Happy New Year 2013

PelanconganKini team wish a happy new year for all viewers and supporters. May your new year filled with wonder, peace and meaning. Happy 2013!!!

Thank you again and we will bring more Tourism news and updates in 2013.

-PelanconganKini.

Countdown celebrations taking place at various spots in the Klang Valley

Dazzling: Tourist and locals will be delighted by the light and fireworks showcase at i-City in Shah Alam.

The time has come for the much-anticipated New Year’s Eve countdown and there are lots of places for everyone to take part in the revelry. StarMetro has compiled a list of places that will be organising fireworks displays and parties.

Publika

Starting from 3pm, The Square in Publika, Kuala Lumpur is having a fireworks display and various performances to cap the year off. Performing artistes such as Bunkface and Dina Nadzir and hosts Baki Zainal and Nadia Nazir from 8TV will help revellers get into the festive mood. Stilt walkers, street magicians, clowns and fire-eaters will be parading around the mall, too.

Visitors can participate in the Publika Facebook Masquerader Photo Contest; or dress up and be spotted for the Best Dressed Masquerade Competition; or show your dance talent at the Masquerade Open Dance Competition to win gadgets, vouchers, CD hampers and cash prizes.

SohoKL

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at SohoKL, Solaris Mont’ Kiara today from 7pm till 1am. Enjoy live and entertaining musical performances, which vary from K-pop, Latin to the Middle Eastern. At midnight, revellers can welcome 2013 with a beautiful display of fireworks. There are exciting giveaways all night worth RM20,000 during lucky draw sessions and games. Food stalls are located near the stage area and seating on the streets is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sungei Wang

Join in the fun and excitement as various performances and activities such as buskers walkabout, cheerleading, and fire and robotic dance performance await revellers. The celebration kicks off at 6.30pm while the street party concert featuring 12 local and international artistes such as Fama and Peter Pan starts at 9.30pm There will also be a fireworks display to usher in the New Year. The events are slated to take place at Sungei Wang Plaza’s main entrance and open-air car park.

KLCC

This year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations themed “HEADL12NERS” will showcase a riveting video presentation of spectacular images that have struck a chord with audiences worldwide. These images will be projected on to a giant water screen at the KLCC Lake Symphony Fountain. The show starts at 9pm, followed by the New Year countdown and fireworks display at midnight.

Unique idea: Unforgettable images with fascinating lights and sounds along with the Lake Symphony Fountain show will enthrall visitors at KLCC.

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Visitors at Pavilion KL will enjoy live performances, street buskers, free party packs and various food and beverage promotions at street bistros and cafes in the mall, from 9pm to 1am.

Genting Outdoor Theme Park

Genting is having stage activities and fireworks display at the Merdeka stage. The entrance to the theme park is free today from 10pm onwards.

Fireworks are subject to weather conditions, if weather conditions are bad, the fireworks will be postponed to the next day at 8pm.

Mutiara Damansara

Grammy Award winners and R&B pop group All-4-One is at the Mutiara Damansara Commercial Centre to usher in the New Year with local artistes Reshmonu, Atilia, Elvira Arul, Nadhira and Malaysia’s own beat-boxing sensation Shawn Lee.

Dance champions Elecoldxhot will perform its signature feet-thumping performances. At midnight, partygoers can expect an extravagant display of fireworks.The party starts from 7pm till midnight.

Subang Jaya

Residents of Subang Jaya can look forward to an exciting New Year’s Eve at the Subang Jaya Community Fire & Rescue Depart-ment in SS17.

There will be a countdown celebration starting from 9.30pm to the wee hours of the morning.

Activities such as Christmas carolling, entertaining performances and lucky draw are just some of the things in store for revellers.

Sunway Pyramid

Enjoy the festivities at Oasis Boulevard with vibrant parties at the various outlets with live music and family entertainment, followed by a display of fireworks over at Sunway Lagoon.

