Declaring 'Blue Ring Hole' as new tourism product may confuse foreign divers, says tour operator

 

Local tour operator Glen Hapirulla said using the name blue hole will confuse foreign divers where in fact the site was merely a Blue Ring Reef that he discovered in 2017. -NSTP file pic

LAHAD DATU: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry's (Motac) announcement that the Blue Ring Hole at Tingkayu Reef, Darvel Bay here will be the country's latest tourism product recently is inappropriate.

Local tour operator Glen Hapirulla said using the name blue hole will confuse foreign divers where in fact the site was merely a Blue Ring Reef that he discovered in 2017.

He feared that foreign divers will equate it with blue holes from other countries.

Glen expressed his regret on his social media page after Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who visited the site recently announced it as a newest tourism product.

Nancy believed there are only 10 Blue Ring Hole sites in the world, but the Tingkayu Reef one was interesting with two marine sinkholes.

In 2019, the Blue Ring Reef was given the spotlight when Sabah Parks allegedly declared it as their new discovery.

However, Glen explained that generally, 'blue hole' refers to a perforated underwater surface structure with a drastic depth reaching 100m such as 'The Blue Hole of Belize' as opposed to the Blue Ring Reef, which has a depth of only 24m.

He said the product has been promoted since 2017 including to the international market by former tourism minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, who is Lahad Datu member of parliament.

"I think it is not appropriate to promote it as a new discovery by the tourism ministry.

"Instead, attention should be given to promote the uniqueness of the underwater area along with the more than 60 dive sites around it.

"The Tourism Ministry should go down to the field to try the diving experience to fully understand the potential of the industry in Lahad Datu.

"We have done one in 2017 under 'The End in Sipadan Diving Trail programme' to promote Darvel Bay as one of the stopover destinations in Sabah," he suggested.

He also hoped small entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to enjoy the new incentives announced by the Tourism Ministry.

Glen said he had been operating over the past 10 years and explored more than 60 sites including the discovery of the Blue Ring Reef.

He suggested that the commitment of the dive operators who endured the ups and downs of the tourism industry should be among the criteria set in the new incentives.

"Despite this, I will continue to explore the underwater sites of the Blue Ring Reef and also to remove the bad perception of Lahad Datu as an area considered unsafe by foreign tourists," he said.

-nst online.

Pirate Divers | Facebook

Syoknya Naik Keretapi 2.0 kerjasama KTMB & Tourism Malaysia

 

Berita baik bagi pengguna perkhidmatan tren KTMB, kempen promosi Syoknya Naik Keretapi Api kembali lagi dengan tawaran penjimatan sebanyak RM15 dengan menggunakan kod promo 𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗣𝗜𝟮.

Kempen promosi bermula hari ni 29 April - 30 November 2022. *Tertakluk kepada terma dan syarat.

Rancang percutian dan perjalanan anda bersama KTMB dan dapatkan tiket anda di https://bit.ly/3kWOQv5 , aplikasi KTMB Mobile atau di semua medium pembelian tiket KTMB.

Welcome to the KTMB Integrated Ticketing System

Rujuk jadual perjalanan di http://bit.ly/341vr7W.

KTMB | Book ticket online for ETS Train, Intercity Train and View Train Timetable in Malaysia | Train Time

-KTM Berhad.

Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia with KLIA Ekspres - Tourism Recovery Plan 2022

 

Rediscover Malaysia with our Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia stimulus!

Thinking of going for a holiday or balik kampung? Make your trip even more memorable by saving RM10 on one-way airport transfer when you fly to/from Kuala Lumpur

To enjoy the promotion, simply purchase selected KLIA Ekspres ticket to/from KLIA/KLIA2 and KL Sentral online or at our ticket counters in KL Sentral, KLIA or KLIA2. This promotion is exclusively for Malaysians travelling on domestic flights. Prior registration is required. Kindly present your MyKad/MyKid and other documents for verification at the ticket counter before you board the train.

For more information on the promotion and registration, please click here: https://bit.ly/3rW1Hm1

Terms & conditions apply.

-Express Rail Link.

KLIA Ekspres - The fastest way between KL Airport and KL City

Procedure For Inbound Travellers From 1 May 2022

 

-MOTAC.

Korean travellers eager to visit Sabah

 

KOTA KINABALU: Several Korean-based airlines have expressed eagerness to resume direct flights to Kota Kinabalu in the coming months following the reopening of the country's international borders.

They conveyed their intentions to Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai who led a delegation from the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) on a series of engagements in Seoul on April 25-26.

The delegation met with top management officials from Jin Air, Air Busan, Jeju Air and Air Seoul, all of which were operating direct flights to Kota Kinabalu before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

Also part of the delegation were STB chief executive officer Noredah Othman and chief marketing officer Tay Shu Lan.

The team had a meeting with top executives of two Korean leading tour companies, Hana Tour and Mode Tour, both of which have started marketing Sabah as a preferred destination.

