Port Dickson International Triathlon 2013 (6 ~ 7 July 2013)

Participants from:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Britain
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- Canada
- China
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kenya
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Venezuela
Total participants: 1,893

-Tourism Malaysia Negeri Sembilan office.

One Republic Native Live in Malaysia - 31 October 2013

-www.ticketpro.com.my

Tadau Kaamatan - Majlis Rumah Terbuka Malaysia 2013 @ Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Anda semua dijemput hadir!!.. Pelbagai aktiviti menarik menanti anda, antaranya pertandingan karaoke, pertandingan gusti lengan, pameran makanan tradisi, dan persembahan artis-artis popular - JIMMY PALIKAT, LENA AF, JAMAL ABDILLAH, WAN RULL PUPET, CLARISE JOHN MATTA dan ramai lagi artis-artis yang akan hadir bagi memeriahkan MAJLIS RUMAH TERBUKA MALAYSIA TADAU KAAMATAN 2013.
-JKKN Sabah facebook.

Double Sales, Double Excitement!

Enjoy great discounts and promotions at 
the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival & the 1Malaysia Unified Sale

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 June 2013: One of the most anticipated events in Malaysia’s annual tourism calendar, the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2013 (1MMSC), is back! Organised by Tourism Malaysia from 29 June – 1 September 2013 nationwide, it promises endless shopping excitement for everyone, locals and tourists alike. 

This year, the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism is also organising the 1Malaysia Unified Sale 2013 (1MUS), to be held simultaneously with the 1MMSC. With two sale events to look forward to, tourists and shoppers can expect their holiday and shopping experience in Malaysia to be doubly exciting and rewarding.

The Minister of Tourism and Culture, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz and the Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism, YB Dato’ Hasan bin Malek jointly-launched the 1MMSC and 1MUS 2013 today at Panggung Sari, Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex.

The event is held there to further promote and highlight Malaysia’s unique traditional craft products and stimulate demand and sales of the country’s local craft.

The launching ceremony was also attended by 134 members of the media and tour agents from 17 countries, who are here under Tourism Malaysia’s Mega Familiarisation Programme. The Mega Fam participants also visited KLCC and Pavilion KL on 27 June and attended a destination seminar today at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex before going for their post tours.

In its 13th year of organisation, the 1MMSC has become a much anticipated event for both locals and discerning shoppers from around the region.  It has succeeded in placing Malaysia on the world map as a top value-for-money international shopping destination, as well as a duty free haven.

The government’s efforts in promoting shopping in Malaysia are reflected in the yearly increase of tourist arrivals and shopping revenue.

Tourist arrivals for 2012 reached 25.03 million with a revenue of RM60.6 billion. Last year, tourist expenditure on shopping was RM18.6 billion, compared to RM17.5 billion in 2011, signifying an increase of 6.3%. It constituted about 30.7% of total tourist expenditures in 2012 compared to 30% in the previous year.

Besides that, Kuala Lumpur has been ranked as the world’s fourth best shopping city by global news network CNN, while the Globe Shopper Index listed it as the second best in Asia Pacific.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES DURING 1MMSC AND 1MUS 2013
The KL Fashion Weekend 2013 (KLFW 2013) will kick-off the long list of events and activities that will take place during 1MMSC 2013 and 1MUS 2013. Modelled after the London Fashion Weekend, London’s largest and most exclusive designer shopping event, KLFW 2013 aims to provide consumers with first-hand look and information for directional trends for hair, make-up and fashion from the Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

KLFW 2013 is organised by Tradisi Busana with support from Tourism Malaysia and participating retail giants Metrojaya and Parkson as a platform for promoting duty free shopping while providing excellent brand exposure and creating an important revenue stream for the local retail industry. This year’s KLFW Spring/Summer will feature a rich and vibrant mix of labels from these leading department stores, which will be on sale in-stores during the 1MMSC 2013. KLFW 2013 will also feature designs by local designers under the Karyaneka label, which is available at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex. For further information on show schedules, kindly visit www.klfashionweekend.com.

