Pertandingan Mencipta Logo Baharu Kelab Program Pelancongan Pelajar (K3P)

 

-MOTAC.

Larian Santai Dan Majlis Pelancaran Lagu Kempen “Inilah Masanya, Cuti-cuti Malaysia”

 

PUTRAJAYA, 26 Februari – Sambutan Hari Wilayah Persekutuan tahun ini terus dimeriahkan dengan acara larian santai dan pelancaran lagu kempen “Inilah Masanya, Cuti-Cuti Malaysia” anjuran Tourism Malaysia menerusi kerjasama dengan Persatuan Rekreasi Wilayah Malaysia (PRWM).

Seramai 5,302 peserta telah mengesahkan penyertaan dalam larian 7 kilometer menggunakan laluan Pagi Bebas Kenderaan Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur Car-Free Morning) bagi kategori individu dan keluarga. Pelepasan para peserta telah disempurnakan oleh YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya. Turut hadir ialah YBhg. Datuk Seri Haji Mahadi bin Che Ngah, Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur, YBhg. Datuk Hajah Saraya binti Arbi, Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya serta YBhg. Dato’ Haji Zainuddin bin Abdul Wahab, Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia.

YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing berkata, tagline “Inilah Masanya” memanifestasikan satu seruan kepada rakyat Malaysia untuk terus memberikan sokongan kepada industri pelancongan domestik agar terus berdaya tahan tatkala berdepan krisis pandemik COVID-19.

“Selain berlari santai sambil menghirup udara segar, program ini secara tidak langsung dapat mempromosikan gaya hidup sihat dalam kalangan penduduk tempatan dan pelancong menerusi aktiviti sukan, rekreasi, seni dan kebudayaan,” kata YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing turut sama melancarkan lagu kempen “Inilah masanya, Cuti-Cuti Malaysia” yang berjudul “Masanya Telah Tiba”. Lagu ini didendangkan buat kali pertama secara langsung oleh penyanyi Nik Qistina, hasil gubahan komposer Ananth Kumar dan lirik oleh James Boyle.

Kempen “Inilah Masanya, Cuti-Cuti Malaysia” memfokuskan kepada segmen keluarga dan millennials dengan mengetengahkan tema produk dan destinasi pelancongan berteraskan family fun, eko pelancongan dan kembara, pulau dan pantai, segmen beli[1]belah serta budaya dan warisan. “Melalui kempen ini, diharapkan lebih ramai rakyat Malaysia melakukan pergerakan melancong merentasi pelbagai negeri sekali gus menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi setempat,” jelas YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

Sambutan Hari Wilayah Persekutuan juga diserikan dengan program Pameran Santai @ Kuala Lumpur ‘’Me & Mycity’’ di Dataran Merdeka yang menawarkan penjualan pakej pelancongan menarik. Antara pempamer yang menyertai astaka Tourism Malaysia kali ini ialah Menara Kuala Lumpur, Persatuan Spa Malaysia (AMSPA), C’woks Design (Batik Tulis), Premiera Hotels & Resort dan Farhan Travel & Tours.

Selain itu, terdapat pelbagai aktiviti menarik menanti para pengunjung seperti demonstrasi batik dan terapi spa yang turut ditawarkan oleh penggiat industri.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Lancar Jerayawara Jom Cuti-cuti Malaysia 2023 Dan Pakej Khas “Staycation” Di Sabah Dan Labuan

 

PETALING JAYA, 25 Februari 2023 – Tourism Malaysia hari ini melancarkan Jerayawara Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2023 yang bakal digerakkan ke lapan lokasi di seluruh negara pada tahun ini bagi merancakkan lagi aktiviti pelancongan domestik sekali gus menggalakkan rakyat untuk merancang percutian di dalam negara serta membantu meningkatkan ekonomi penggiat industri tempatan.

Program pameran dan jualan pakej pelancongan tersebut yang berlangsung di the Curve Mutiara Damansara dari 24 hingga 26 Februari ini, turut menyaksikan pelancaran Pakej Khas Penginapan Staycation #IsninKhamisJak Bagi Sabah & Labuan. Majlis pelancarannya telah disempurnakan oleh YB Tuan Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya yang diwakili oleh Dato’ Hj. Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia.

Pakej khas tersebut bertujuan untuk membantu para pengusaha hotel dan resort di Sabah dan Labuan bagi meningkatkan purata kadar penghuniannya yang rendah pada hari Isnin hingga Khamis menerusi penawaran 16 pakej baharu melibatkan promosi “Beli 2 Malam Percuma 1 Malam” atau “Beli 1 Malam Dapat 1 Malam Pada Potongan 50%”.

Tawaran khas ini terbuka untuk pembelian oleh pelancong domestik dari 24 Februari hingga 15 April 2023 dan tempoh sah penginapan adalah sehingga 31 Disember 2023.

YB Tuan Khairul Firdaus berkata, sebanyak 30 penggiat industri terdiri daripada agensi pelancongan, hotel, produk pelancongan dan taman tema mengambil bahagian dalam www.tourism.gov.my siri jerayawara kali ini dengan penawaran lebih 100 pakej pelancongan pada harga diskaun antara 15 hingga 50 peratus.