Earlier, the STB team held a discussion with Tourism Malaysia Seoul director Shaharuddin Yahaya.

"We had a fruitful discussion with the airline operators expressing their hope to mount direct flights to Kota Kinabalu within the next two months," said Joniston who is also STB chairman.

The airline and tour companies also informed STB that based on feedback from Korean travellers, Sabah is among their top preferred holiday destinations.

They also expressed hope that the government would ease some of Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), especially the requirement for fully vaccinated travellers to take the RTK or PCR test upon arrival.

Since international borders reopened on April 1, Noredah said South Korea was the first country STB visited with a mission to hold engagement with airlines and tour companies.

During pre-pandemic times, the Kota Kinabalu International Airport received 67 weekly flights serviced by five carriers flying direct from Seoul, Busan and Muan in South Korea.

South Korea contributed the second most significant international arrivals to Sabah with 396,660 visitors in 2019.

"Korea is a key market for Sabah and we see the potential of more Koreans visiting our state post pandemic," said Noredah.

She said STB has maintained a strong relationship with the Korean-based airlines and tour companies even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

-nst online.

Exhibitors Rush To Join The Inaugural MALAYSIA DIGITAL TRAVEL FAIR As Borders Reopen

 

SINGAPORE, 26 April 2022 – Since marking the end of travelling restrictions into Malaysia on 1 April 2022, tourism stakeholders from Malaysia rushed to take part in the inaugural Malaysia Digital Travel Fair (MDTF) in anticipation of the travel surge for the upcoming Singapore’s mid-year school vacation.

MDTF is an online travel fair portal, in partnership with Tourism Malaysia Singapore Office, to showcase tourism products and services to promote Malaysia as a top-of-mind destination to Singapore holiday makers from 22nd to 28th April 2022. With over 70 exhibitors offering a wide range of holiday packages to Malaysia, Singapore consumers are spoilt for choice.

“This online portal elevates tourism to Malaysia. This will benefit the Malaysian tourism industry stakeholders with an aim to create business opportunities for travel industry partners, transport operators, and tour agents in Singapore,” said His Excellency Dato’ Dr. Azfar. Mohamad Mustafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, who graced the digital launch.

Among the holiday packages available for the Singaporean market include Genting SkyWorlds + Skytropolis Theme Park twin tickets at SGD$62 (RM186), Berjaya Langkawi Resort from SGD$125 (RM375), and Perkasa Hotel Tenom from SGD$40 (RM120). Attendees also stand a chance to participate in a lucky draw to win attractive prizes including an IBN Highlands City Condo worth RM1.5 million.

Since the reopening of its international borders, Singapore has been the main contributor for arrivals and revenue for tourism to Malaysia. After more than two years of hiatus, Tourism Malaysia Singapore office has commenced promotional programmes to excite Singapore travellers and showcase what Malaysia has to offer.

To visit Malaysia Digital Travel Fair, visit digitaltravelfair.com.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Digital Travel Fair - Best Travel Deals to Malaysia

Tourism Malaysia steps up trade initiatives in India

 

Tourism Malaysia is intensifying destination promotions in India, starting with a series of roadshows across the country this month.

The series kicked off in New Delhi on April 18, and followed through at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai.

Apart from senior officials of Tourism Malaysia, the roadshows also featured three Malaysia-based airlines, 22 travel agents, four hoteliers, and four product owners.

Manoharan Periasamy, senior director of the international promotion division, Asia/Africa, said Tourism Malaysia is eager to let Indian trade partners know that Malaysia is ready to welcome back tourists.

“We are already seeing strong demand from the Indian market, with a 500 pax wedding group showing interest in travelling to Malaysia and a 150 pax incentive group considering Malaysia for their trip,” shared Periasamy.

The NTO is now shortlisting Indian travel agents to undergo joint promotions, and is planning a number of fam trips for travel agents, media, and corporate buyers between June and August.

“Apart from already popular destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands, we are looking to promote other destinations like Sabah and Desaru in India. We expect demand to be on track beginning May to June when a number of airlines will increase flight frequencies between the two countries,” said Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, senior deputy director, international promotion division, Asia/Africa.

Periasamy added that Malaysia is also keen on promoting eco-tourism and wellness travel to Indian travellers.

Malaysia has recorded more than 2,700 Indian tourists since reopening her borders on April 1. India is among Malaysia’s top four international source markets.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Continues Its Promotion To Central Asia Market At KITF 2022 In Kazakhstan

 

ALMATY, 20 April 2022 – Tourism Malaysia is participating in the 20th Kazakhstan International Tourism Fair (KITF) 2022, which has been held since 2001. The exhibition starts from 20 to 22 April 2022 to serve as a wide-ranging professional platform for the tourism industry of the whole Central Asian Region.

The three-day fair in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan highlights the promotion of the full reopening of Malaysia's borders for the first time after nearly two years of COVID-19 pandemic-related closures. As Malaysia begins to transition into an endemic phase starting 1 April 2022, it is targeting to attract 2 million international tourist arrivals this year with more than RM8.6 billion in tourism receipts. Joining Tourism Malaysia at the Malaysian Pavilion are JPS Travel & Tours and Embassy Alliance Travel.