BBKLCC, the premier shopping precinct in Kuala Lumpur, is organising its ‘BeJewelled’ campaign which offers duty and sales tax free shopping at various jewellery stores. Shoppers will also be rewarded with great gifts and redemption when they shop at over 3,000 stores across the nine malls situated in the Bukit Bintang – KLCC area. For the list of events and activities, as well as sales and promotions organised at your favourite mall nationwide, kindly visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.

REWARDS BY MASTERCARD DURING 1MMSC & 1MUS 2013
In staying true to providing exclusive privileges and priceless experiences, MasterCard Worldwide returns as the official card for the 13th consecutive year, offering a variety of attractive rewards exclusively for MasterCard cardholders during the 1MMSC 2013.

From instantly redeemable gifts to holiday getaways in the mountains, MasterCard will also be introducing a never before done ‘Buy It For Free with Credit & Debit MasterCard’ programme. Lucky shoppers who are spotted using their MasterCard card during the sales period, will have their shopping paid for!

With over 300 merchant tie ups at 10 participating malls nationwide, MasterCard cardholders will have abundant opportunities to be rewarded this 1MMSC 2013. In addition, foreign MasterCard cardholders will be able to redeem limited edition Malaysian made gifts from participating malls.

-Tourism Malaysia.

MCI, Console Communications merge to form MCI Malaysia

Global association, communications and event management company MCI recently merged with Malaysian professional congress organiser, Console Communications, for a stronger hold on the growing Malaysian MICE market.

Commenting on the creation of MCI Malaysia, Yap Shook Fung, director of Console Communications, said: “It is a natural step for Console to join a big global leader like MCI. We believe it will help in bringing more international events to Malaysia and my team and I are excited to be part of the MCI global network.”

Robin Lokerman, president – MCI Asia-Pacific, said MCI wanted to expand to Malaysia and build its corporate business in the country. “Malaysia is a growing MICE destination and many of our clients are expressing an interest in Kuala Lumpur and other cities. With Console, we have found a very experienced team to build our business and support our clients.”

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau CEO, Zulkefli Sharif, called the merger a “timely” one, given the “rapid development of the business events industry and the increase in awareness of Malaysia as one of the major players in the industry”.

“With Console’s strong foothold in the local business events industry and MCI’s global networking and expertise, we believe this merger will be a catalyst to the industry, bringing more prestigious events to Malaysia’s emerging and dynamic business events industry,” he added.

Console, established in 2004, has been managing large-scale conferences in Malaysia and abroad, including Water Malaysia 2013, the 10^th Asia-Pacific Conference on Human Genetics 2012, and Borneo Water & Wastewater Exhibition 2012.

-TTG Asia.

Brightly-lit floats give Putrajaya a neon glow

Creative: Terengganu’s float is decorated to resemble a turtle ‘carrying’ other attractions synonymous to the state.

The “Magic of the Night” float parade, which is being held in conjunction with Floria Putrajaya 2013, is a popular draw and truly a magical sight as a flotilla of 14 boats decked with intricate motifs of popular tourism icons sail gracefully along a 3km stretch of the scenic waterfront at the Putrajaya Lake.

Held for the third consecutive year by the Tourism and Culture Ministry, the “Magic of the Night” has become a signature event in Putrajaya. Floria Putrajaya is Malaysia’s premier outdoor garden and flower showcase, displaying the best of the local and international landscape and horticulture industry,

This year, the float parade, launched by Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, is themed “Colours of Harmony”. Nazri said it was a platform to attract visitors and tourists to Putrajaya and make it a tourism destination.

Eye-catching: Tourism Malaysia exhibits the tourist attractions across the country.

“An event of such stature not only helps to promote Putrajaya as a must-see, must-experience tourism destination, but Malaysia as a unique global destination,” he said.