Putrajaya

Visitors can look forward to a star-studded evening of entertainment during the Ambang 2013 Putrajaya, which will begin at 8.30pm today.

The evening’s line-up of performers include Datuk M. Nasir, Mizz Nina, Jamal Abdillah, Datuk Hattan, Ramli Sarip, Hujan, Wings, Stella Chung and Magen.

It is held in Persiaran Perdana, Presint 3, beside the Palace of Justice.

It will be broadcast live on NTV7 from 10.30pm to 1am with live streaming on www.ntv7.com.my/ambang2013

IOI Boulevard

Those in Puchong can join the countdown party at The Palette at IOI Boulevard today at 8.30pm.

The event highlights include live performance by Suki Low, lucky draw and exciting contests. The event will also culminate in a fireworks display to usher in 2013.

i-City

In conjunction with the day-long “Karnival Sayangi Selangor”, there will be a concert by Malaysian artistes including Alyah, Logeswaran, Black and Modread, and Fiq at 8pm followed by a fireworks display.
-thestar online.

The Star bags award for role in promoting Perak tourism

IPOH: The Star has won the Innovative Media Award from the state government for contributing to the success of Visit Perak Year 2012 (VPY 2012).


The newspaper was the only media organisation among the 23 winners announced during the state’s Tourism Gala Night here on Saturday.

State Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Hamidah Osman said The Star had been observing the state’s tourism development. “The newspaper also took the initiative to come up with interesting stories, which have been drawing visitors to our many places of attraction,” she said.

Among the others recognised for their contributions to tourism in the state were the Lenggong Valley (Best Potential Tourism Product), Sungai Klah Hotspring (Best Tourism Product), Royal Belum World Drums Festival (Best Tourism Event), Perak Education Department (Innovative Government Agency), Teluk Intan Municipal Council (Innovative Local Council), Yayasan Orang Utan Bukit Merah (Innovative Organisation) and Kinta Heritage Group (Best Tourism Publication).

Individual award recipients were Rajasegaran Kunjiraman (Best City Guide), labu sayong maker Mohd Pareb Zamari (Best Handicraft Entrepreneur) and Perak Tourism Ambassador Datuk AC Mizal (State Tourism Appreciation Award).

Special Personality Awards were given out to Gabungan Persatuan Pelukis SeMalaysia first vice-president Datuk Mahsun Taib and Pulau Banding Foundation CEO Dr Daniel Baskaran Krishnapillay.

A Special Jury Award was presented to National Heritage Department Commissioner Prof Datin Paduka Siti Zuraina Abdul Majid.

In her speech, Hamidah said all winners played a crucial role in realising the state’s vision of achieving five million tourists under the VPY 2012 campaign.
“We hope the awards will spur the winners on to promote tourism in Perak even further.”
-thestar online.

RM1.5b theme park for Morib

PETALING JAYA: Sentoria Harta Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sentoria Group Bhd, is set to develop a RM1.5bil theme park in Morib, Selangor in a joint venture with a government-linked fund, a source said.


The theme park, called Morib Beach Resort City, will be developed over the next eight to 10 years.

Designed as an integrated resort city, the theme park will consist of a water theme park, a safari park, a resort and convention centre and a boutique hotel. The 121ha land, estimated to be worth some RM20mil, belongs to the government-linked fund and will be developed on a profit-sharing basis.

“The government-linked fund chose Sentoria because of the success of its Bukit Gambang Water Theme Park in Pahang,” the source said. Sentoria is the developer and operator of the Bukit Gambang Resort City in Kuantan.

With work set to begin in the first half of 2013, the first phase of the Morib development will be the water theme park and accommodation, followed by the safari park.

The entire development will comprise serviced apartments, resort villas and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facilities.

The land is sited close to the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya vicinities.

“Based on the joint-venture agreement, Sentoria Harta will develop the land at its own cost and expense, including the land premium. The return on gross development value (GDV) is expected to generate between 20% and 30% in gross profit margin,” the source said.