Prior to the pandemic, Kazakhstan is one of the main generating markets from CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries. In 2019, Kazakhstan has brought in a total of 18,138 tourists to Malaysia, which was an increase of 10.2% compared to 13,861 tourists in 2018. Tourism Malaysia's participation is a continuous effort to promote and inform the market that Malaysia is now ready to welcome back tourists from CIS countries.

“We hope that our participation in this exhibition will trigger back the interest of the tourists from CIS to Malaysia. At the same time, we welcome cooperation from all agents to market Malaysia and urge the CIS-based airlines to resume the scheduled flights and to initiate the charter flights to Malaysia,” said Dato’ Hj. Zainuddin B. Abdul Wahab, the Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Launch of Travel Malaysia Digital Fair 2022 ( For Singapore Travellers )

 

As the Singapore-Malaysia borders re-opened successfully, tourism exhibitors from both sides of the border rushed to take part in the inaugural Malaysia Digital Travel Fair (MDTF) in anticipation of the travel surge during the upcoming June school holidays.

 

From 22nd to 28th April 2022, Singapore travellers eager to rediscover the beauty and hospitality of Malaysia can select a wide range of offers and flash sales from more than 70 exhibitors for their Malaysian holiday. Major industry players Malaysia Airlines, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Resorts World Genting, and Sunway Resort are among the participating exhibitors.

 

With Tourism Malaysia Promotion Board as its main sponsor, fair organizer Unique Event & Exhibition Pte Ltd (UEE) aims to reach a wider audience following the digitalization of this travel fair. “Unlike a physical travel fair with limited floor space, time frame, and much higher cost, MDTF has provided exhibitors with a cheaper, better, and more effective platform to connect with their customers,” said Sebastian Yap, Managing Director of UEE.

 

“MDTF will be running non-stop for 7 days with live streaming infotainment featuring quizzes, games, and daily lucky draws. Prizes such as return flight tickets and hotel room stays can be won. To top it all, there will be a Grand Lucky Draw to win an IBN Highlands City Luxury Condominium worth 1.5 million Ringgit!” added Foong Cheng Hon, Project Manager of MDTF.

 

Malaysia Digital Travel Fair will begin with an opening ceremony at 12:00 p.m. on the 22nd of April 2022. His Excellency Dato’ Dr. Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia for Singapore will grace the event.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia sets out to regain medical tourism lead position

 

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is going full throttle on medical tourism now that the country has reopened to international travel, with hopes of reviving the once booming sector.

The Malaysia medical travel sector boasted a compound annual growth rate of 16 per cent from 2015 to 2019 against the Asia-Pacific region performance of 15 per cent during the same period. In fact, 2019 was a record-breaking year for the sector, with some 1.3 million medical traveller arrivals on record, making Malaysia the top destination for medical tourism in the world.

This year, the country has pinned a goal of at least RM800 million (US$189 million) in revenue from health tourism, with travellers from Indonesia, Greater China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UK on its radar.

Mohd Daud Mohd Arif, CEO, MHTC, told TTG Asia: “The marketing focus aligns with MHTC’s Blueprint 2021-2025, focusing on building on existing offerings and enhancing the Malaysia Healthcare experience through niche branding initiatives that are tailored to our target markets.

“To support the full reopening of our borders, we recently organised the Malaysia Healthcare Expo 2022 Jakarta (MHX 2022 Jakarta) last month. We successfully organised a physical event in Jakarta together with some of the nation’s leading private hospitals and state tourism representatives to showcase a wide range of world-class healthcare services and offerings to healthcare travellers from Indonesia.

“To continue the momentum, we will also be organising MHX 2022 in Surabaya and Medan in the coming months.”

MHTC will also continue to organise its annual insigHT2022 in the second half of this year. This conference serves as a catalyst for cross collaboration, attracting industry players across various sectors of the value chain to enhance Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry and continue to raise the country’s profile as a safe and trusted destination for healthcare.

In retrospect, Mohd Daud said the Covid-19 pandemic had presented an opportunity for Malaysia “to re-evaluate current business models and deliberate on the improvements needed within the healthcare travel ecosystem to ensure its future sustainability”.

He shared: “We understood the need to continue forging industry resilience via stronger public-private partnerships with stakeholders and key industry players to rebuild and recover the industry in a sustainable manner.

“We doubled our efforts and worked closely with key players from the public sector, such as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tourism Malaysia, the Immigration Department, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Health as well as agencies from the private sector such as healthcare, wellness, hospitality, tourism and transportation. This was to ensure that we are ready to accommodate potential healthcare patients and provide affordable and easily accessible healthcare without compromising on quality.”

MHTC also works closely with a group of healthcare travel facilitators in target markets, serving as its extended arm to run marketing and promotional activities and to raise the destination’s profile.

