Boosting Tourism With Footwear Fair

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Besides scenic spots, culture, shopping and food, the Tourism Ministry is embarking on shoes as an attraction to promote Malaysia to the world. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said a three-day 1Malaysia International Shoe Festival would be held from April 2 to promote the country as the shoe capital of the East.

Malaysian-born world-renowned shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo will also showcase his 10 most successful shoe creations and deliver a talk at the event at the Putra World Trade Centre here. Ng said the number of tourists who shopped for shoes in Malaysia increased by 19.9 per cent last year compared to 2008. "We hope that this year, sales will increase by up to 25 per cent and will stimulate the Malaysian economy," she told reporters. The event would be jointly organised by the ministry and the Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association. Ng said Peter Chow, a renowned London-based trade buyer and owner of Davina Fashion Shoe boutique, would speak on how to attract more international buyers for Malaysian-made shoes.

The prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, would launch the festival, which would also feature the history of local shoes including Malay Royal Court shoes and intricately-designed beaded Nyonya shoes, she said. "With the support from Jimmy Choo, we believe our dream to establish Malaysia as an international hub for shoe fashion and become a shoe-buying centre is possible. We believe this event will not only create an economic opportunity but will also attract more tourists to the country," she said, noting that Malaysian brands such as Vincci, Bonia, Carlo Rino and Lewre had penetrated the international market.