He said Sentoria had two options for repayment of the land. It could either pay off the land upon completion of 50% of the development, or it could pay off upon obtaining all the relevant approvals and consent in respect of the project.

Earlier this month, Sentoria announced it was undertaking a RM315mil mixed development in Pahang. Sited on 84ha owned by Fajar Pertiwi Sdn Bhd, Taman Bukit Rangin 2 will be developed into 2,500 residential and commercial units by its wholly owned subsidiary Sentoria Alam Sdn Bhd.
-thestar online.

A successful year for tourism

PETALING JAYA: Industry players have described 2012 as a successful year for the country's tourism sector and the many achievements and international accolades bestowed on Malaysia is a reflection of its long list of accomplishments.

Kudos, they say, should go to the Tourism Ministry and its minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen for the tireless efforts to further promote the country to the world with new and “out of the box” tourism creations and innovations.

Industry players are confident the tourism achievements recorded this year will be a boon for both the industry and them especially in facing competition from other destinations.

Malaysia Tourist Guide Council president Jimmy Leong said the ministry has taken steps in the right direction by coming up with new and exciting packages and tourism products to lure more tourists to the country. He said the recognition received by Malaysia as the ninth most visited country in the world by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the fourth best shopping destination by CNN Travel has given Malaysia a better edge against its competitors.

“The international recognition has pushed us to another level. It is just not mere recognition because the world is now looking at us. “If previously, international tourists are undecided on where they should land in Asia, the accolades and recognition will help them decide on their holiday destination which is Malaysia,” Leong said.

Leong said with Malaysia now placed high on international ranking, the council expect this to be translated to not only bigger number of tourist arrivals but also more income for his 10,000-odd members and he thanked the minister for setting up a taskforce to look into the council's views and grouses.

Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association president Tony Ting said the industry has benefited tremendously from yet another one of the ministry's creative idea Malaysian International Shoe Festival, which, since its introduction in 2010, has become a major hit among locals and foreign tourists and was an event that many looked forward to attending.

He said the ministry introduced the festival an anchor event for the annual Grand Prix Sales following a study that showed that 17% of the tourist dollar went to purchase of footwear and buying shoes was on top of the “must buy” list among visitors.

“We are pleased that the ministry had approached us and this event has definitely elevated the Malaysian footwear industry. Last year, the festival saw some 60,000 visitors and the numbers have increased over the past five years.

“We are also pleased with the international tourism endorsements accorded to Malaysia and it reflects Dr Ng's hard work to promote the country's tourism industry,” Ting said.

Gabungan Persatuan Pelukis se-Malaysia vice-president Datuk Mansor Taib said the ministry's “out of the box” efforts to promote local arts has brought recognition to Malaysian artists at home and abroad. He said thanks to a new tourism product the contemporary art package formulated to lure art lovers from all over the world to experience and appreciate Malaysian arts, local artists were able to display their labour of love.

“This innovative way of promoting arts have given art galleries a new lease of life and have resulted in the opening of more such venues.” Mansor added that the ministry's efforts in promoting art has also given local artists the opportunity to work along their foreign contemporaries, including with a group of Russian artists recently.

-thestar online.
www.motour.gov.my
www.tourism.gov.my

DRH set to be game-changer to luxury travel industry

Malaysia has been well known for its natural beauty of pristine sandy beaches and lush rainforests, rich cultural heritage and myriad of culinary delights that cater to all walks of life.

Its strategic location with easy access from neighbouring countries, solid economic growth and innovative infrastructure have made it one of the top tourist destinations in Asia.

www.traveldailynews.asia recently (Oct 25) highlighted that Destination Resorts and Hotels (DRH), a master planner, investor, developer and management of destination resorts and hospitality is set to be the game-changer to the luxury travel industry, a growing market of affluent travellers.

Recently, DRH represented Malaysia at the world's leading event for the travel industry, World Travel Market 2012, in ExCeL London.

