added that the majority of her clients come from the Klang Valley and have chosen the convenience of flights over road trips to Langkawi.

Sharmini further shared that many five-star hotels on the island destination are seeing high occupancy rates, driven by attractive promotional offers.

Another operator, Sri Sari, director at Junglewalla Langkawi, shared that the agency’s nature-based kayaking and Geopark tour packages are doing well with the locals, whereas the expatriate market tend to go for birdwatching tours, nature walks and tours to spot nocturnal wildlife.

She also shared that locals tend to book on weekends, whereas the expatriate market are willing to stay for longer and work remotely.

Amran Ahmed, co-founder of Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Retreat and Ambong Pool Villas, shared that the pool villa accommodations in both of his properties are recording an average occupancy of 70 per cent, mainly comprising couples from the Klang Valley.

He said: “People are choosing to stay with us because of the boutique and personalised experiences we offer. Many choose to stay in, order room service and enjoy the villas. We are also seeing a number of people working remotely from their villas.”

-TTG Asia.

Melaka, Genting Highlands, Tioman Island to be opened for tourism

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Melaka, Genting Highlands and Tioman Island are among the destinations after Langkawi that will be opened for domestic tourism soon.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the proposal to allow these three destination to reopen for tourism was raised and agreed during the Covid-19 Quartet Ministers meeting today.

The meeting was chaired by Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

The final say on the reopening of these three destinations, Nancy said, would be decided during the Special Committee on Covid-19 Pandemic Management meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

"If the proposal is approved (by the Special Committee on Covid-19 Pandemic Management), these destinations will be allowed to open to tourists starting Oct 1.

"We have given two weeks for these destinations to prepare and reopen for tourists," she told reporters today.

Nancy added that her ministry was looking into the Covid-19 prevention standard operating procedures (SOP) to add and reopen more destinations not only limited to islands but also on the mainlands, as the country gears towards the Covid-19 endemic phase scheduled end of next month.

She, however, stressed that the ministry was still fine tuning the SOP on the reopening of tourist destinations located on the mainlands which is more "complicated" than islands.

The Health Ministry, she said, wanted the same SOP implemented for the country's first travel bubble project in Langkawi for other destinations to be reopened for tourists.

"The (Covid-19 prevention) SOP for islands is easier (compared to those located on mainlands) since the exit and entry points to this location are either via airport or ferry terminal.

"Langkawi is a good example for all since swab test can be implemented at entry points into the island via airports or ferry terminal.

"This will enable us to prevent positive cases from entering the island.

"This is the matter that is being looked into for the SOP)," she said.

As for the progress of the Langkawi travel bubble project, Nancy said 6,622 tourists arrived at the island by plane between Sept 16 and 19.

During the same period, she said 3,483 tourists entered the island via ferry.

-nst online.

Malaysia budget hotels urge govt to regulate OTAs

 

The Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) is urging the government to enact laws to regulate online travel agencies (OTAs), claiming that the price war among the OTAs have hurt their profit margins amid the Covid-19 downturn.

Regulations proposed by the MyBHA include setting a ceiling price on the sales commissions of OTAs as well as to enforce guidelines on short-term residential accommodation in order to protect its members whose businesses are on the verge of collapse.

MyBHA national deputy president, Sri Ganesh Michiel, told TTG Asia that MyBHA members are now completely reliant on OTAs due to changing booking patterns brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Sri Ganesh, more than 90 per cent of bookings now come from OTAs, whereas in pre-Covid times, walk-in clients formed the majority of bookings.

He explained: “OTAs have an upper hand. They announce campaigns and promotions and activate them without the knowledge of the hotelier on a case-to-case basis, thus selling rooms at rates lower than our recommended selling price. This creates an unhealthy price war among the (OTAs).

“On top of that, they charge overly-high sales commission of 40 per cent which bleeds the operator and makes it impossible to cover operating costs. There is also a tendency to increase sales commission without any discussion or consent from the hotel operator.”

Citing more examples of what he dubbed “the new normal technology colonisation”, Sri Ganesh shared: “A tactic often used is to advance monies to OTAs based on past revenue forecasts. In return, hotels must provide OTAs with a stipulated number of rooms at a discounted rate or at a very high commission.