“Selepas ini, program Jerayawara Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2023 akan diteruskan ke tujuh lagi lokasi di seluruh negara. Kita berharap dengan adanya program sebegini, ia akan dapat meningkatkan lagi daya saing industri pelancongan domestik,” katanya. Tujuh lokasi tersebut ialah AEON Mall Nilai (26-28 Mei 2023), 1 Utama Shopping Centre (9-11 Jun 2023), AEON Mall Kinta City (14-16 Julai 2023), AEON Mall Shah Alam, (25-27 Ogos 2023), Sunway Carnival Mall (29 September - 1 Oktober 2023), Sunway Pyramid (27-29 Oktober 2023) dan AEON Mall Bandaraya Melaka (10-12 November 2023).

Selain daripada pameran dan jualan pakej pelancongan, Jerayawara Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2023 turut menyajikan persembahan tarian kebudayaan, demonstrasi kraftangan dan makanan, pertunjukan teh tarik, kuiz pelancongan serta cabutan bertuah kepada pengunjung yang hadir.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Belanjawan 2023: RM250 juta untuk pelancongan – PM

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Kerajaan memperuntukkan RM250 juta untuk mempromosi pelancongan negara mulai tahun ini.

Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim berkata, khazanah alam negara seperti pantai, kepelbagaian flora dan fauna harus dimanfaatkan supaya berlaku lonjakan pelancongan terutama menjelang Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2025.

“2025 telah ditetapkan sebagai Tahun Melawat Malaysia dengan sasaran ketibaan 23.5 juta pelancong antarabangsa dan unjuran pendapatan sehingga RM76.8 bilion.

“RM115 juta ringgit disediakan sebagai dana geran padanan untuk bekerjasama dengan industri pelancongan dan kebudayaan.

“Ini antaranya untuk menggalakkan aktiviti promosi pelancongan dan penganjuran acara besar seperti sukan antarabangsa dan kebudayaan,” katanya.

-utusan online.

Tourism Malaysia Attracts Weekend Incentive Group From Medan

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 February 2023 – Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) branch in Medan sent 120 employees and executives to Malaysia for a three-day incentive trip as part of Tourism Malaysia's initiative to promote Malaysia as a MICE destination and a weekend holiday break for office workers.

During their stay in Malaysia, the group visited Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya, and were welcomed by Ms. Jamilah Abdul Halim, Senior Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia, at a special dinner. Ms. Jamilah emphasised the importance of Indonesia as one of Malaysia's top ten international tourist markets, with 799,066 arrivals from Indonesia in the first nine months of 2022.

The group's trip was made easier by better connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Sumatra through direct flights by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air and City Link from Medan (56 flights per week), Pekanbaru (12 flights per week), Banda Aceh (5 flights per week), and Padang (14 flights per week). Mr. Henry Parulian Sibarani, the Director of BNI, praised Kuala Lumpur's safety post-midnight and expressed excitement for the group's shopping experiences in the city.

Tourism Malaysia hopes that this program will help stimulate and revitalise Malaysia's tourism industry while also increasing the confidence of Indonesian tourists to choose Malaysia as their preferred weekend holiday break destination. With more visitors from Indonesia expected in the future, Malaysia is poised to become an even more popular destination for international tourists.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Jom Cuti-cuti Malaysia 2023 - Senarai Peserta @ The Curve Mutiara Damansara ( 24 ~ 26 Februari 2023 )

 

Tourism Malaysia menganjurkan Jerayawara Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2023 (JCCM2023) pada 24-26 Februari 2023 di the Curve Mutiara Damansara.

Majlis Pelancaran Jerayawara ‘Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2023’ dan ‘Pakej Khas Penginapan StaycationIsninKhamisJak bagi Sabah & Labuan’ akan disempurnakan oleh YB Tuan Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni & Budaya Malaysia pada 25 Februari 2023 (Sabtu), jam 11.30 pagi.

Lebih 100 pakej pelancongan dengan tawaran diskaun antara 15% hingga 50%, eksklusif untuk pengunjung yang membeli pakej-pakej pelancongan di JCCM2023. 

Peserta-peserta yang turut serta adalah:- 

> Zoo Melaka

> Kejora Garden Resort Pulau Pangkor

> Menara Alor Setar

> Boustead Travel Services

> I-World Travel & Tours

> Sabah & Labuan #IsninKhamisJak Staycation Package

> Honeyzone Langkawi

> D'Bilut Agrofarm

> Melati Tanjung Langkawi

> Salang Pusaka Resort Tioman

> Paradise 101 Langkawi

> Royale Chulan Hotels & Resorts

> Jom Travel Local

> Raia Hotel

> Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa

> Kembara Resort, Terengganu

> Superpark Malaysia

> Flywind Holidays

> KL Hop On Hop Off

> Menara Taming Sari

> Ritz Garden Hotel (Manjung)

> GL Play

> Kurma Travel

> Malaysia Heritage Studios

> Farm In The City

> Segar City Port Dickson

> Sudara Beach Resort

> Villagers Tioman Island

> Jupeter Holidays (Langkawi)

> Kuak Hill Resort

> Dinosaur Encounter

> Lovita Hotel – Melaka & Kuantan

> 99 Wonderland Park

> Menara Kuala Lumpur

Saksikan persembahan kebudayaan, demonstrasi makanan tradisi oleh Dato' Chef Ismail, persembahan teh tarik oleh Chef Zainal, cabutan bertuah, demonstrasi kraftangan, kuiz pelancongan serta penampilan khas pempengaruh Fikri Zamri dan David Hogan Jr. di JCCM2023.

