Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen declared: “We are not going to focus solely on tourism products. We aim to also make Malaysia the venue of choice for conventions, seminars and meetings.” Declining to elaborate, she said: “Whatever we are doing now, we are going to do it bigger.” Dr Ng was speaking to reporters after opening the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival (1MCAT) here yesterday.
Art fan: Dr Ng admiring an artwork after launching 1MCAT in Raub. With her is Gabungan Persatuan Pelukis SeMalaysia president Mohd Shaimy Hashim (right). — Bernama
On the 100% tax exemption for eligible tour operators under Budget 2013, she explained that this applied only to licensed operators. “Resorts that organise tours for guests are not included. Tourists can go to licensed tour operators and then stay at the resorts,” she said.
In unveiling Budget 2013, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razakannounced that tour operators bringing in at least 750 foreign tourists or handling a minimum of 1,500 local tourists annually would enjoy a three-year income tax exemption.
Dr Ng, who is the Raub MP, urged tour operators to optimise this incentive and be creative in selling their packages throughout Visit Malaysia Year.
On the 1MCAT programme, she was confident that the RM16mil in sales of art pieces last year could be increased in this year's edition. “1MCAT not only promotes art appreciation but has an added value as tourists who come to view the exhibitions will want to seek out food to try and hotels to stay,” she said.
-thestar online.
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