“OTAs also threaten not to promote the hotel or to suspend or terminate the hotel account if the operator refuses to cooperate in accordance with the requirements of OTAs.”

What is further distressing MyBHA members is that the Star Rating given by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has been made redundant as OTAs tend to display ratings and reviews posted by users, whose complaints cannot be verified. Sri Ganesh also lamented that hotel operators have no control over customers who have been blacklisted by the hotel for misdeeds, but are now booking rooms through OTAs.

MyBHA also called on the government to enforce guidelines on short-term residential accommodation at non-hotel condominiums or residential units which are sold by OTAs. Sri Ganesh claimed that these types of accommodation have become increasingly popular with locals as they need not adhere to the Covid-19 SOPs set by the authorities.

Also, owners of the units do not have an operating licence from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry or a business licence, and do not pay any tax from the rental of their units.

Sri Ganesh stressed: “It is not just hotel industry players who have long suffered by this industry threat due to the absence of laws to regulate OTAs and enforce guidelines on short-term residential accommodation. The government has also directly suffered losses due to no service tax collection for short-term residential accommodation.”

Urging the government to take urgent action in order to speed up the recovery of the hotel industry, he asked: “If the government can control the ceiling prices of Covid-19 test kits and the price of certain food items, why can’t they set a ceiling on OTA commission rates?”

-TTG Asia.

2nd Malaysia Tourism Gold Summit ( 27 ~ 29 September 2021 )

 

In conjunction with World Tourism Day 2021 as a day to focus on Tourism for Inclusive Growth, Malaysia Tourism Council will organise the 2nd Malaysia Tourism Gold Summit 2021. By emphasising tourism and sustainable development, the industry can help ensure a fairer distribution of the benefits from tourism, including job creation, the protection of natural resources, infrastructure development and the empowerment of local communities.

2nd Malaysia Tourism Gold Summit 2021 is a virtual 3 days event that brings together thought leaders and tourism stakeholders from across the globe. Comprised of expert speaker sessions and tourism players, this event will address important issues within the responsible development of tourism post-pandemic.

For registration, please go to mtcsummit.com

-Malaysia Tourism Council.

Decision soon on more travel bubbles

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is expected to decide soon on having Langkawi-like travel bubbles for other islands and easing restrictions on movements to non-island destinations.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry and state authorities would study the pilot travel bubble project in Langkawi and submit a report to the government so that the National Security Council (NSC) could make a decision on it.

"As we continue to review and monitor Langkawi, we have submitted the mechanics that we see fit. However, the NSC is deciding whether it will be a bubble, interstate allowances or a full revocation of interstate restrictions.

"We will make our recommendations based on the standard operating procedures (SOP)."

She said a list of proposed islands had been submitted.

The ministry had worked with state governments to establish updated vaccination information of the populace and the preparedness of local authorities and industry players.

"Like for Langkawi previously, we would recommend that those planning to travel take a swab test a few hours before their trip."

She said with the reopening of Langkawi, it was crucial to level the playing field for other island operators, especially those in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia who have just a few weeks left in October before the monsoon season arrives.

Langkawi's pilot travel bubble project initially came under fire as the government did not include a Covid-19 negative swab test requirement.

However, a ministry source told the New Sunday Times that its earlier travel bubble recommendations highlighted a non-negotiable condition that travellers needed to test negative for Covid-19 before their departure.

The source said this had been left out before the bubble's SOP was issued by the NSC.

It was also understood that the ministry had recommended that travel bubbles cover all islands that were popular beach destinations instead of just Langkawi.

A total of a 2,546 people were screened at air and sea entry points into Langkawi. Of the number, five were found positive on the first day of the bubble's implementation on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Nancy said airlines, hoteliers and ferry consortiums had committed to allowing Covid-19 positive travellers to defer their flight and stay dates.

-nst online.

Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve earns UNESCO recognition

 

The International Coordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme has formally inducted Malaysia’s Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve into the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

With this designation, the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, which comprises 12,481 hectares of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the north-western part of Penang Island, will be counted among a distinguished global network of 714 Biosphere Reserves across 129 countries.