Jumpa di sana!

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Bersatu Culinary Aassociation Launches The Malaysia Culinary World Cup 2023 With A Record Attempt

 

Kuala Lumpur, 21 February 2022 – The world’s inaugural largest cooking competition, the Malaysia Culinary World Cup by Malaysia Bersatu Culinary Association (MBCA), opened its doors today at World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur. This one-of-a-kind event, held from 21 February to 23 February, will see over 650 local and international participants cooking concurrently at the same venue in an attempt to gain Guinness World Records.

The event was officially launched by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia, YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, accompanied by the Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Dato’ Hj. Zainuddin Abdul Wahab.

The Tourism Malaysia endorsed Malaysia Culinary World Cup 2023 (MCWC23), is an excellent platform for culinary experts and enthusiasts to showcase their talents and compete in the eyes of the world. The threefold mission is to mark Malaysia on the culinary world map by attempting the Guinness World Record; secondly, to introduce Malaysia’s local cuisine to earn a spot in the best eateries globally and lastly, to bring back the glory of food tourism to Malaysian shores.

“We are thrilled to see so many talented chefs from around the world coming together to participate in this competition. One of the highlights of MCWC23 is that we allow not only professional chefs to compete but also welcome home cooks to be a part of the competition and showcase Malaysia’s delicacies to the world,” said Chef Arthur Lim, Organising Chairperson and President of MBCA.

“In Malaysia, many great chefs started as talented home cooks. This event lets us leverage our skills and explore the possibilities of launching our very food and beverage outlets,” added Marcus Teoh, Ambassador of MCWC23.

The three–day competition features nine main categories with 62 sub-categories, of which 40 will feature our local cuisine. These categories Include Patisserie, Malaysian Gastronomy (21 Malaysian dishes, including Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice, Laksa, Burger Malaysia, Ulam, Ikan Sungai Malaysia), Indian Cuisine, Chinese Cuisine, Modern Hot Cooking, Plant-Based or Vegetarian Cuisine, Showmanship (such as Teh Tarik and Roti Canai), Japanese cuisine, artistic cooking and even a Malaysia Heritage Food Black Box Challenge.

These categories will be judged by approximately 100 local and international chefs, including our local renowned celebrity chef, Chef Liza Zainol. At the end of the three-day competition, the results of the Guinness World Records will be announced at the venue.

-Tourism Malaysia.

MATTA Fair March 2023 Received Continuous Support From Tourism Malaysia To Showcase Domestic Tourism

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 February 2023 – The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is pleased to announce that Tourism Malaysia has continued to support MATTA Fair, which will take place March 17-19, 2023. As a result, it will contribute to boost the number of international visitors to Malaysia and strengthen our domestic tourism.

Located at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur – Tourism Malaysia Pavilion occupies 46 booths at Ground Level (Level 1). There are also participation from States Tourism Organisations (STO) such as Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Sarawak and Sabah will also participate in this year MATTA Fair indicating that the states are pushing their domestic tourist offerings vigorously.

Malaysia is expecting 15.6 million tourist arrivals in 2023 with the receipts of RM47.6 billion. Tourism Malaysia is ramping up their promotional efforts by participating in the largest consumer fair to attract more holidaymakers and showcase exciting local destinations through our diversity of culture and heritage.

MATTA Fair’s partnership with Tourism Malaysia is considered a pivotal source of economic growth which serves as a catalyst for tourism development and continues to be one of the largest contributors to the national account. Similarly, the participation from Tourism Malaysia creates more opportunities to promote Malaysia as a top-of-mind tourist destination since our country has much more to offer.

This year, Tourism Malaysia is coming back with a Nature & Adventure theme, and we anticipate generating sales of RM1.5 million as the fair provides great opportunities for consumers to find holiday packages and theme park admission tickets at attractive prices. The Tourism Malaysia Pavilion will showcase up to 46 booths from all states, as well as several activities including quizzes and guitar performances. Visitors will have the opportunity to redeem Tourism Malaysia merchandise with the purchase of tourism packages worth RM500.00 and above.

“This fair aligns with our ‘Inilah Masanya, Cuti-Cuti Malaysia’ campaign, which encourages Malaysians to travel domestically and support the domestic tourism industry. Tourism Malaysia aims to inspire more tourism activity across various states in Malaysia and contribute to local economic growth,” said Dato' Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

This collaboration between MATTA Fair and Tourism Malaysia will produce more greater outcomes in the future that propelling the tourism sector back to pre-pandemic levels and create more opportunities to serve the industry market.

It is free admission to the Fair and it is open from 10am-9pm for the three days, Friday to Sunday. To reiterate, shuttle service to MITEC will be provided from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall.