DRH is involved in the development of Puteri Harbour and Legoland Hotel in Nusajaya, Johor as well as Desaru Coast that is poised to be the region's first luxury integrated destination, set to open in 2015. “As a country and as a destination, Malaysia has many competitive advantages that will allow us to remain at the forefront of the global travel and tourism industry.

DRH is tasked by the Malaysian Government investment arm Khazanah Nasional to develop and build world-class integrated destination resorts that will elevate the tourism landscape of Malaysia in the international arena,” said Mohd Nadziruddin Nohd Basri, Managing Director of DRH.

Also commenting on Malaysia's tropical climate and beautiful beaches was tourist Dennis Bacic who just arrived in Kuala Lumpur about a week ago. Hailed from Ontario, Canada, this is his fourth trip to the country within a year and this time around, it's our tropical climate that he sought for.

“It's so cold right now in Canada and having the sun all day long is pure blessing. Malaysia is really beautiful and has so much to offer. “I love its beaches which are great spots to rest and relax and bathe in its warm summer sun. Malaysian street or local food is simply amazing, too, and so cheap,” Bacic said.

-thestar online.

Malaysia among world’s top 10 tourist destinations

Malaysia was one of the world's top 10 tourist destinations last year, making it the only South-East Asian country to make the list in the United Nations World Trade Organisation (UNWTO) Tourism Highlights 2012.

In 2009, the country recorded 23.6 million tourists arrival and in 2010, the number increased to 24.6 million.

Topping the list was France with 79 million tourist arrivals, followed by United States (62 million), China (58 million), Spain (57 million), Italy (46 million), Turkey (29.3 million), United Kingdom (29.2 million) and Germany (28.4 million).

Rounding up the top 10 was Mexico with 23.4 million tourists. The report also ranked Malaysia 14th in terms of international tourism receipts with US$18.3bil (RM56.3bil) last year, ahead of countries such as Singapore, Japan, the Netherlands, Korea and Canada. In 2009 and 2010, Malaysia recorded US$15.8bil (RM48.6bil) and US$18.2bil (RM55.9bil) respectively in tourism receipts.

In congratulating tourism players for doing a good job to promote the nation, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said this was the result of hard work put in by many people.

The report rated Malaysia ninth based on international tourists arrival, with 24.7 million foreign tourists last year. “This is not an overnight success. We have worked hard and long and are now finally tasting the labour of our success,” he said.

He said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, her ministry as well as the private sector had also worked tirelessly to promote the country. “We should not rest on our laurels but strive to further improve our ranking,” he said.

-thestar online.

www.motour.gov.my
www.tourism.gov.my

A boom looms for the museums

KUALA LUMPUR: Bigger, more exciting exhibitions have been planned at 20 museums nationwide next year.

“Exotic Sabah and Sarawak” will be staged at the National Museum while the National Textile Museum will host a foreign textile exhibition. “Our museums received around three million visitors this year. With the exhibitions, we hope more people will come,” said Museums Department director-general Datuk Ibrahim Ismail.

Interactive forums, talks and overnight packages in galleries will also be organised to promote museums, he told a press conference to announce the “Art of the Loom” exhibition at the National Textile Museum here yesterday.

Museum director Janet Tee Siew Mooi said the exhibition, which runs until March 10, included 65 loom collections and tools.

“It will also feature a rare Yadanapura loom from Myanmar. It is used weave the acheik pattern silk which is considered sacred as it is used during religious ceremonies.

Neat knitting: Student Nur Alia Holidin, 19, trying out an old weaving machine at the exhibition at the National Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

“It usually takes three people around two months to produce the acheiksilk,” Tee said, adding that the museum received 56,000 visitors this year. She said the public could also try their hand at weaving under the guidance of experts at an interactive session during the exhibition.

The museum was officially launched in April and displays traditional handiwork and multi-ethnic textile collections. For more information, go to www.muziumtekstilnegara.gov.my or call 03-2694 3455.