This event of international standing is aimed at introducing and promoting the diversity and richness of nature, culture and tradition of the country. In addition, it also aims to cultivate friendly cultural activities, increase awareness and appreciation of the beauty of flora and fauna found in Malaysia.

Over one million foreign and local visitors are expected to throng Putrajaya over the nine-day festival which also includes photography contests, fireworks display, musical and cultural performances. The static display of the boats starts from 9.30pm to 11.30pm until June 30.

-thestar online.

Nazri Aziz: I appointed Ng Yen Yen as Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz says he appointed former minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen as Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board chairman.

He said Dr Ng's appointment was made with the approval of the Prime Minister. Nazri said he chose Dr Ng as she was the former tourism minister for five years and a deputy minister before that.

“We want to attract quality tourists who spend more and stay longer from China. "Ng speaks Mandarin and has experience as a minister and deputy minister,” he added. He said one of the reasons Chinese tourists came here was due to the Malaysians' ability to speak different Chinese dialects including Mandarin.

It was reported that Dr Ng, the former tourism minister, clarified that her appointment as MTPB chairman was at the behest of the current minister and nothing to do with politics. “I was appointed because of my (previous) role.

“Nazri wanted to see continuity and also because we are gearing up to Visit Malaysia Year 2014,” she said. “It was also not on my own recommendation as wrongly reported by a local daily,” she said. Dr Ng, the MCA vice-president, added that she had explained the matter to the presidential council and that the members accepted her explanation.

The MCA had passed a resolution not to accept government positions as the party did badly in the May general election.

-thestar online.

Tourism Ministry contemplates building twin English village and cable car for Frasers Hill

RAUB: The “Little England” of Frasers Hill will have its twin village in the area as another attraction for tourists.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the British concept of picturesque surroundings with its beautiful highland flowers and landscape together with the colonial bungalows left behind by the English administrators on Bukit Fraser are among the present attractions to tourists.

Mohamed Nazri said as a place to crave peace of mind and temperatures between 17 and 24 degrees Celsius and filled with flower gardens and beautiful scenery, Bukit Fraser had been known as one of the resort’s most popular highlands in the peninsular apart from Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands.

He said there would be no further excessive developments in the area including the construction for additional accommodations despite the hill which is most visited and experiencing traffic congestion at times.

“The Little England concept and atmosphere with its colonial buildings, including post offices, bungalows, police stations and hotels built by British are the attractions.

“Tourists visiting this place are not for entertainment or extreme night life. However, they are on top of Bukit Fraser to seek nature, cool atmosphere and listen to the chirpings of the wild birds and other species of migratory birds.

“However, if there is a small English village to be constructed here with the similar Little England concept portrayed, it will further attract visitors and their stays will be extended,” Mohamed Nazri said after closing the 26th International Bird Race competition recently.

Also present were Pahang Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin, state exco Datuk Shahiruddin Ab Moin, Bukit Fraser Development Corporation general manager Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Abdul Mutalib and his deputy Ishak Mokhtar.

Mohamed Nazri said the ministry too would study the suggestion to have a cable car service for easier access to the hills to reduce the traffic flow and congestion.

He said like some parts of the hillside tourists destinations in the country, travelling in cable cars would give more opportunities to the tourists to have a beautiful view of the lush green surroundings compared to travel via land vehicles.

“There will also be the impact of the economic spillover to the locals and reduce the needs of additional rooms on top of the hills because the tourists can spend their night in Raub town and during the day time, they can visit Bukit Fraser via the cable cars.

“Because we want to limit the accommodation facilities on the hills, Raub town will be the most appropriate place for accommodation,” he said, adding that locals including hotel operators and other entrepreneurs would benefit from the economic spin.

Mohamed Nazri said however, the cable car plan would only be realised after all aspect of studies including the environmental impact was conducted and agreed upon.

He said Bukit Fraser, which was at 1,524m above sea level, had innumerable plants, birds and animal species and any excessive developments would affect its rich flora and fauna.

-thestar online.