Please visit our MATTA Fair's website, social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or subscribe to our new Telegram channels @MATTAHQ to obtain the most recent information updates.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Returns To 11th Jeddah International Travel And Tourism Exhibition (JTTX11) 2023

 

JEDDAH, 19 February 2023- Tourism Malaysia today launch its booth in the Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (JTTX11) 2023 in Saudi Arabia, from 19 to 21 February 2023 to promote Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination to the travel industry players in the Middle East.

JTTX is the leading international travel exhibition in Saudi Arabia, held annually and aims to connect international travel business to the Saudi travel market, which considered one of the fastest growing markets in the world now. Each year it brings together local key travel leaders and international exhibitors to establish new relations, strengthen and develop existing business partnerships.

JTTX11 marks the third time participation for Tourism Malaysia in this event since 2020, where it leads a delegation of Malaysian industry players to participate in the exhibition. Among the Malaysian organizations involved in the exhibition are Universal Holidays Travel, GR Travel & Tours, Onthego Travel Tours, Grand Ion Delemen Hotel, IOI Cluster Hotels, Ancasa Hotels & Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotel Group Malaysia and Air AsiaX.

During the 3-day event, Malaysia will highlight its stunning natural environment, exciting array of cultural adventures, and global reputation as a safe, family-friendly destination that cater specially for the Middle Eastern market. JTTX11 also feature city’s highlights such as Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands and Selangor, focuses on the best shopping outlets, theme parks, honeymoon, and luxury holidays. Besides that, it also aims to promote the diversity of attractions and services in Malaysia, as well as to update the local industry players on the latest developments in Malaysia.

The Middle East is seen as a key market for the country, which Malaysia has maintained its position as the preferred destination for Muslim travellers by MasterCard-Cresent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2022. The country was named the “Top Muslim- Friendly Destination of the Year (OIC)” at the Halal Travel Awards in Singapore, last June 2022. The ranking is based on an annual online survey covering several criteria, including the availability of Halal food, access to prayer facilities and Muslim-friendly services in hotels, and the overall safety and security of each destination.

Tourism Malaysia’s promotion campaign as such is a continuous effort to boost inbound tourism to a greater height in the hope to achieve 15.6 million international tourist arrivals with MYR 47.6 billion in tourism receipts for 2023.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Govt urged to implement visa-on-arrival for tourists from all countries

 

The Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) has urged for swift implementation of the visa-on-arrival (VOA) scheme for tourists from all countries. - NSTP/ASYRAF HAMZAH

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) has urged for swift implementation of the visa-on-arrival (VOA) scheme for tourists from all countries.

This is to bring in 15.5 million tourists this year, and bolster Malaysia's competitiveness in the global tourism industry said Mita president Uzaidi Udanis.

He said the VOA scheme is crucial to bring in more visitors into Malaysia through the ease of access and welcoming procedures being put in place for foreign travellers.

He said Mita hopes to work closely with the Immigration Department which is the first entity a tourist meets upon arrival at the airport.

Uzaidi said if the Immigration Department has unclear guidelines for tourists, it would make it difficult for the tourism industry.

He cited previous cases of tourist groups being held on arrival due to 'security' and being questioned by the authorities.

"Security should not be used as a reason to hinder tourist arrivals and I am sure that the authorities are more than capable of maintaining order despite the increase in tourism.

"There is a full documentation of when the tourists arrive and depart from the country, where they stay, and what are their itineraries as they are here.

"There are no problems of tourists not wanting to leave the country, everything is clear and has followed the regulations, so security risks should not be a problem," he said in a press conference, here, today.

He adds that Chinese tourists' high spending also plays an important role in helping to drive Malaysia's economic growth.

The lack of Chinese tourists means a lack of vitality and growth momentum he said.

Uzaidi said the aim is to bring in half a million tourists from China and 15.5 million tourists on the whole into the country this year.

"We believe the proposed visa-on-arrival policy will boost Malaysia's appeal as a tourist destination and help us to remain competitive.

He said Malaysia currently has a VOA scheme but it is limited to 15 days, with much documentation required, and it is a long process.

"Meanwhile, neighbouring countries such as Thailand offer at least 30 days of VOA," said Uzaidi.

Mita deputy president, Mint Leong said as of now, visa-on-arrival is only available for two countries, India and China.

"The tourists will have to transit in third-world countries first before they can come into Malaysia and apply for VOA for a stay.

"Therefore, we would like to urge the Home Ministry (KDN) to look into having an open VOA, which means the tourists can fly in from any country they want," said Leong.

She said such a move would boost the number of worldwide tourists' arrival as they can arrive directly arrive in Malaysia and spend to boost the economy.

Meanwhile, Uzaidi said Mita is looking forward to a proactive budget for the tourism sector.

"Mita would like to reiterate our complete endorsement of the minister's proposal and are willing to collaborate and work together towards its realisation," he adds.

Previously, Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing had proposed a VOA scheme for tourists from all countries. This is to ensure Malaysia remains competitive in the global tourism industry.

"I urge the Home Ministry to immediately look into expanding visa-on-arrival for all countries, especially China and India, to prevent us from losing our competitiveness within the region," he said in his keynote address at the 2023 ASEAN Tourism Forum in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Tiong also said changes to current immigration policies and mechanisms should be undertaken with the adaptation of local tourism products and services to enable the tourism industry to attract tourists.