Biosphere Reserves the world over are celebrated for their exceptional biodiversity and distinct social landscapes as well as for their potential to demonstrate innovative ways of living in harmony with nature.

“This designation is a recognition of the rich natural and cultural heritage of Penang Island and an opportunity to be part of the Man and the Biosphere programme which is a unique platform for international collaboration,“ The Habitat Penang Hill and The Habitat Foundation said in a press statement.

Under the leadership of the Penang Hill Corporation, with the contribution of many state and federal government agencies involved in the preparation and eventual submission of the nomination dossier, the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve now features not only the timeless forests of Penang Hill but also encompasses the state’s forest reserves, the historic Penang Botanical Gardens, Penang National Park, and coastal and marine ecosystems in an unbroken link from the hill to the sea.

Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) president, Uzaidi Udanis, said: “With this latest international recognition, Penang will have a new world-class attraction which should be promoted for tourists. MITA will organise a recce for its members to see and experience the places for themselves.”

Adam Kamal, head of contracting & domestic market at Ice Holidays, told TTG Asia that the recognition would raise curiosity about the destination and boost domestic and international visitor numbers once interstate and Malaysian borders reopen.

“The internationally recognised accolade makes it easier for us to promote Penang,” Kamal commented.

-TTG Asia.

Cycling tours, a niche market in Sabah

 

Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin (centre), its deputy director Trecey Tojuka (2nd, right), Trek Finder Tours operator Arthur Kimon (right) and media influencers to embark on the first series of Kota Kinabalu Live Rid3 1.0 at Signal Hill observatory tower. - NSTP/Paul Mu

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism Malaysia Sabah has embarked on a virtual promotional tour to prepare itself when interstate travel resumes nationwide.

Its director Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin said now is the time to reactivate the promotional activities before the tourism industry fully reopens.

"These are the steps taken to help the local travel agents to promote their products as they have been inactive for too long," said Faharuddin after Tourism Malaysia launched its first series of the Kota Kinabalu Live Ride 1.0 programme at Signal Hill observatory tower near here today.

The hour-long cycling ride highlights the city's landmarks including the Atkinson clock tower, Sabah Tourism Board building, Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, Sabah International Convention Centre, Sabah Administrative Centre and allows people to enjoy the coastal scenery of Likas bay.

"Cycling tours are a niche market and they have been available before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

"The Tourism Malaysia foreign offices in Jakarta, Vietnam, the Philippines and other nearby countries were had also tuned in during the live streaming of this programme so that they can inform their agent friends that we have this package.

"We want to create awareness that we have this recreational tourism package," said Faharuddin.

He said there were also facilities in Kota Kinabalu for youngsters and family tour groups, and it was also planning to offer mountain bike experiences for the rough terrain in Penampang, Ranau and Kiulu.

"I also notice that the whole of Sabah is a mix of hilly areas and areas near rivers. This is the factor that attracts visitors to cycle and enjoy the beautiful sceneries. The landscape of Sabah is perfect for outdoor activities and Tourism Malaysia wants to further promote this promising and big market," said Faharuddin.

Besides tapping into leisure tourists, he said the geography of Sabah is perfect for serious cyclists to train in preparation for cycling tournaments, which is also another market.

He said cycling lanes that were already available along the coastal highway in Kota Kinabalu was another plus point.

Faharuddin said he was confident that the tourism industry will rebound stronger this time around as they have learnt a lot from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Local tourism players had also learnt from past experiences, including the H1N1 (influenza A virus) and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreaks which had also impacted the tourism industry. However, those experiences were not as bad as Covid-19."

He said the ongoing pandemic prompted tourism players to improve their services online and to become more resilient and persevere, otherwise they would have left the industry.

To lift the spirits of tourism players, he said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has provided incentives and financial assistance to travel agents, hotels, tourist guides and destination operators last year.

On the part of Tourism Malaysia, he said it was in the process of developing 70 new tour packages including nature tours and diving activities in the east coast of Sabah with attractive new deals.

"When the packages are ready, we will do the promotion and marketing to enable holidaymakers to make their plans in advance. So when interstate travels resume, they can just inform the travel agents to confirm the bookings," he said.

Meanwhile, Trek Finder Tours operator, Arthur Kimon said the continued interest towards cycling activities has kept the people in his company going despite the absence of tourists.