Malindo Air announces three new domestic services

Malindo Air has set August 1 as the launch date for three new domestic operations from Subang – a twice-daily Alor Setar service and daily runs to Kuala Terengganu and Langkawi. The routes will be run with the airline’s new ATR72-600 aircraft.

Chandran Rama Muthy, CEO of Malindo Air, said the launch of the new routes would provide the public with more travel options during the upcoming school holidays in August, which also coincide with Hari Raya celebrations.

Currently, Malindo Air’s turbo-prop operations connect Subang with Penang, Kota Bharu and Johor Bahru.

Chandran said: “Malindo Air’s emergence at Subang Skypark Terminal has been warmly received by the public. Our flights to Kota Bharu have been flying with more than 90 per cent capacity most of the time. Following such encouraging response since the launch of our Subang operations, we have decided to implement the new routes from Subang to Alor Setar, Kuala Terengganu and Langkawi.” 

Earlier this month, Firefly announced it would add a Johor Bahru-Pekanbaru service and pad up its flight schedule with extra frequencies for the Hari Raya season.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2013 ( 5 ~ 7 July 2013) @ PWTC Kuala Lumpur

The 8th Malaysia International Dive Expo is here!

MIDE2013 is coming to you this 5-7 July at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur with more activities and great prizes to be won. For dive enthusiasts, this is your chance to get everything under the sun (and the sea) on dive products and services plus special discounts offered by our exhibitors only at MIDE! Compare or buy all that "essential" diving equipments, plan and book dive trips, or just go and meet-up with the many scuba dive enthusiasts and share your experiences with them.

This year, we have a line-up of great speakers for the Talk / Seminars at MIDE plus you could also win fabulous diving products and packages just by purchasing any dive products here as well! So keep a lookout for updates coming soon!

Event Location: Hall3, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur

Opening Times: Friday 5th July - 10:00am-7:00pm Saturday 6th July - 10:00am-7:00pm Sunday 7th July - 10:00am-7:00pm 3 Day Itinerary - Download here

Admission: - Adult - RM3.00 - Under 17 Years Old - FREE ADMISSION

-http://mide.com.my/mideexpo/

1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (29 Jun 2013 ~ 01 Sep 2013)

Shopaholic alert! One of the three major shopping seasons in the country is back with mega shopping excitement, dining options, endless entertainment and fun-filled activities!

Within this two-month shopping period, shoppers get the advantage to enjoy irresistible offers and great discounts from luxury brands to affordable items all put together by malls and retail stores throughout Malaysia! Shop, eat and celebrate!
-Tourism Malaysia.

Extra! Experience Greater 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival with MasterCard. For more information, visit www.mastercard.com/my/1mmsc

Extra!! Kuala Lumpur Fashion Weekend Spring/Summer 2013. Check-out directional trends for hair, make-up, fashion at the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Weekend Spring/Summer 2013. For more information log on to www.klfashionweekend.com

-www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Tilawah Al-Quran Peringkat Antarabangsa di PWTC, mulai 29 Jun

imej: JAKIM

KUALA LUMPUR 26 Jun - Majlis Tilawah Al-Quran Peringkat Antarabangsa (MTQA) Ke-55 bertema 'Wasatiyyah Tonggak Kesatuan Ummah' akan berlangsung di Dewan Merdeka, Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur pada 29 Jun hingga 6 Julai ini.

Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim), Datuk Othman Mustapha berkata, penganjuran majlis ini sejak 1961 merupakan komitmen kerajaan yang berterusan dalam menerapkan budaya al-Quran menerusi kehidupan seharian, selain merapatkan ukhuwah antara umat Islam di seluruh dunia.

"Sehingga kini, kita telah menerima pengesahan 72 peserta yang terdiri daripada 42 qari dan 30 qariah dari 42 buah negara. "Malaysia akan diwakili oleh johan qari, qariah Majlis Tilawah Al-Quran Peringkat Kebangsaan baru-baru ini iaitu Anuar Hasin dari Perak dan Hanimzah Jalaluddin, Pahang," katanya dalam kenyataan akhbar di sini hari ini.