-nst online.

Jelajah Jom Cuti-cuti Malaysia 2023 @ The Curve Mutiara Damansara ( 24 ~ 26 Februari 2023 )

 

Jerayawara Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2023 kembali lagi! Kini kami di the Curve, Mutiara Damansara pada 24 hingga 26 Februari 2023.

Lebih 100 pakej pelancongan dengan tawaran harga diskaun 15% hingga 50% menanti anda. Rebutlah peluang menyertai aktiviti persembahan tarian kebudayaan, demonstrasi kraftangan, kuiz pelancongan dan cabutan bertuah.

Saksikan demonstrasi masakan oleh Dato' Chef Ismail dan persembahan ‘teh tarik’ oleh Chef Zainal. Tunggu apa lagi? Jumpa anda di sana!

-Tourism Malaysia.

Kaunter Perkhidmatan Kementerian & Agensi @ Hari Terbuka Putrajaya 2023

 

-Perbadanan Putrajaya.

Ural Tourism Association Fam Tour To Malaysia

 

In conjunction with the familiarization visit of the Ural Tourism Association, Russia to Malaysia scheduled from 14-21 February 2023, Tourism Malaysia has arranged several meetings with Malaysian industry partners such as Tourism Melaka, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA), and Malacca Tourism Association for business development in the Russian market, especially in the Ekaterinburg region.

Dato' Dr. Ammar Abd.  Ghapar, Senior Director of International Promotion (Americas, Europe, Oceania), met with the delegation to discuss the latest plans for collaborative promotion.

-Tourism Malaysia.

500,000 dijangka ‘serbu’ Pesta Angin Timur 2023

 

KANGAR: Pesta Angin Timur 2023 yang merupakan aktiviti ikonik di negeri ini menyasarkan kehadiran lebih 500,000 pengunjung sepanjang tiga hari penganjuran bermula 3 sehingga 5 Mac ini.

Penganjuran pesta tersebut di Kampung Sungai Padang, Simpang Empat dijangka lebih meriah selepas ditangguhkan secara fizikal sejak tahun 2020 berikutan pandemik Covid-19.

Menteri Besar, Mohd. Shukri Ramli berkata, pesta itu sememangnya amat berpotensi dalam menarik kehadiran pelancong ke negeri ini dengan pengisian pelbagai program dan aktiviti menarik.

“Kita sememangnya mengalu-alukan kehadiran pengunjung dari seluruh negara termasuk dari negara jiran untuk memeriahkan lagi penganjuran pesta ini yang telah terhenti sejak beberapa tahun ekoran pandemik Covid-19,” katanya dalam sidang akhbar di Bilik Gerakan Kompleks Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) di sini hari ini.

Terdapat pelbagai pengisian menarik disediakan antaranya seperti pertandingan sukan rakyat, kenduri rakyat, malam keindahan Islam, pameran agensi dan jualan kraf, sukan lasak bendang, larian angin timur dan pelbagai lagi.

Penganjuran Pesta Angin Timur juga bertujuan bagi mempromosikan aktiviti kebudayaan tempatan kepada pelancong domestik dan antarabangsa sebagai salah satu produk industri pelancongan negeri Perlis.

Pesta Angin Timur dianjurkan sejak 2011 dengan edisi pertama berlangsung di Kampung Banir, Tembus Simpang Empat dan setiap tahun program tahunan itu terus menarik perhatian orang ramai dengan ratusan ribu pengunjung dicatatkan.

Dalam pada itu, Mohd. Shukri berkata, setakat ini, seramai 189 gerai jualan telah mengesahkan akan turut sama bagi memeriahkan pesta tersebut dan jumlah itu dijangka meningkat menjelang hari penganjurannya nanti.

“Pesta ini akan dilaksanakan di kawasan seluas 12 hektar bagi memberikan kemudahan buat pengunjung yang hadir,” katanya.

Di samping itu, beliau berkata, perkhidmatan Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) juga dijangka ditingkatkan sewaktu penganjuran pesta itu bagi membantu menampung jumlah pengunjung ke utara tanah air.

Tambah beliau, pihaknya juga turut menyeru masyarakat berbilang kaum agar dapat mengambil peluang untuk bersama-sama memeriahkan penganjuran pesta berkenaan kali ini.

“Kita berharap penganjuran Pesta Angin Timur 2023 kali ini akan mendapat penglibatan dari pelbagai kaum untuk menunjukkan kesatuan rakyat di negara ini,” katanya.

-utusan online.

Malaysia pushes for expanded visa-on-arrival facility

 

Malaysia’s tourism, arts and culture minister, Tiong King Sing, recently called on the Home Ministry to look into expanding visa-on-arrival (VOA) for all countries in order to remain competitive with other regional and global destinations.

This includes Malaysia’s traditional top two medium-haul inbound destinations, China and India.

Supporting the minister’s call to introduce VOA facilities, Christina Toh, president of Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), shared: “It is crucial for us to draw more visitors into the country with easier access and welcoming procedures especially now at the time when tourism industry worldwide seems to be experiencing a universal reset that resulted in a more level playing field for all destinations.”