Trek Finder Tours specialises in cycling tour packages, including city and countryside rides.

"Our 'market' is mostly European (riders) and since (many of them) are not around, we are trying to woo the locals, but there are not many (locals) because most of them already know the routes," he said.

In order to generate a small income, he said they would rent out the bikes to the local riders at RM10 a session and reduced the tour packages to RM75 from RM350, but response was not encouraging.

"We hope the state tourism industry will gradually reopen as many people have completed their vaccines, otherwise we won't be able to stay alive," he said.

-nst online.

Resume Cuti-Cuti Malaysia By Saving Up To RM100 With These Special Langkawi Hotel Deals

 

PUTRAJAYA, 17 September 2021 – It is time to resume our holiday plans as Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) and Shopee Malaysia, are relaunching the “Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia! Experience Malaysia Like Never Before” campaign, which features special hotel deals in Langkawi beginning 16 September 2021.

This comes on the heels of the announcement that Langkawi will reopen to fully vaccinated domestic tourists as part of the government's travel bubble initiatives. Malaysians can now redeem an RM50 e-voucher for a 2-days-1-night (2D1N) stay at one to three-star rated hotels, or an RM100 e-voucher for a 2D1N stay at four to five-star rated hotels in Langkawi valid until 31^st December 2021.

Dato’ Hj. Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia said, “The announcement by the government on the reopening of Langkawi through domestic tourism bubble is truly long-awaited news for everyone in the industry. 

The “Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia!” campaign serves as one of our efforts in encouraging Malaysians to have the confidence to travel once again, albeit while taking extra precautions. This pilot project is important in reviving Malaysia’s tourism supply chain, all of which were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Yap Lip Seng, CEO of MAH shared, “We understand that many are eager to travel after a prolonged period of movement restrictions. This campaign provides a great incentive for Malaysians to do so. Rest assured that all parties involved have taken the necessary precautions to provide as safe a travel experience as possible for everyone. Look out for MAH’s very own “Clean & Safe Malaysia” certified hotels for added assurance, we are ready to welcome you back.”

Meanwhile, Kenneth Soh, Senior Manager (Marketing) of Shopee Malaysia said, “We are always striving to empower local communities, and in this case the hoteliers and other industry players involved, starting with those on Pulau Langkawi. Malaysians can find offers on our platform for hotels at various price points, to accommodate tourists at all budget levels. We will also activate a specially curated search for hotel offers in Langkawi, to further ease the purchasing process of those keen on visiting the beautiful island. Although there is still a long road ahead, we believe this is a pragmatic first step for the industry to bounce back in a safe manner.”

Tourism activities and attractions at the resort island are expected to resume, subject to strict standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the National Security Council (NSC) from 16 September onwards. As announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH), those planning to visit Langkawi are required to undergo a COVID-19 test prior to their arrival. Tourists are advised to follow the latest tourism travelling SOP on NSC and MOH websites before travelling.

On top of hotel deals in Langkawi, the campaign also features hotels from other states across the country. The “Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia! Experience Malaysia Like Never Before” campaign was launched in December last year through Tourism Malaysia’s Stimulus Recovery Plan, together with MAH and Shopee to revive the tourism supply chain economy.

Fully vaccinated Malaysians craving a holiday can check out hotel deals in Langkawi by visiting https://shopee.com.my/m/jom-cuti-cuti-malaysia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Explore Malaysia’s Street Food Virtually With Tourism Malaysia And Jackie M.

 

PUTRAJAYA, 17 September 2021 – Let’s take on many virtual Street Food Journeys with Jackie M. and Tourism Malaysia! A Malaysian-born, Sydney-based hawker food expert, Jackie M., and her group of culinary experts are collaborating with Tourism Malaysia Sydney once again for the second series of Street Food Journeys.

After the success of the first series, Series 2 will continue with their journeys across the remaining states of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perlis, Sabah, Negeri Sembilan, and Kelantan, where only viewers will be taken on a virtual trip of Malaysia’s gastronomy paradise. Series 2 will also include a combination of on-the-ground interviews, how-to cooking segments, and an exploration of the unique food culture in each state.