MHTC will kickstart its Affiliate Membership Programme to continue upskilling these facilitators in order to provide the best healthcare travel experience.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia hotels make Covid testing easier for guests

 

The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) in collaboration with digital health service provider, DOC2US, will provide travellers and guests at member hotels with a one-stop solution for Covid-19 testing requirements through the latter’s virtual Rapid Test Kit Intelligent System (RTKis).

Guests who book a stay at MAH participating member hotels can opt to add RTKis, which will be given to them upon check-in. The process is supervised by professional healthcare providers, and results are uploaded to the Public Health Laboratory Information System (SIMKA) integrated with MySejahtera – where travellers can also access the free Virtual Health Advisory services provided by DOC2US.

The Virtual Health Advisory is a digital hotline made available online for guests. At present, it is being introduced in some hotels in Negri Sembilan and will commence to hotels in other states later.

Currently, more than 20 MAH member hotels have signed up to offer RTKis, and are in the process of adoption.

MAH president N Subramaniam said: “While the hotel industry has yet to record significant increases in occupancy since the transition to endemic phase, we are keen to outline our commitment to elevate the travelling experience of visitors and steer the country towards endemicity by adding value to our existing in-house healthcare services through digital healthcare.”

CEO and co-founder of DOC2US, Raymond Choy, said in a press release: “The tourism and travel industry was the hardest hit during the pandemic. As a digital healthcare service provider, there are certainly more areas we can cover in order to help the tourism and hotel industry regain their footing. By starting with RTKis and Virtual Health Advisory for travellers, we can reassure them of our health and safety standards.”

Choy added that the Covid test can be conducted “conveniently and comfortably” in the hotel room within 24 hours of the guest’s arrival. “It is safe, secure and credible,” he said.

An influx of two million visitors is expected to enter Malaysia as the tourism industry recovers from Covid-19. The partnership between MAH and DOC2US is expected to facilitate travellers and make testing procedures convenient and accessible upon arrival and throughout their stay.

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Malaysia Organises First Roadshow In India After Border Reopens

 

NEW DELHI, 18 April 2022 – Malaysia has finally lifted sanctions on its border on 1st April 2022, marking the end of travelling restrictions into the country. Leveraging this new development, Tourism Malaysia has decided to embark on its first roadshow to six major cities in India from 18th until 30th April 2022, after more than two years of hiatus.

The roadshow kicks off in the city of Delhi, followed by Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. The mission is headed by Mr. Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa) together with Malaysia’s tourism fraternity which consists of three (3) Malaysia-based airlines, 22 travel agents, four (4) hoteliers, and four (4) product owners.

India remains and has been one of the top market sources for Malaysia and has contributed 735,309 arrivals (+22%) in 2019. Apart from its objective to instill confidence among Indians to feel safe to visit Malaysia once again, the roadshow aims to provide a platform for the industry community to bounce back and steer the tourism sector back to its former glory, if not better. “This is the right time to be back in India, and planning for this roadshow is very opportune. The resumption of scheduled international flights from India coincides with the reopening of Malaysia’s international borders,” said Mr. Manoharan.

“We are thrilled and enthusiastic to welcome Indian travellers back on exciting, new value-driven and action-packed itineraries to witness the best and latest of what Malaysia has to offer. There is so much to explore after two years, especially with the newly opened outdoor theme park, Genting SkyWorld, the refurbished Sunway Resort in Kuala Lumpur, and a magnificent new attraction, the Merdeka 118, the world’s second tallest building. I am sure these new attractions along with our beautiful beaches, exhilarating mountains and jungles with a plethora of activities will make your trip a memorable one,” he added.

Since the reopening of its borders, India is on the top four arrivals to Malaysia. Malaysia has opened its shores for quarantine-free travel on 1st April 2022 to welcome fully-vaccinated international travellers. The entry procedure requires an RT-PCR test two days before departure and travellers must undergo professionally administered RTK-Ag within 24 hours upon arrival in Malaysia. Currently, Malaysia eVISA can be applied online and more than 14,000 seats are offered weekly between India and Malaysia through Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, AirAsia, IndiGo, and Air India Express.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Warna-warni Aidilfitri Laman Seni @ Dewan Seri Melati, Kompleks Perbadanan Putrajaya ( 17 April ~ 1 Mei 2022 )

 

Bagi memeriahkan lagi sambutan Aidilfitri tahun ini Perbadanan Putrajaya dengan kerjasama Perbadanan Kraftangan Malaysia membawa produk kraftangan Malaysia untuk jualan dan demonstrasi di foyer Dewan Seri Melati kompleks Perbadanan Putrajaya dari 17 April hingga 1 Mei 2022.

Inisiatif ini diharap dapat membantu para pengusaha produk kraftangan menjana sumber pendapatan menjelang Hari Raya Aidilfitri. 

-Perbadanan Putrajaya.