She explained that the current strict visa requirements have deterred many potential travellers from visiting Malaysia, adding that although it is important to maintain the country’s immigration policies, there is also a need “to adapt them to favourable market trends so as to not lose out on great opportunities”.

In addition, with China having reopened its borders, the industry is anticipating “a large influx in tourism and Malaysia stands to lose a lot of potential arrivals” with the existing visa process.

“MAH hopes that by giving visitors this option, it will encourage more arrivals into the country by eliminating the cost and difficulties that comes with visa applications,” said Toh.

Mint Leong, deputy president, Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association, is also in agreement, saying that it is “a great strategy to speed up tourism recovery” and one that will improve the country’s economy.

If implemented, there would be a spike in tourism arrivals; Malaysia’s “airports and tourism players have the resources to handle this”, said Leong.

Outbound operator Suka Travel & Tours’ director, Adam Kamal, noted that if the VOA takes effect, it may result in other countries reciprocating, thus allowing “Malaysians to have the same facility to enter their countries.

He added: “This will (then) help boost outbound travel to those countries.”

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia’s Langkawi to host Routes Asia 2024

 

Malaysia Airports Holdings will unite with Tourism Malaysia to host the 20th Routes Asia in Langkawi next year.

The event is held in a different location each year, and brings together airlines, airports and tourism authorities to drive Asia-Pacific’s air service development and continue to fuel the region’s aviation recovery.

Langkawi will be the host destination for Routes Asia 2024

Malaysia had previously hosted the event in 2014.

For the 2024 edition, over 3,000 meetings are expected to take place.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Sallauddin Mat Sah, general manager: aviation marketing & development, Malaysia Airports, said: “Routes Asia 2023 has been a huge success with very strong attendance from both airlines and airports.

“Routes events are incredibly important, as they allow our organisation to meet the decision makers from airlines in the region. Hosting Routes Asia will allow us to showcase not only Langkawi but also the country of Malaysia to carriers from across the region.”

Steven Small, director of Routes, said: “This year’s event brought together over 1,000 decision makers from the route development community. The recovery for this region has really gathered paced in the last year and we are confident that we will see this continue in Langkawi.”

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Malaysia Jayakan Program Tanggungjawab Sosial Korporat & Gastronomi Di Langkawi

 

LANGKAWI, 15 Februari - Tourism Malaysia dengan kerjasama Koperasi Komuniti Kepulauan Tuba Dan Selat Berhad (KOPTUBAS) telah menganjurkan program tanggungjawab sosial korporat (CSR) menerusi aktiviti penanaman anak pokok bakau semalam.

Program yang turut dijayakan oleh penduduk tempatan itu antara lain bertujuan menyemarakkan semangat kesukarelawanan dalam kalangan komuniti setempat sekali gus menyantuni pemain industri pelancongan di Langkawi sewaktu pascapandemik bagi membantu mempromosikan kempen Cuti-Cuti Malaysia.

Pengarah Bahagian Komunikasi Korporat Tourism Malaysia, Encik Zakaria Mohd Nani berkata, serentak dengan penganjuran program tersebut, pihaknya juga mengadakan demonstrasi masakan tradisional menerusi penampilan istimewa Duta Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya bagi segmen gastronomi, Dato’ Chef Ismail Ahmad di Berjaya Langkawi Resort.

“Antara menu istimewa yang didemonstrasikan oleh Dato’ Chef Ismail pada kali ini ialah resepi tradisional iaitu ayam kalio Negeri Sembilan dan cucur bawang. Demontrasi masakan yang diketengahkan ini bertujuan menarik minat para pelancong serta memperkenalkan sajian istimewa ini khususnya kepada mereka yang menginap di resort mewah berkenaan,”katanya.

Berjaya Langkawi Resort dipilih kerana ia menjadi lokasi pilihan pelancongan antarabangsa yang berinspirasikan keunikan alam semula jadi serta telah merangkul beberapa anugerah bertaraf antarabangsa.

Selain itu, Tourism Malaysia dengan kerjasama Persatuan Pemandu Pelancong Langkawi juga telah menjayakan program seminar dan International Tourist Guide Day Eco Walk di Zero Km Kuah.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Cruise tourism resumes in Sabah

 

KOTA KINABALU: Cruise tourism has returned to Sabah following the arrival of Seabourn Encore, bringing over 1,000 passengers to the state capital here.

The cruise liner docked at the Sabah Port today, after a stopover in Boracay, Philippines.

This is the first cruise ship to land in Sabah this year after 2020 when the international borders were closed for leisure travellers due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The cruise passengers who would be spending one night in Kota Kinabalu were welcomed by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) with goodie bags and traditional necklaces.

The ship will continue to sail at 6pm tomorrow to its homeport in Singapore.

STB chief executive officer Noredah Othman said the resumption of the cruise tourism industry is an encouraging sign that Sabah remains a popular destination for cruisers.

This year, we expect eight cruise ships to come, and Sabah can expect to see an increase in the number of tourists visiting the state.

"The return of cruise ship tourism can help to promote Sabah as a tourist destination to a broader audience, allowing visitors on board to explore the city and nearby attractions.