This six-part series aims to not only teach viewers how to recreate signature Malaysian flavours from the comfort of their own kitchens, but also to share valuable travel tips for each state or territory, which will be presented by either Shaukani Abbas, an award-winning Malaysian tourist guide, or one of the guest travel contributors. All the recipes, travel articles, and contents will be summarised and presented in an e-Magazine that accompanies the series.

“My team and I are grateful for the success and positive feedback we have received through Series 1, and now we are excited to showcase more insight into Malaysian cuisine through Series 2. We can’t wait to share with the audience our special guests, such as the internet sensations The Jetlag Warriors and Mark O’Dea who will be virtually exploring Malaysia’s rich cuisine and culture,” says the series’ host and producer Jackie M.

She continues, “While the closures of international borders have left us waiting to travel again, we hope that this additional series will give everyone a virtual experience and a general idea for them to plan ahead for their future travel to Malaysia.” The series will be available through various platforms, including Jackie M.’s YouTube and Twitch channels.

Mr Tuan Razali Tuan Omar, Director of Tourism Malaysia in Sydney also expressed his appreciation following the series’ success, “With the success of Series 1, we are eager to see how Series 2 will unfold more of Malaysia’s rich cuisine and culture. I am sure everyone agrees when we say that Malaysia is a foodie’s paradise. Kuala Lumpur’s Curry Laksa has been ranked the world’s number two in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Eatlist while Penang’s Assam Laksa has been recorded in CNN’s list of World’s 50 Best Foods.”

Street Food Journeys: Malaysia Series 2 will start airing on multiple platforms on Sundays at 9 PM AEST/AEDT from the 19th of September. Catch the team live on https://www.youtube.com/MastersOfMalaysianCuisine, https://www.youtube.com/c/JackieM,and http://www.malaysianchefs.com/.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sabah Parks' sites open to 100 visitors a day

 

KOTA KINABALU: Only visitors aged over 12 and under 70 years old are allowed to enter any of the marine and nature destinations of Sabah Parks effective today (Sept 16).

Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim, however, said only 100 visitors were allowed a day at any of its 24 sites across the state following its reopening today.

All visitors are advised to adhere to the updated standard operating procedure (SOP) as announced by the state government on Sept 11 under the Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), that had been approved by the Health Ministry, National Security Council and Sabah Covid-19 disaster management committee.

"Activities such as climbing Mount Kinabalu are reopened to the public and climbers starting Sept 16, except activities at the Turtle Island Park in Sandakan which resumes Sept 20.

"Only fully vaccinated visitors and climbers are permitted to enter the parks and they must come from the same district.

"Other destinations such as Bohey Dulang Island, which is among the islands within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park in Semporna and Kimanis sub-station within the Crocker Range Park in Keningau, a reopening date will be announced later," he said.

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sabah chairman Lawrence Chin welcomed the reopening of tourism sites.

"However, it will be even better if tourists can cross district without travel bubbles at the same time observing strict SOP."

State Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun had on Sept 10 announced the relaxation of rules for the tourism sector including hotels and homestays.

-nst online.

Dato’ Zainuddin Abdul Wahab Dilantik Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia

 

PUTRAJAYA, 15 September 2021 – Lembaga Penggalakan Pelancongan Malaysia (Tourism Malaysia) mengumumkan pelantikan YBhg. Dato’ Hj. Zainuddin Abdul Wahab sebagai Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia yang baharu berkuat kuasa 13 September 2021.

Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia, YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri telah bersetuju melantik Dato’ Zainuddin secara rasmi bagi menggantikan Encik Zulkifly Md Said yang bersara wajib pada 13 September 2021. Dato’ Zainuddin sebelum ini merupakan Pengarah Kanan Pengurusan Tourism Malaysia yang juga menanggung tugas Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Perancangan).

Beliau yang telah berkhidmat selama 37 tahun dalam perkhidmatan awam, pernah menggalas jawatan Ketua Pengarah Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) sebelum dilantik sebagai Pengarah Bahagian Produksi dan Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Perancangan Strategik di Tourism Malaysia.