-thestar online.

2013 New Year's Eve Countdown @ Lost World Of Tambun

Date: 31 December 2012
Time: 8pm - 1am
Venue: Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh, Perak

Ticket
Adult : RM30.00 per person
Child : RM20.00 per person
*Each ticket is inclusive of 01 soft drink and 01 party pack

Fun & Exciting Activities for Everyone!

Hang out, relax and rejuvenate at Lost World Hot Springs & Spa while you are entertained with great music performances by Deriolama5 and burst into laughter with stand-up comic shows and impersonators.

Enjoy in our Amusement Park with bouncing castles, haunted house, stilt walkers, clown performances and many more!

Feed yourself with mouth watering cuisines while having a few chilled ones at our 'Chill Bar' and dance all night to the funky and groovy beats by DJ Golden Munky and DJ Starzo.

HURRY! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Ticket can be purchased online from our website at
www.sunwaylostworldoftambun.com

or click on the product link below.

http://sunwaylostworldoftambun.com/store/current-promotion/celebration-2013-new-years-eve-countdown/

For bulk purchases, contact our sales offices below:

KL Sales Office : 03 - 5631 1411
Ipoh Sales Office : 05 - 542 8888
Penang Sales Office : 04 - 380 3068

*Terms & Conditions Apply
-Lost World of Tambun.

An interview with beauties from Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Nigeria, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

Katerina Castkova

With less than a week to the 2012 Miss Tourism International Pageant finals at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa on Dec 31, things are heating up as preparations have gone into full swing for the show that will be broadcast live through free-to-air TV and the internet.

So far I have talked to 45 of the fine young dazzlers who will be gracing the airwaves this New Years Eve. Today, five more contestants tell us about their interests as well as their countries.

MISS CZECH REPUBLIC: The 180cm-tall Katerina Castkova spends her time doing yoga, travelling, playing golf and watching movies.

“I would promote my country by inviting foreign friends and their families to visit just to see how magical and wonderful it is.”

According to the 26-year-old, the Prague Orloj is not to be missed. “The astronomy clock on the square tower of Prague’s Old Town Hall shows the earth at the centre of the universe, surrounded by the planets. Below the clock is a calendar with symbols of the zodiac. It is amazing and worth the visit.”

MISS BULGARIA: Twenty-one-year-old interior designer Yoana Lachezarova Zirkina passes the time painting, singing and listening to her favourite tunes.

“I would promote my country through social websites such as Facebook to introduce the history of my country and also share experiences with them.”

One such experience is in the Rila National Park which also has the sixth highest mountain in Europe. Yoana explained, “the park contains rare and endangered wildlife species as well as historical sites of global cultural and scientific significance.”

MISS NIGERIA: Standing at 178cm-tall, 20-year-old model Marian Usinbe Makbere enjoys taking photographs and stays active by swimming and dancing. Marian plans to get the Nigerian government more involved in the country’s tourism and after that create an awareness of its attractions through the media. She also plans to set up a committee for the preservation and promotion of heritage and historical sites. One event she wishes to promote is the Arugungu Fishing Festival in Sokoto.

“Fishing is both a way of life and a symbol of peace between the people of Sokoto.”

MISS KAZAKHSTAN: Travelling is something that student Aida Azimbayeva does when she has the time.

“I want to make a slide show of all the beautiful places in my country and put it on the Internet where people can view them. This way, more people will be aware of the tourist attractions in my country.”

The 19-year-old born in Yay-kamenogorsk recommends West Kazakhstan, known for its beautiful mountains and rugged scenery. “There is a lot of fun to be had on our mountains such as skiing, trekking and climbing.”

MISS KYRGYZSTAN: With designs for her own future, Marina Kliug is currently studying fashion design while working part-time in her field of study.

The 24-year-old plans to promote tourist attractions of her country by taking photos and putting them on social media websites such as Facebook. A famous city for winter sports, Karakol would only be one of many.