MAG Partners Sunway to Accelerate Economic Recovery

 

Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, 13 April 2022: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and Sunway Group have entered into a partnership to capitalise on each other’s strengths and strong presence as catalysts to reviving the country’s economy in a range of industries including aviation, property, education, medical tourism and hospitality.

 

The collaboration will allow MAG, a global aviation organisation, and Sunway, one of Southeast Asia’s leading conglomerates, to explore broad collaborative initiatives which include new business opportunities, joint marketing campaigns as well as branding and promotional activities between two Malaysian brands. The subsidiaries under MAG include MAB, Firefly, MASwings, and Journify; where subsidiaries under Sunway include Sunway Malls, Sunway Theme Parks, Sunway Property, Sunway Education Group, Sunway Healthcare Group and Sunway Travel.

 

The MoU was signed between Group Chief Executive Officer of MAG, Captain Izham Ismail, and Ms Sarena Cheah, Executive Director of Sunway Group. The ceremony was witnessed by Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee bin Wan Ariffin, Group Chairman of Malaysia Airlines Berhad and Malaysia Aviation Group; Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group; and Tan Sri Datuk Seri Razman M. Hashim, Deputy Chairman of Sunway Group.

 

Group Chief Executive Officer of MAG, Captain Izham Ismail said: “We are delighted to advance our collaboration with Sunway Group to jointly drive a wide spectrum of collaborative efforts. We believe that these efforts are vital for exploring and capitalising on new opportunities that will emerge to ultimately promote brand awareness at greater levels. This is a momentous occasion for both brands, as we join forces to advance the lives of millions of people and businesses that were impacted by the pandemic – particularly in the fields of aviation, property, education, medical tourism, and hospitality. Our collaboration with Sunway Group today demonstrates how organisations with shared values and goals can pave the way to accelerate industries and economic growth.”

 

Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Malls & Theme Parks Mr HC Chan said: “Our collaboration with Malaysia Aviation Group is one that we are very excited about. Apart from raising both brands’ standing through purposeful collaborations, these efforts will undoubtedly accelerate Malaysia’s economic recovery and growth that was hampered by the pandemic. Malaysia remains a touristic destination that has so much to offer. Through this partnership with MAG, we believe that it is time for revitalisation and recovery for these sectors once again, putting Malaysia on the map of the world."

 

Through this MoU, Malaysia Airlines will be appointed as the preferred airline of Sunway, reflecting Sunway’s confidence in the airline’s premium and reliable services across the airline’s network, both locally and internationally. At the same time, Sunway will be able to tap into new opportunities through the airline’s tour operating arm, MHholidays; the airline’s digital student travel programme, MHexplorer; and a joint reward programme via the airline’s Travel and Lifestyle loyalty programme, Enrich. This partnership aims to offer comprehensive travel packages covering flights, hotel stays, and attractions that promise all-in-one hassle-free planning and absolute enjoyment on both companies’ MHholidays packages, Journify Vacation and Themepark Vouchers, Quarantine Facilities, and Special MH Packages.

 

MAG and Sunway will further offer curated medical tourism packages as well. These packages will extend exclusive discounts and air travel promotions of MAG’s airline companies for customers requiring treatment at Sunway Healthcare Group’s facilities. With this, MAG and Sunway hope to promote further growth in Malaysia’s medical tourism sector.

 

Beyond the various forms of tourism offers, this collaboration will allow both brands to leverage each other’s expertise to establish a robust talent ecosystem on student placements, academic information and knowledge exchange, develop joint-research projects, and offer new aviation programmes at selected Sunway educational institutions. Additionally, studentsenrolled at institutions under Sunway Education Group will enjoy exclusive benefits when they sign up for the airline's digital travel programme, MHexplorer, for their travel from and within Malaysia.

 

This partnership between Sunway and MAG began through Enrich, MAG’s Travel and Lifestyle loyalty programme. Through this latest collaboration, Enrich seeks to introduce even more value-added experiences and allow members to redeem Sunway Pals points with Enrich Points. Sunway Pals points can be redeemed to enjoy privileges at more than 1,000 merchants across Sunway business divisions including malls, theme parks, healthcare, education andproperty. Conversely, Enrich Points may also be redeemed with Sunway Pals points. These can be used to enjoy an extensive range of experiences such as flights, seat upgrades, retail items, access to Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounges, hotel stays, dining and more.

 

This collaboration will open doors to sustainability initiatives that reinforce MAG’s and Sunway’s shared commitment to sustainability. Both organisations have pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the national climate agenda to be a carbon neutral economy by 2050.

-Malaysia Airlines.

PATA Destination Insight Series Featuring MALAYSIA ( 18 April 2022 )

 

Explore Malaysia with PATA & BBC - a destination where travellers can explore outdoor and nature activities, unique cultural experiences, gastronomy adventure and coastal sailing and cruises. Hear directly from the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture about the destination's recovery plans and gain critical insights from Mastercard.

The webinar also includes a destination panel discussion among key players in Malaysia's tourism industry.