Dengan pelantikan tersebut, beliau akan terus membantu usaha-usaha pemulihan industri yang terkesan dengan pandemik COVID-19 sekali gus memacu perubahan ke arah digitalisasi pelancongan bagi merealisasikan Dasar Pelancongan Negara (DPN) 2020-2030.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Pangkor ready to reopen for domestic tourism

 

BATU GAJAH: Pangkor Island is expected to reopen for domestic tourists on Nov 1, under a travel bubble programme.

However, state Housing, Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi said the final decision would be made by the National Security Council and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC).

Nolee said there are criteria that have not been met, especially vaccination rollouts, and the actual number of people who have been vaccinated on the island.

"There are no vaccination centres (PPV) on the island causing numerous vaccination programmes to be done through community outreach programmes. Most of the people on the island are registered to be vaccinated at the Lumut PPV.

"As of last Monday, only 87 out of about 5,900 tourism industry players were yet to be vaccinated due to certain problems such as quarantine and certain illness.

"So we want ensure all those who were not vaccinated do so at the PPV Lumut and ensure the number of those who received their vaccines through outreach programmes in Pangkor Island to prove we achieved 80 percent herd immunity," she said after handing over food assistance at Al-Hidayah Mosque in Kampung Batu 8 here, today.

To achieve herd immunity in Pangkor Island, at least 8,026 eligible residents, aged 18 and above, need to receive the vaccine out of the total 11,500 population on the island.

On Aug 14, MOTAC minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said top island resorts such as Langkawi, Pangkor, Redang, Tioman and Perhentian need to achieve herd immunity by end of August and be ready for reopening in early September.

However, Nancy said this would depend on the government's decision and the standard operating procedures (SOP) to be set.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia New Delhi Received Global Award At ITCTA 2021

 

PUTRAJAYA, 10 September 2021 – Tourism Malaysia has been awarded for “International Film Location & Golf Tourism Destination” at the 7^th International Tourism Conclave & Travel Awards (ITCTA), which was held on 20 ^th August 2021 at Le Meridien, New Delhi.

One of the largest travel trade and business-to-business (B2B) platforms for India’s tourism industry, this year’s ITCTA was attended by more than 150 industry players. A one-day conclave and B2B expo was held for attendees to discuss the revitalisation of the heavily impacted tourism industry amid the ongoing pandemic, as well as promotional activities focusing on tourism niche products such as MICE, weddings, golf tourism, and filming locations.

“It is vital to have a continuous discourse among the industry players, tourism boards, and state governments on how to tackle the obstacles faced by the tourism industry worldwide. The new normal is here to stay for a longer time than we have expected, hence it is time for a new approach: to live with the virus rather than to combat it,” said Mr Sulaiman Suip, Director of Tourism Malaysia New Delhi, in regards to the current COVID-19 situation.

For more information on ITCTA and the list of winners, visit https://itcta.com/.

-Tourism Malaysia.

TOURISM MALAYSIA And LADA Gained International Recognition At PATA Gold Awards 2021

 

PUTRAJAYA, 9 September 2021 – The joyous month of Malaysia Day celebration has started positively as Malaysia won two out of 25 categories presented at this year’s virtual PATA Gold Awards, namely through Tourism Malaysia for the Print Marketing Campaign category and Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) for the Heritage category.

Tourism Malaysia’s 2021 Desk Calendar with its “Dive into Your Dream – Malaysia 365 Days” theme reminds its users of Malaysia’s picturesque natural beauty, from its dazzling blue seas, multi-colour sunsets, and mystic rainforests. The idea is to inspire the users of their next holiday in the country, away from the bustling city scenes and into the secret world of Malaysia’s off-the-beaten-track destinations.

The calendar also portrays Tourism Malaysia’s effort in embracing digitalisation by incorporating its digital platforms through QR codes and offering download options for each picturesque landscape displayed each month. The QR codes paired with every picture will bring users to dedicated articles on the locations along with recommendations for tourists. The downloadable pictures, on the other hand, allow users to utilise the calming sceneries as their desktop wallpapers, posters, and wall calendars.

Similarly, LADA has deservingly won the Heritage Award through its “Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark: The Diverse Heritage of Kubang Badak Biogeotrail” project. Being the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Southeast Asia, Langkawi is not only home to idyllic beaches but also a community of rich culture and heritage. On the southwest part of the island, one can find Langkawi’s Kubang Badak Biogeotrail. The project has brought forth the geological, biological, and cultural wonders of Kubang Badak Village.