Othman berkata, majlis pembukaan tilawah al-Quran peringkat antarabangsa ini akan dirasmikan Sultan Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V pada 29 Jun, 8.45 malam. "Yang bakal hadir Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin; Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom bersama isteri masing-masing," katanya.

Majlis penutup dan penyampaian hadiah pula akan disempurnakan Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah dan Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah pada 6 Julai, waktu yang sama.

Beliau berkata, pelbagai acara selingan akan diatur bagi memeriahkan lagi majlis tilawah kali ini, antaranya persembahan qari jemputan, Tuan Che Yahya Daud yang merupakan johan qari tahun 1999, di samping persembahan artis nasyid popular.

Tambahnya, johan qari dan qariah pada tahun ini akan dianugerahkan kepingan emas bernilai RM70,000 sumbangan Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (Yapeim) berserta wang tunai RM40,000, sebuah piala iringan, cenderamata dan sijil penghargaan.

Justeru, orang ramai dijemput hadir ke majlis ini bagi menyaksikan secara langsung qari, qariah seluruh dunia memperdengarkan bacaan al-Quran.

"Selain itu, orang ramai juga boleh menonton majlis tilawah itu secara langsung bermula 8.45 malam di TV1, TV Al-Hijrah, Astro Oasis, radio IKIM.FM, Klasik Nasional, Ai FM, Traxx FM dan Asyik FM. "Di samping melalui 'live streaming' dengan melayari laman web www.jakim.tv dan www.tilawah.gov.my dan boleh ikuti melalui Facebook dan Twitter Majlis Tilawah Al-Quran Malaysia,'' ujarnya.
-utusan online.
www.tilawah.gov.my

Dazzling Dubai is Back!

Subang, 25 June 2013: Malaysia Airlines will be adding Dubai back to its network effective 5 August 2013. The Kuala Lumpur-Dubai return service will be mounted daily via MH162 and MH163 using the Boeing 777-200 aircraft that offers a total capacity of 282 seats in each flight, equivalent to 3,948 seats weekly.

In conjunction with the re-introduction of service, the national carrier is offering super attractive promotional fares that start from only RM1,999 for an all-inclusive Economy class return travel. Business class starts from as low as RM5,999 for an all-inclusive return journey. Bookings start from 26 June 2013 till 15 July 2013 for the travel period of 5 August 2013 till 31 March 2014.

Beginning 5 August 2013, flight MH162 will depart Kuala Lumpur daily at 11.30pm to arrive at Dubai at 2.20am the next day. The return flight MH163 departs Dubai at 4.10am to arrive at Kuala Lumpur at 3.25pm.

Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said, "Dubai was one of the routes that were suspended in our route rationalisation exercise in January 2012. We continuously monitor market demand, and are happy to be able to add back Dubai into Malaysia Airlines network to extend our reach and strengthen our offering to customers”, he said.

Dubai is a tourism, trade and logistics hub which has earned itself the reputation as being the gateway between the east and the west. Home to just over 2 million people of more than 200 nationalities, Dubai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. With world-class shopping and leisure facilities, Dubai is a popular destination for business and leisure.  

Malaysia Airlines has been steadily growing its reach and capacity in the past year. The introduction of the A380 fleet in July 2012 now sees the new aircraft put on thick routes to London, Paris and Hong Kong.

Kathmandu was the airline’s new destination introduced in September 2012, first 3 times weekly, then increased to 5 times weekly, and now daily following strong market demand. Malaysia Airlines regional footprint has also been deepened with increased frequencies, daily and weekly, to key business and leisure cities around Asia.  

In addition, Malaysia Airlines network is expanded through its various code share agreements and its membership in the oneworld airline alliance since February 2013.  