Monday, April 18, 1:30 PM IST | 3 PM ICT | 4 PM SGT | 6 PM AET, registration open for ALL: https://bit.ly/374kEfb

-Tourism Malaysia.

PATA Destination Insight Series featuring Malaysia - presented by PATA & BBC, sponsored by Mastercard — Pacific Asia Travel Association

Music lovers take heed; the Rainforest World Music Festival is back

 

KUCHING: The much-anticipated Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is back!

While the annual music festival was cancelled two years ago and could only be held virtually last year, this time around, festival-goers will be able to experience everything physically for three days beginning June 17.

The RWMF, which enters its 25th year, will be held in hybrid manner with the event to be physically staged at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong near here.

Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described the theme of the music festival – 25th Legendary Rainforest Celebration – as extremely meaningful since the RWMF would be the first hybrid international music event after the country reopened its border on April 1.

In line with RWMF's silver jubilee celebration, Karim said this year's concept, a combination of conventional and digital, would mark the transition of the festival into the digitalisation era.

"Based on the encouraging feedback when the RWMF was held online last year, the hybrid manner will be the best approach to continue holding such a global music festival.

For the record, 402,865 music lovers from 79 countries had watched the RWMF 2021 when it was held online last year.

"We hope that more people will tune in or come to this year's event," he said in his speech at the launch of RWMF 25th Legendary Rainforest Celebration here today.

He added that music lovers could look forward to performances from many Sarawak musical talents such as Alena Murang, Kemada, Sang Rawi, At Adau, Tuku Kame, Suk Binie', Nading Rhapsody and Mathew Ngau.

There will also be performances from Canada, India, the United States, Finland, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, China, Bhutan and South Korea.

Early bird ticket sales for the physical concerts will start on April 18 at rwmf.net website, for Adult One-Day Pass (RM150), Adult Three-Day Pass (RM375), Child One-Day Pass (RM80), Child Three-Day Pass (RM155) and One-Day Family Package Pass for Two Adults and Two Children (RM400).

Tickets for the virtual show which is priced at RM25, he said, would also be available and could be bought via the website.

-nst online.

Sabah to host hybrid Second Asia Parks Congress ( 24 ~ 29 May 2022 )

 

KOTA KINABALU: The state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and iSabah Parks will be hosting the hybrid Second Asia Parks Congress.

It will be physically held between May 24 and 29 at the Sabah Convention Centre here.

"This congress will be a landmark event, which is expected to attract conservation experts from across Asia and beyond.

"It is also to set the agenda for the region's protected and conserved areas for the next 10 years.

"The congress is also being organised in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA)," read a statement from the ministry.

The event will feature six thematic groups which include nature-based solutions for health and wellbeing; Governance of protected and conserved areas; connectivity and transboundary conservation.

It will also look into the effective protected and conserved areas; economic and financial sustainability of protected and conserved areas; as well as the urban conservation and a new generation.

"Representatives from protected area authorities, other government agencies, non governmental organisations, academia, youth, the private sector, indigenous peoples and local communities are invited to participate in the congress."

For registration, visit https://2nd-asia-parks-congress.sabahparks.org.my/ and entry requirements can be referred to at www.sabahtourism.com/alert.

-nst online.

https://www.sabahparks.org.my/

Firefly Jet makes a comeback to facilitate domestic connections

 

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has reinstated Firefly’s operations from its Penang Hub, with services to Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching to spur domestic tourism. Flights are operated on Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

This coincides with Firefly’s 15th anniversary as well as the recent reopening of Malaysia’s borders.

Firefly CEO Philip See said in a press statement: “We have seen the extent of what the pandemic has done to various industries globally, but now we are in a position where restrictions have eased as nations begin to live and travel with Covid-19.

“We are delighted that Firefly resumes its jet operations at this crucial time, and simultaneously begins servicing new routes that will significantly benefit connectivity for tourists and communities.”

Sabah’s tourism, culture, and environment minister Jafry Ariffin has responded to Firefly’s comeback with a positive note. He said the Penang-Kota Kinabalu route is expected to draw more international arrivals to the state of Sabah, due to Penang’s close proximity with Langkawi, which receives international flights.

He added: “This Firefly route has unquestionably made Sabah more accessible to Malaysians and visitors alike.”

Firefly will offer twice daily return flights to Johor Bahru and daily return flights from to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Frequencies will be stepped up from April 25 – three times daily to Johor Bahru and twice daily to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

Firefly has also introduced its new value bundle services where customers can customise components to their travel needs and get 50 per cent off bundle offers from Plus, Extra or Flex fares. The bundles includes a 20kg baggage allowance, in-flight hot meals, two times flight change, priority baggage, boarding and check-in, all seat selection, travel insurance and other perks.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia Eyes Potential Italian Travellers At BIT Milan 2022

 

PUTRAJAYA, 10 APRIL 2022 – Tourism Malaysia is joining the largest tourism fair in Italy, Borsa Internazionale del Turismo (BIT), for a three-day event in Milan from 10 - 12 April 2022 as part of efforts to lure back international visitors after the long-awaited reopening of Malaysian borders starting 1 April 2022.