“Karakol is well known of skiing and other various snow activities. Tourists can also relax in the hot springs located in the city.”

Marina also spends her time dancing to her favourite music and drawing.

-thestar online.

Tourism Malaysia Hosts Dinner

(From left) Kyairul Nokman, Suzana Azmi, Adeline Khan, Norshamshida Abdul Rahim and Nor Azlina Othman.

IPOH: Tourism Malaysia treated 200 tourism industry players to a sumptuous dinner here recently.

Most of the guests were operators homestays, hoteliers, tour agency personnel and members of the media. Guest-of-honour, Perak Tourism Malaysia director Norshamshida Abdul Rahim, gave away plaques of appreciation to the guests.

Norshamshida said Tourism Malaysia Perak had supported 22 programmes for Visit Perak Year 2012 including the Royal Belum World Drum Festival in Grik, International Prawn Fishing Festival in Teluk Intan and a media familiarisation trip.

"We have also promoted packages like the Perak Food Trail, Perak Cycling Trail and homestays to domestic tourists and Singaporeans," she said.

Norshamshida added that the country's tourism industry is seventh largest achiever of the Gross National Income, after oil and gas, wholesale and retail, palm oil, financial services, agriculture, and electronic sectors.

A live band entertained the guests as they dined. Later, table games and a lucky draw were held. By Diana Yeoh.

-nst online.

Promoting KL to Thailand

Welcome to KL: Thai delegates given a warm reception upon arrival.

In conjunction with Berjaya Air’s newly-launched route to Hua Hin in Thailand, a recent familiarisation trip to Malaysia was held for Thai dignitaries.

Berjaya Air welcomed Petchaburi Province governor Monthian Thongnit, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province governor Weera Sriwathanatrakoon and Hua Hin mayor Noppron Vuttikul, Hua Hin representatives, and media to Kuala Lumpur.

The three-day, two-night trip saw 34 guests arrive in SkyPark Terminal in Subang Jaya on Berjaya Air’s ATR 72-500 aircraft. Berjaya Air general manager Adelie Lee welcomed guests with bunga telur followed by a short kompang performance and a bunga manggar procession.

“This trip is a significant occasion for both Berjaya Air and Hua Hin to meet and explore the countries and to build future working collaborations in making Kuala Lumpur and Hua Hin more attractive tourist destinations,” said Lee.

The collaboration with GIT Tours & Travels who sponsored the coach and tour guide made the trip a greater occasion in showing Hua Hin travel agents and media the attractions Kuala Lumpur has to offer. The itinerary started off with a dinner at Atmosphere 360 Restaurant followed by a night view of the Petronas Twin Towers.

The next morning, the visitors were taken to locations such as the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Dataran Merdeka, Putrajaya and Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. The trip ended with a dinner with Tourism Malaysia deputy director general (planning) Datuk Azizan Noordin and Berjaya Air director Datuk Azlan Meah at Saloma Restaurant.

Berjaya Air flies to Hua Hin every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. For details, visit www.berjaya-air.com.

-thestar online.

Five more Miss Tourism International 2012 delegates talk about home

Song Jia

With just four more days to go until the 2012 Miss Tourism International finals, we spoke to five more articulate, gorgeous women representing China, the Netherlands, Portugal, Macedonia, and Georgia.

MISS CHINA: During weekends, she likes to play a few rounds of badminton and a couple of frames of pool. Song Jia is passionate about hospitality and communication skills and has plenty to say on those topics.

“It is important to use the media; such as radio, television and newspapers, to promote tourism. I also think you have to improve the communication skills of tour guides and hotel staff so that visitors have a good time,” said the 23-year-old full-time student.

Song highly recommends that visitors to Beijing should visit one of its many hutong. A type of narrow street or alley, hutong are alleys formed by lines of traditional courtyard residences. Standing at a height of 170cm, the Asian beauty is a native of Shandong.