Customers can book their travel on Malaysia Airlines through  all distribution channels mainly www.malaysiaairlines.com, Malaysia Airlines 24 hours toll free number 1 300 88 3000, MHbuddy in Malaysia Airlines Facebook, MHmobile, Malaysia Airlines ticket offices and appointed agents throughout Malaysia.

-Malaysia Airlines.

Tourism Malaysia Welcomes New Chairman

PUTRAJAYA, 26 JUNE 2013: Tourism Malaysia is pleased to announce that Y.Bhg. Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen has been appointed Chairman of Tourism Malaysia effective 17 June 2013.

“Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng is no stranger to the tourism industry having served as Minister of Tourism from 2009 until 2013, and before that as Deputy Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism from 1999 to 2003. I have full confidence in her to lead the industry,” says Minister of Tourism and Culture, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz.

During her tenure as Minister of Tourism, tourist arrivals to Malaysia continued to rise from 23.65 million in 2009 to 25.03 million in 2012. Today, Malaysia is the 10^th most-visited destination in the world according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Her tourism initiatives such as the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival, 1Malaysia International Shoe Festival and 1Malaysia Green 1Malaysia Clean campaign are now permanent features in the annual tourism calendar.

With her vast experience in the tourism industry, she is now in a closer position to steer the Tourism Board towards the realisation of the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan’s goals, as well as the immediate target of 26.8 million tourist arrivals for 2013 and 28 million arrivals for the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng succeeds YBhg. Datuk Dr. Victor Wee as the 7^th Tourism Malaysia Chairman (or 12^th since the establishment of Tourist Development Corporation). Datuk Dr. Victor Wee, in his tenure as the Chairman from 2009 to 2013, had been active in the international tourism arena, holding key positions such as in UNWTO, while stewarding the Board effectively and efficiently.

-Tourism Malaysia.
www.tourism.gov.my

Come ‘sea’ new limited-edition stamps

Pos Malaysia staff Nor Hasreen Hassan holding up some of the designs in the ‘Living Corals in Malaysia’ collection during its launch at the Pos Malaysia headquarters in Dayabumi Complex, Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Pos Malaysia is coming out with a new set of stamps to create awareness on the importance of corals.

The limited-edition set, titled “Living Corals in Malaysia”, features various types of unique and beautiful corals including sea anemone, feather stars and sea pen.

There are four designs in the series worth 60 sen each, while the miniature sheet – featuring the table coral – will be sold at RM5 each. A total of 1.2 million stamps, 40,000 miniature sheets and another 40,000 first-day covers, were printed for the series.

“This is the first time we are emphasising on corals, which provide shelter for some 25% of marine life. “We hope the public will appreciate the beauty of these natural heritage and conserve our aquatic environment,” said Pos Malaysia acting groupchief executive officer Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh.

The organisation had before issued two series of stamps with the theme “Underwater Life”.

“For this Living Corals series, we are also launching 2,000 sets of our special ‘folder edition’ for stamp enthusiasts, which details the coral species and other information,” said Yasmin Ramli, head of stamp and philately unit. Pos Malaysia worked with scuba diving instructor Noor Hadi Ismail on the series. The living corals collection will go on sale at post offices nationwide tomorrow.

-thestar online.

The next MATTA fair set to be bigger and better

Holidays galore: Shamia Shamimi Shah Hariezal Lim, 28, looking at the Matta Fair website during the launch.

KUALA LUMPUR: Many new destinations and travel packages will be featured at the next Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair in September, said its chairman Jeffri Sulaiman.

This was due to the increased number of National Tourist Offices that would be promoting their respective countries, he said. “With uncertainty over the general election over, we expect that visitor numbers should at least match the 100,188 visitors we recorded in March,” he said yesterday.

He said the Sept 6 to 8 fair would also be “more special” because it would be held in conjunction with the World Islamic Tourism Mart (WITM) 2013. The two events will jointly be known as the WITM-MATTA FAIR 2013.