Malaysia is eyeing to attract 2 million international tourist arrivals this year, with a target of more than RM6.8 billion in tourism receipts.

With exciting offers for summer holidays packages, Director of Tourism Malaysia in Paris, Mohamad Libra Lee Haniff, led Malaysia’s delegation to BIT Milan 2022. This year’s participation aims to promote Malaysia as a safe and preferred holiday destination and provide travel trade partners and potential holidaymakers to obtain the latest information on travelling to Malaysia.

Mr Libra said: “BIT Milan 2022 is one of the great platforms to increase the Malaysia Truly Asia brand visibility in promoting Malaysia as a top-of-mind destination. Home to one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, Malaysia offers myriads of personalised experiences from exciting nature and adventure travel to sustainable and ecotourism, plus the abundant diversity of culture and arts.

“We believe Italy is one of the important sources of the long-haul market for Malaysia, and we look forward to any possible partnership opportunities and business networking,” said Libra.

More than 40,000 visitors are expected to attend this event, and Tourism Malaysia will be at Pav. 4, A71/B72. The concept of the Malaysia Pavilion this year reflects the wonders of Malaysia’s nature and travel destinations. Visitors can also download the latest interactive brochures and travels guides at https://ebrochures.malaysia.travel/.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Pelancong teruja berbuka puasa di puncak Bukit Maras

 

KUALA NERUS: Bukit Maras yang popular dengan aktiviti mendaki dan sukan luncur udara di sini menawarkan satu lagi keunikan iaitu berbuka puasa di atas puncak setinggi 329 meter.

Tarikan terbaharu itu sekali gus membolehkan pengunjung merasai pengalaman luar biasa berlatar belakang panorama indah alam semula jadi berban­ding menikmati juadah di hotel-hotel mahu pun di kawasan lapang.

Seorang pengunjung, Mohd. Shobri Ahmad, 45, dari Shah Alam, Selangor berkata, kedatangan ke negeri ini atas urusan kerja berbaloi apabila dapat merealisasikan impian keluarga sejak sekian lama untuk berbuka di atas bukit.

Katanya, isteri, Haryati Abd. Ghani, 40, bersama ibu mentua dan empat anaknya yang berusia antara tujuh hingga 16 tahun cukup teruja dapat berbuka di lokasi berkenaan di samping berpeluang menaiki kenderaan pacuan empat roda hingga ke puncak.

“Saya ada melihat pakej berbuka di Bukit Maras dan teringin untuk mencuba kerana lain da­ripada lain sebab sudah biasa makan di hotel atau di padang.

“Saya tidak sangka Terengganu memiliki ‘port’ berbuka di kawasan alam semula jadi menarik tanpa perlu ke bangunan tertinggi atau menara, malah emak dan anak-anak berselera makan menu kampung yang disediakan hingga berulang kali menambah nasi,” katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia semalam.

Menurut Mohd. Shobri, me­reka sekeluarga dibawa naik ke Bukit Maras pada pukul 5.30 petang dan dapat meluangkan masa selama tiga jam sebelum dibawa turun pada pukul 8.30 malam.

Katanya, Terengganu merupakan negeri yang sentiasa dikunjungi keluarganya saban tahun kerana keunikan dan kepelbagaian makanan tradisi yang enak terutama nasi dagang serta keropok lekor.

Sehubungan itu, dia tidak menolak kemungkinan untuk kembali semula ke negeri ini pada Ramadan tahun depan bagi menikmati suasana berbuka di puncak Bukit Maras.

-utusan online.

https://www.facebook.com/Pozicatering.com.my

IFTAR@KL 2022 Di Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur ( 16, 17 & 23 April 2022 )

 

Iftar@KL bakal menemui anda pada 16, 17, dan 23 April 2022 ini bertempat di Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

Nikmati suasana berbuka puasa beramai-ramai di atas jalan raya dan padang sambil menikmati pemandangan menarik Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad. Pelbagai pengisian menarik disediakan seperti:-

> Solat Berjemaah dan Tarawih

> Pengisian Aktiviti Kerohanian

> Persembahan Nasyid

> Kaunter Bayaran Zakat

> Jualan Food Truck

Jom ramai-ramai hadir memeriahkan Iftar@KL 2022. Jangan lupa patuh SOP yang telah ditetapkan oleh Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN). Jumpa di sana!

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sabah attraction promoted under Dream Malaysia campaign

 

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism Malaysia is promoting Sabah to the world through the lenses of 21 content creators from Peninsular Malaysia.

The group travelled around the country under a joint campaign dubbed Dream Malaysia by Tourism Malaysia and GoPro.

Sabah is the sixth destination to be explored under the campaign after Perak, Pahang, Penang, Melaka, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.

"We are confident that the amazing video content created will play an incredibly instrumental role in showcasing Sabah and other local destinations to the world.