LADA has successfully brought to light the importance of biodiversity and how the local community responsibly rely on natural resources as their source of income, alongside their rich Malay-Thai culture that can be traced back to the 18^th century.

Carrying the influences of their Thai ancestors, Kubang Badak villagers are well-versed in the Thai language. Both the authorities and the community have worked together in conserving the environment and educating the public while practising responsible geotourism.

For the complete list of winners, click here. To spend the rest of the year with the award-winning calendar, click here.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malindo Air supports Langkawi travel bubble with six daily flights from KL

 

KUALA LUMPUR: In support of the reopening of the tourism sector in Langkawi and to reinvigorate the national economy through the government's travel bubble initiative from Sept16, Malindo Air will be offering six daily flights to the island.

The airline said in a statement today that five flights will be from the Subang Skypark and one from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Malindo Air currently operates two daily flights between Langkawi and Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah in Subang.

"In conjunction with the reopening of Langkawi to fully vaccinated passengers, and also in celebrating Malaysia Day, effective Sep 16, Malindo Air is offering a 15kg free baggage allowance to all Super Saver ticket holders travelling on all Malindo Air flights," Malindo Air's chief executive officer Captain Mushafiz Mustafa Bakri said.

"2021 has been another challenging year for our industry but conditions have started to improve.

"Looking ahead, we believe the reopening of Langkawi as a travel bubble will be of enormous value to the revival of the hardest hit aviation and tourism industry.

"We hope this restart will slowly help everyone to be back on their feet again," Mushafiz said.

He said that Malindo Air will work hand in glove with the government, the Langkawi Development Authority and Tourism Malaysia, to ensure the new tourism initiative could eventually resume in a "safe and calibrated manner".

"Our requirement that all our employees are fully-vaccinated creates a safer environment for our people and customers alike," Mushafiz said.

"Travel will inevitably be more complex in the current Covid-19 period where customers are still required to observe standard operating procedures and certain protocols, and certain restrictions may still apply."

Malindo Air also said that it has taken extreme safety precautions such as enhanced cabin cleaning and rigorous disinfecting.

"Every aircraft in the Malindo Air fleet is equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which remove more than 99.9 per cent of microbes in the air.

"Therefore, cabin air is refreshed every two to three minutes throughout the flight."

-nst online.

Langkawi sets date for domestic tourism reopening

 

Langkawi will become the first destination in Malaysia to reopen to domestic tourists from September 16, subject to conditions that are still being worked out.

Details on whether travel to Langkawi island is open to all Malaysians or only to those who are fully vaccinated, have yet to be announced. Currently, the interstate travel ban is still enforced nationwide.

Prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on August 2 that other tourist destinations in the country will be allowed to operate once local vaccination rates reach 80 per cent.

Langkawi Business Association president, Anthony Wong, said: “It is indeed very good news for tourism stakeholders in Langkawi, as the destination has had to shut down since June 1. However, we have to be very cautious and heed all the standard operating procedures, as we don’t want any Covid-19 clusters, which may result in another lockdown.”

According to Wong, many tourism stakeholders in Langkawi are taking a wait-and-see approach. “Not all hotels will open up. Those that do, will take a slow approach, and open part of their inventory to meet initial demand,” he said.

Wong, who is also the managing director of Cottage by the Sea by Frangipani Langkawi, said he will initially open 20 to 30 rooms out of the total 115, depending on demand, and work with minimum staff. Operations will scale up as demand increases. Wong expects demand to peak in December.

Adam Kamal, secretary-general at the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, shared that the two-week lead time will give travellers the opportunity to plan their holiday and allow tourism stakeholders to prepare for the long awaited reopening.

He said: “Hotels can start sprucing up their rooms and operators can start servicing their vehicles and updating their products.”

However, he opined that operators outside of Langkawi might not be able to benefit much from the destination’s reopening, as hotels would likely “market directly to consumers and have pre-opening offers which are lower than the agents contracted rates”, while local Langkawi operators would dangle attractive offers via social media and email marketing, again, directly aimed at travellers.

-TTG Asia.