For the MATTA Fair, he said visitors would find a host of amenities to make their time at the fair more enjoyable, including information kiosks and the new addition of nursing rooms for mothers.

Jeffri also urged visitors to pre-purchase their tickets online so that they would not have to brave the long queues when the fair opened. He said those entering its Buyers' Contest would also have the option to fill in their entry forms, either on-site or later at home.

The WITM will be held in Hall 4, while the MATTA Fair will be held in Halls 1,1M, 2,3, Legar Putra and the Linkway of the Putra World Trade Centre. To pre-purchase tickets or get more information, visit www.witm-mattafair.org.my.

-thestar online.

Japan's visa waiver for Thais, Malaysians to start July 1

As part of its initiative to boost inbound tourism, Japan yesterday announced that the short-term visa waiver for Thai and Malaysian nationals would come into effect on July 1.

The Embassy of Japan in Thailand yesterday made the announcement through its website that the short-term visa waiver for Thai nationals would come into effect on July 1, while a spokesperson from the Japan National Tourism Organization Singapore Office, which oversees operations in Malaysia as well, confirmed the implementation of the scheme for Malaysians.

Visa requirements will be waived for nationals of Thailand and Malaysia who stay in Japan for not more than 15 days, while those seeking longer stays or visiting the country for business will still need to apply for a visa.

Thais entering Japan may be asked by immigration officers to prove their purpose of visit to the country with relevant documents such as return tickets and the like.

Last year, Thai arrivals to Japan reached 260,859, up from 214,881 in 2010, while Malaysia sent 130,300 visitors in 2012, up from 114,519 in 2010.

-TTG Asia.

AirAsia adds KK-Hangzhou route

BEIJING: AirAsia will start daily flights from Kota Kinabalu to Hangzhou in China’s Zhejiang province beginning Aug 1. This will be the low-cost carrier’s 26th route to China.

In celebration of the launch of the new route, the company is offering an all-in-fare from RM128 (one way) on its website from today until July 7. The travel period is from Aug 1 until April next year.

AirAsia Bhd commercial director Kenny Wong said the company was all about offering options to its customers and having established the connectivity between Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and the scenic city of Hangzhou was a testament to its commitment.

“Apart from that, it is also in our plan to further develop Kota Kinabalu as our hub and this move will drive higher tourist numbers into East Malaysia as well,” he said in a statement.

AirAsia currently serves 14 destinations from Kota Kinabalu and the Kota Kinablu-Hangzhou route would be its ninth international route from the city. Hangzhou is only about an hour ride on the high-speed train from Shanghai.

AirAsia X, the low-cost long-haul affiliate of AirAsia, also serves the Kuala Lumpur-Hangzhou and KL-Shanghai routes.

-thestar online.

Tourism Malaysia Wins Two Awards At KOTFA 2013

SEOUL, KOREA, 25 JUNE 2013 –Tourism Malaysia received ‘The Best Booth Operation Award’ and the ‘Best Folklore Performance Award’ at the 21st Korea World Travel Fair (KOTFA), the largest event in 26 years of KOTFA history.

The awards were in recognition of Tourism Malaysia’s promotional effort during the four-day event which opened on 30 May at COEX in downtown Seoul. The Malaysia Pavilion at KOTFA, strategically located near the main entrance, accommodated Malaysian exhibitors showcasing their unique tourist attractions, products and services. Information brochures in Korean were distributed at the booths and attractive images of all thirteen states including the Petronas Twin Towers were displayed. Events including cultural performances by Istana Budaya, teh tarik demonstrations, batik painting, and other quiz games were also featured to attract visitors to the Malaysia Pavilion.

“The awards reflect the impact that Malaysia was able to make at KOTFA and its visitors. KOTFA is an important platform to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in the Korean market. The promotional campaign for Visit Malaysia Year 2014 was officially launched in Korea on 29 May, and the success of Tourism Malaysia at KOTFA would help us to achieve the targeted 28 million tourists for Visit Malaysia Year 2014,”said Director of Tourism Malaysia Seoul, Mohd Amirul Rizal.