"Cruise ships typically visit multiple destinations on a single itinerary, and the exposure that Sabah gets as part of this itinerary can encourage tourists to consider Sabah a standalone holiday destination," she said.

Noredah said cruise ship tourism had contributed tens of thousands of visitors to Sabah, stressing the vital need to tap into the cruise market for the state to diversify its tourism industry.

This poses an opportunity for more products to be introduced especially within the city centre for cruise passengers. This is not limited to Kota Kinabalu as cruise ships berth in Sandakan as well.

Sabah had the most cruise ship arrivals in 2019, with 26 cruise liners and 37,431 passengers.

In 2018, Sabah received 21 cruise ships and 21,738 passengers, compared to 17 cruise ships and 23,474 passengers in 2017.

From January to February 2020, Sabah received five cruise ships and 9,140 passengers.

-nst online.

Malaysia With Its Sustainable Soul And The Ecotourism Offer Arrives In Milan For BIT 2023

 

MILAN, FEBRUARY 12, 2023 In pavilion 4, stand C82/A83, Tourism Malaysia delegation led by Mr Mohamad Libra Lee Haniff, Director of Tourism Malaysia Paris Office, and responsible for the markets of Italy, Spain and Portugal will host Malaysia Airlines, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, The Taaras Redang, Lotus Asia Tours as co-exhibitors.

BIT is essential for Tourism Malaysia, in the framework of the activities aimed at the trade. It is a moment of openness and discussion with colleagues and partners. The aspiration is to be able to meet as many operators and people as possible to share new experiences and products that Malaysia offers in this new era of tourism after the pandemic.

After years of constant participation in the Tourism Malaysia event, it arrives in Milan on the strength of a well-defined post-Covid strategy focused on nature tourism, sustainable tourism and slow travel for those travellers interested in discovering this Southeast Asian country in the most authentic way.

Malaysia will highlight its “X factors” to encourage Italian tourists to travel and encourage travellers to embrace its new ways of doing tourism as an important social economic driver. In 2021, out of 15 million active employees in Malaysia, the tourism industry employs more than 3.5 million people in different sectors. 35.4 % are employed in the food & beverage sector, 33.6 % work in commerce and 17.6 % are directly related to in-country services used by tourists.

“Malaysia is a country full of diversity. It is one of the twelve most biologically diverse countries in the world with thousands of flora and fauna species. Nature is one of their symbols, which makes Malaysia a perfect country for sustainable tourism development. Many regions in the country offer an authentic ecotourism experience, such as the state of Sabah, with the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Sarawak and Mulu National Park. Malaysia is also a country full of culture, where living the community experience with their locals is possible in some areas thanks to the Malaysia Homestay Programme to support local communities. Not to be forgotten the inclusion of the Country among the 30 must-visit destinations in the annual Lonely Planet Best in Travel list. Kuala Lumpur is, in fact, among five other destinations in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023: Eat Category”, Dato’ Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, the Director General of Tourism Malaysia said.

Malaysia offers a wide range of tourist attractions. Nature and culture are very significant for the tourism industry. Within the different natural attractions, it is possible experience numerous sports and adventure activities, such as kayak, hiking, zip line, rafting, and many more. The country is also a great destination for families travelling together, with excellent options for kids, such as bird watching at KL Bird Park, thrilling hikes at Sunway Lagoon theme park or water activities at Legoland.

Tourism Malaysia’s promotion campaign as such is a continuous effort to boost inbound tourism to a greater height in the hope to achieve 15.6 million international tourist arrivals with MYR 47.6 billion in tourism receipts for 2023.

Malaysia has received 14,998 Italian as of October 2022, which is an encouraging growth. August as the quintessential holiday month, saw the highest increase in arrivals to Malaysia with 5,182 tourists from Italy.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sabah expands aviation connections through Route Asia event

 

Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman meetings with airlines representatives. -Pic courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is expanding its connections with the aviation sector and with other tourism-related agencies with the Sabah Tourism Board's participation in the Route Asia 2023 event in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The event begins today until Feb 16 and would enable the team to gather information on industry trends, competitor analysis, and customer preferences to help define future tourism development strategies in Sabah.

Route Asia presents Sabah with the chance to promote its attractions, tourism offerings, and infrastructure to a diverse audience of aviation and travel industry experts.

The board chief executive officer Noredah Othman said increasing air connectivity was one of Sabah's top priorities and a key enabler for the growth of the state's tourism industry.

She added that more than 90 per cent of visitor arrivals were by air.

"This event will enable us to have key conversations with senior decision-makers from the region's airlines to rebuild robust international air connectivity into Sabah.

"We want to boost tourism growth by fostering new business relationships while strengthening old ones.

"The Route Asia allows us to gain exclusive insight into the aviation sector in the new post-pandemic era," she said in a statement.

Currently, Sabah's international entry points are via Singapore, Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam), Taipei, Hong Kong, Narita (Japan), Incheon (South Korea), Busan (South Korea), Manila (Philippines), and Bangkok (Thailand).

Seventy-two flights per week are run by AirAsia, Scoot,Royal Brunei, Malaysia Airlines, Jeju Air, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Cebu Pacific.

Sabah's advantageous location in the BIMP-EAGA region, combined with the coming of Nusantara, makes it imperative that the state take steps to ensure it is well prepared to meet demands, including the possibility of new markets entering.