MISS NETHERLANDS: “I would recommend Amsterdam,” said Jaeli Zandwijk, 24, when asked what would be the best destination in the Netherlands.

“Amsterdam is a city that is famous for its diamond trade. There are about a dozen diamond factories in the city and several of them are even offering guided tours.”

The European beauty, who measures in at 175cm, firmly believes that promoting her people’s culture, she can help promote tourism in her country. “I think that everybody should treat their country as their family, no matter what happens I will still love and support my country.”

The restaurant owner and model is originally from Ibiza, Spain. She enjoys horse riding, roller-skating and dancing as a hobby.

MISS PORTUGAL: Geraldine Marie Domingues Zawisla, 18, would like to promote her country by promoting its culture. “I would like to show our visitors some of our many festivals and also share Portugal’s stories and history with them.”

Standing at 170cm tall, Geraldine likes to sing and is a part-time model and student. When it comes to popular destinations in her country, she thinks Portugal’s beaches are its best selling point.

“Portugal is a beach-lover’s paradise and its beaches vary in both appearance and the activities they offer.”

MISS MACEDONIA: Klimentina Naumoska, 19, who likes listening to music and dancing, is a law student. She said she would like to promote Macedonia’s beautiful, natural and amazing culture. The gorgeous brunette, who stands at 173cm, is from the town of Ohrid, Macedonia. She holds Lake Ohrid dear to her heart and highly recommends it as a tourist destination.

“It is one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes. Besides the lake, our ancient churches are also a popular tourist attraction in Macedonia.”

MISS GEORGIA: This student enjoys horse-riding, reading and dancing. As a tourism ambassador, she said she would promote Georgia’s many historical buildings.

Ani Arabidze, 19, thinks that Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most popular attraction. The 3,200 acre park includes more than a dozen attractions, historical and natural sights, two international hotels, Georgia’s largest campground, two championship golf courses, and expansive natural woodlands with hiking trails.

The beautiful brunette is 174cm tall and was born in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The 2012 Miss Tourism International pageant finals will be held at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa, Petaling Jaya on Dec 31.

-thestar online.

New Year's Eve @ Penang Hill 2013

Date: 31 December 2012 (Monday)

Time: 7.45 pm ~ 12.30 am

Venue: Dataran Bukit Bendera, Penang

-www.penanghill.gov.my

Snowman lands in i-City

Colourful bulbs: More than a million LED lightscapes provide myriad colours in i-City’s City of Digital Lights.

One of the must-see attractions in the Klang Valley this festive season are the Christmas lights display at i-City in Shah Alam.

More than a million LED lightscapes provide myriad colours at i-City’s City of Digital Lights. This is known as the first and only place in the country with such a feature. About RM5mil was spent on the decor, which will stay until they change the theme for Chinese New Year.

i-City has to-date invested RM50mil to create this 25acre theme park within the i-City development that is organised into four precincts; known as City of Digital Lights, SnoWalk, WaterWorld and FunWorld.

At the digital park, there is also a 15ft Christmas tree and snowman displays. Throngs of people have visited i-City to see the vibrant LED lights which are strewn around the trees and animal displays.

In keeping with the Christmas season and feel, the public can also visit i-City’s Snowalk — a 50,000 sq ft Arctic Environment with winter rides such as tobogganing, slides, winter futsal and other adventures.

-thestar online.

www.i-city.my

Miss Tourism International 2012 delegates introduced to media

Say cheese!: Miss Tourism International 2012 delegates posing for the camera during a photo call.


The Miss Tourism International (MTI) 2012 pageant will be marking several firsts this year, including the largest participation of countries and first live telecast of its world final.

A total of 56 countries from around the globe will be represented at the 16th edition of this annual event. The world final will be broadcast live through television and the Internet via RTM and 1Malaysia IPTV.

MTI 2012 will be offering the highest pool of prizes in its 16-year run, which amount to RM500,000 in full fee scholarship to the top five winners to study at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

The pageant also created history last year when Malaysia’s representative Aileen Gabriella Robinson won the Miss Tourism International 2011 title, making her the first Malaysian winner.