"We are taking on a more assertive role in pushing our new tourism attractions to the Korean travellers such as city attractions, relaxing holidays on the islands, honeymoon packages, family holidays and more,” he continued. 

In 2012, Malaysia attracted 283,977 Korean tourists, an increase of 7.8 per cent compared to 2011. The positive trend is expected to continue this year as more charter flight operations have been scheduled to arrive from Seoul and Busan during the upcoming summer vacation period. Besides, AirAsia X will begin its inaugural operation for the Busan-Kuala Lumpur sector on 15 July. 

Five hundred organisations from over 52 countries participated in KOTFA this year, including tourism associations, hotels, airlines and travel agents. With its worldwide recognition, KOTFA attracted over 10,000 industry professionals and 120,641 consumers.
-Tourism Malaysia.
www.tourism.gov.my

Malaysia Airlines Adds Frequency to Bali

Subang, 24 June 2013: Malaysia Airlines is increasing its frequency from Kuala Lumpur into Denpasar, Bali to 4 times daily effective 1 August 2013. To celebrate the addition into the paradise city, Malaysia Airlines is offering an attractive all inclusive return promotional fare starting from only RM384 for travel on economy class. The booking is open from now till 27 June 2013 for the travel period of 1 Aug 2013 - 31 Dec 2013.
 
This promo fare is available only on MH867. The additional flight, MH867 departs Kuala Lumpur at 11.30pm and arrives in Bali at 2.30am. It returns as flight MH866 departing Bali at 4.35am, arriving Kuala Lumpur at 7.30am.

Malaysia Airlines Regional Senior Vice President Malaysia, Muzammil Mohamad said, “Bali needs no introduction. It is certainly on everyone’s list of must-go places. Bali is probably one of the most visited cities in Asia or even the world. Malaysia Airlines has been serving this sector for many years and it remains a key market to us.”

"New aircraft with modern interiors, great in-flight entertainment, and delicious award-winning cuisine adds to our special 'Malaysian Hospitality'. Competitive pricing plus 30kg of checked-in baggage for Economy and 40kg for Business Class makes Malaysia Airlines an excellent choice to travel to the Indonesian paradise city. It's a winning proposition for our guests," he added further.

With this addition, Malaysia Airlines’ flights from Kuala Lumpur to Denpasar will be operated on 2 wide-body B777 and 2 new B738 aircraft. A total of 4389 seats are available weekly on this sector.   
   
Customers can book their travel on Malaysia Airlines through www.malaysiaairlines.com
-Malaysia Airlines.

G Hotel scores another feather in the cap

Well done!: Hanratty (centre) and hotel staff posing with the Best Hotel Interior award in the hotel lobby.

G Hotel Penang has won an accolade in the prestigious International Hotel Awards 2013-2014 as the ‘Best Hotel Interior’ category for the Asia Pacific region. They have won it for the fourth year running.

After three previous years of earning the ‘Highly Commended Hotel Interior’ award, the stylish establishment along Gurney Drive has gone one better and won the coveted ‘5-Star’ award this time.

It saw off the challenge of numerous hotels spread across 19 countries in the region, with general manager Michael Hanratty receiving the accolade at the awards’ gala night in Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, recently.

“We are proud to have won this award again this year, thus making our mark in Penang as Malaysia’s Most Stylish Address,” he said after receiving the plaque.

The International Hotel Awards has 16 categories and up to three, ‘5-star’ awards for each category. In addition to categories for several types of speciality hotels, there are also categories for size, architecture, construction, interior design, marketing and website management.

The global competition determines the finest hotels and hospitality companies in the world. It identifies, highlights and rewards excellence throughout the global hospitality industry in various areas.

Since opening in year 2007, the 312-room G Hotel has stamped its name as a well-established, independent business hotel on the island, strategically located next to a shopping mall, and within walking distance of hawker stalls.

-thestar online.