"This collaboration also bears testament to the potential for economic development that can be realised through public-private partnerships.

"As Malaysia welcomes international visitors, let the adventure begin," said Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Zainuddin Abdul Wahab.

GoPro Global Marketing and Communication vice president Rick Loughery said Dream Malaysia sought to inspire and amaze viewers through the production of videos that showcase the country's destinations.

The content creators come from different walks of life and are basically into travelling.

These wanderlusts would be empowered to make better content by using GoPro products.

They would create the content to highlight the traditional cultures, cuisines and adventure activities in Sabah via their social media platforms, while Tourism Malaysia will reshare the contents to their overseas offices worldwide.

Recently, the content creators had spent a three-day-two-night stay at a luxury island resort under Echo Resorts, about 15 minutes boat ride from the state capital.

Resort owner Gillian Tan said their specialty lies in looking after guests with unforgettable, natural hospitality in an exotic and nurturing setting, with unique and memorable experiences.

"As we are in the people's business and see ourselves as dream makers.

"As such, with this association with the Dream Malaysia campaign, we are going all out to make it a truly one-of-a-kind experience for the content creators," she said.

The team also explored other hidden wonders in Sabah, including river tubing at Tambatuon Eco-Village, Tamu Kundasang, Moggiland waterfall and Lasau Podi.

-nst online.

Kunjungi Astaka Tourism Malaysia @ MATTA Fair 2022 ( 9 & 10 April 2022 )

 

Nikmati dan Alami keindahan Malaysia Menerusi Pakej Menarik di MATTA Fair 2022

Bermula 9 sehingga 10 April 2022, MATTA Fair akan berlangsung di PWTC, Kuala Lumpur. Pelbagai pakej pelancongan daripada lebih 45 syarikat pelancongan negara yang boleh anda dapatkan dari syarikat-syarikat pelancongan ini.

- Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia

- KL Tower Mini Zoo

- KL Hop-On Hop-Off

- Superpark Malaysia

- Flywind Holidays

- Skytrex Adventure

- Menara Kuala Lumpur

- Bakau Hijau Sungai Merbok

- Seroja Anggerik Travel & Tours

- De King Boutique Hotel KLCC

- Jom Travel Local

- Skycamp By Skytrex

- Honeyzone Travel & Tours

- Melati Tanjung Holiday

- Splash Out Langkawi

- Jupeter Holidays

- 1108 Hotel & Resort

- Kapal Korek TT5

- Kurma Travel

- Escape Penang

- Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, and Lotus Seaview Beach Resort

- Pinetree Marina Resort

- SSK Tours

- GL Leisure Travel & Tours

- DFF Tour & Travel

- Sitty Travel

- Al Muneer Travel

- Danz Eco Resort, Taman Negara

- Villagers Travel & Tours

- The Bentong Farm

- Zoo Teruntum

- Greenleaf Taman Negara

- NKS Hotel & Travel

- Safar Al Ghazali Travel & Tours

- Heart of Borneo Tours & Travel

- Nurnielamsari Travel

- Borneo Holiday & Vehicles Rental

- Borneo Wildlife Adventure

- Emma Glorious Tours & Travel

- Borneo Land Adventures

- Borneo Starcruise

- Traverse Tours

- Empire Hornbill Travel & Tour

- A-Fly Luxury Travel

- Aloha Mabul Scuba Lodge

Jangan lepaskan peluang untuk menemui dua selebriti terkenal iaitu Fahrin Ahmad & Marsha Milan di booth Tourism Malaysia, Tingkat 4.

Jom ke MATTA Fair KL

-Tourism Malaysia.

AirAsia X expands flight network to Korea, India

 

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia X Bhd (AAX) is expanding its flight network from Kuala Lumpur with new services to Incheon, Seoul, South Korea and New Delhi, India commencing from April 20, 2022.

This follows the resumption of the airline's passenger services to Sydney, Australia, in February.

AAX chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said the airline is confident that its return to these markets will be well received, particularly for those longing to revisit friends and family or for much-anticipated leisure travel.

"With Malaysia's international border reopening last week on April 1, and quarantine free travel both ways on our new services, it is also the perfect time to welcome back international tourists, providing a significant boost to the nation's tourism sector and the economy, as we did pre-pandemic.

"We continue to prioritise putting our guests first, and while we were unable to fly for the past two years due to the unprecedented effects of the pandemic, we are pleased to confirm that anyone with outstanding bookings or credit accounts can now use these to book our new services.

"We are also preparing travel vouchers for our guests who have unutilised credit for future bookings, which AAX will announce in the near future," he said today.

AAX flights to Incheon will initially be operated weekly on Wednesdays and returning on Thursdays.

Flights to New Delhi will resume twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays, returning on the same days.

Both services are on sale now for travel between April 20 to June 30, with additional services to be added in the near future.

Guests with outstanding bookings or unused credit during the pandemic will be able to use these for future bookings by updating their original flight booking for future travel or by utilising their credit account to book the flights.

-nst online.