The MTI 2012 World Final will be held on Dec 31 at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa, Petaling Jaya. Besides the top five winners, a total of 11 subsidiary titles adopted by the pageant’s sponsors will be accorded to the winning individuals over the next two weeks.

The delegates of MTI 2012, who were dressed in their beautiful national costumes, were introduced during a media conference recently.

Miss Tourism International president Datuk Danny Ooi said the pageant, the only one to be held on New Year’s Eve, served as a platform to promote tourism, culture and friendship. “The participants will also get to experience what Malaysia is all about over the next few days, as they will be travelling to the Klang Valley, Penang and Malacca for various activities,” he said. “Another highlight was the tree-planting programme by the MTI 2012 participants at the International Friendship Garden last weekend.”

He noted that the pageant cost more than RM1mil in production, and hoped to have some 120 countries represented in the competition in future.

Guest of honour Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Maglin Dennis D’Cruz welcomed the 56 participants to Malaysia, which he noted had been ranked ninth in the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) list of 10 most visited countries. Robinson expressed hope that the international delegates would enjoy making new friends and memories during their time in Malaysia, and that they would share their experiences with their friends and family when they go home.

Miss Tourism International is a homegrown event initiated by the pageant’s franchise holder Ooi, and was first held in 1994 in Kuching, Sarawak. The title has been franchised to more than 80 countries to-date.

Members of the public who would like to attend the MTI 2012 World Final can purchase tickets via www.ticketcharge.com.my
For details, visit www.misstourisminternational.com
-thestar online.

PLUS : Follow The TTA For Smoother Travel On The Highway This Christmas & 2013 New Year Holidays

-www.plus.com.my

Tune Talk and BlackBerry Presents The Return of Paramore Live in Kuala Lumpur

Get ready to Riot as America’s beloved pop rock phenomenon, Paramore make their stellar return to Kuala Lumpur on 17 February 2013 at Stadium Negara. Fronted by the incomparable Hayley Williams, the band is geared up for their worldwide tour in conjunction with the release of their upcoming self-titled album due on 9 April 2013.

Paramore first unveiled the news via a personal blog announcement at the band’s official website stating, “The whole making of this album was a rediscovering of ourselves as a band and as friends,” the band wrote. “It was a process that allowed us the freedom to explore new territory artistically and to liberate ourselves as musicians, singers, as people! Sincerely, we feel that the best way to give it a name is just to call it what it is. This album is us.”

The Grammy-nominated band’s first all-new release in more than three years, PARAMORE marks the eagerly anticipated follow-up to 2009’s RIAA gold-certified brand new eyes. Paramore’s fourth full-length studio recording was produced by Grammy-nominated producer Justin Meldal-Johnson, known for his work with an array of diverse artists like Beck, Nine Inch Nails, Tegan and Sara, and M83. The first single from Paramore is entitled ‘Now.’

Joining them on the tour are the ever experimental American indie rockers, mewithoutYou and Malaysia’s favourite punk rock pioneers, OBS. mewithoutYou is known for their warbling vocal style and introspective lyrics of lead vocalist Aaron Weiss, as well as their prominent bass riffs and atmospheric guitar sounds while OBS will be introducing a brand new single and playing material from their last album Kampong Glam.

Log on to www.livescape.asia or www.facebook.com/livescape for more info and updates.

-www.ticketpro.com.my

Top 10 Tourist Arrivals To Malaysia - January~September 2012 (By Nationality)

1. Singapore 9,257,587

2. Indonesia 1,711,086

3. China 1,182,692

4. Thailand 959,344

5. Brunei 884,632

6. India 514,926

7. Australia 372,611

8. Philippines 360,720

9. Japan 343,316

10. United Kingdom 300,001

Total worldwide arrivals 18,153,643

-Tourism Malaysia.