"While Sabah Tourism is working towards encouraging flight growth, we are also tripling our efforts to make Sabah a more visible destination.

"This year alone, we have carried out promotional efforts in Europe and the Scandinavian regions.

"As a business, we understand the value of targeting tourists from all over the world, including these areas.

"We intend to develop permanent ties with travel agents so they may inform their customers about Sabah and the available direct flights if they travel to any destination that already has an established link with Sabah."

In addition to international flights, Sabah is also well connected by domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Kota Bharu, Labuan, Penang, and Sarawak on Malaysia Airlines, MASWings, Air Asia, Batik Air, MyAirlines, and Firefly.

Sabah recorded 1,511,163 visitors and RM2.73 billion in tourism receipts between January and November 2022.

There were 1,300,729 domestic arrivals and 210,434 overseas arrivals.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia Promotes Diving @ Moscow Dive Show 2023

 

Tourism Malaysia participated in the Moscow Dive Show 2023, held from 9 to 12 February 2023 at the Gostiny Dvor, Exhibition Centre. Moscow Dive Show is an annual event that brings together diving industry experts and fans in Moscow, Russia.

Typically, these events feature exhibits of the most recent diving equipment, Diving Destination, talks on diving-related topics, workshops, and networking opportunities with other industry professionals. The event also exhibit new innovations and improvements in the diving sector.

Partners joint Malaysia's booth are two Russian dive operators Safari.ru and TimetoDive and one Russian leisure tour operators (China Travel) which also has developed special dive packages to Sipadan and pre & post-tour to Sabah and Kuala Lumpur.

-Tourism Malaysia.

ASEAN Tourism Awards 2023 - Malaysian Winners

 

10 February 2023 - The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2023 held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from the 2nd to the 5th of February 2023, under the theme “Journey to Wonderful Destinations”, emphasises ASEAN's underlying strength and commitment to position 10 unique nations as one united destination in promoting intra-ASEAN and international travel.

A headline event of the ATF is the recognition and award of the prestigious ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards to 18 tourism businesses and stakeholders in the region. Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), and Datuk Hajah Saraya Arbi, Secretary General of MOTAC, attended the official announcement and awards ceremony on 5 February 2023.

The 10 ASEAN member countries deem tourism service standardisation as essential to improving the quality of tourism products and services and promoting responsible management among tourism businesses and stakeholders in the region to position ASEAN as an in-demand Quality Single Destination. This is in line with the ASEAN Strategic Tourism Plan 2016-2025, which states that “By 2025, ASEAN will be a quality tourism destination offering a unique, diverse ASEAN experience, and will be committed to responsible, sustainable, inclusive and balanced tourism development, so as to contribute significantly to the socioeconomic well-being of the ASEAN people.”

ASEAN Tourism Standards criteria and requirements, particularly in areas such as safety, security, health, cleanliness, environmental policy, amenities and facilities are essential to the overall travel experience. Service providers from the public and private entities are advised to follow ASEAN guidelines and standards as a key strategy for rebuilding better and regaining tourist trust and confidence.

The ASEAN tourism standards integrates and adapts various existing international and national standards, best practices, and guidelines, as well as ASEAN Member States protocols, to reflect common regional parameters.

In particular, cleanliness must be regarded as a basic service with a significant impact on the overall travel experience. Private sector industry players must change their attitudes towards the overall environment and cleanliness aspects, especially the cleanliness of public restrooms, to gain a competitive advantage. Therefore, businesses and operators are strongly urged to comply to these standards, which will bring their businesses to new heights and burnish the international image of Malaysian tourism.

ASEAN member countries were honoured in four (4) categories of ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2023, including the 4th ASEAN Homestay Award, the 3rd ASEAN Community Based Tourism (CBT) Award, the 2nd ASEAN Public Toilet Award and the 2nd ASEAN Spa Services Award. These awards recognise and honour excellent ASEAN tourism businesses and destinations that comply to the aforementioned ASEAN Tourism Standards.

-MOTAC.

Following complaints, tourism minister bans shopping from being included in tour itineraries here

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 — Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has reportedly said that travel operators are no longer allowed to list shopping in their tour itineraries for foreign tourists.

He said the ministry received numerous complaints from tourists, and therefore he has urged travel groups to bring visitors to appropriate attractions instead when they are in Malaysia.

“We will issue a circular that states that tour guides are not allowed to take visitors shopping and should not include shopping destinations in their itineraries.

“We’ll upgrade our tourism website to include a location list for hotels, bars, restaurants, and retail centres,” Tiong told The Star after launching Tomei’s “55th Emerald Year — Bloom From Within” campaign yesterday.

He added that other countries had also implemented similar bans and his ministry would take necessary action if incoming tours continue to include shopping trips.

“Tour operators could schedule breaks for a day or two so tourists could choose where to go shopping,” he added.

Meanwhile, the minister added that the country is expected to receive an influx of Chinese tourists following China’s government reopening its borders early this year.

Tiong urged travel groups to create itineraries that can showcase Malaysia’s unique culture and leave a good impression on tourists.

He added that tourists from China are expected to boost the domestic consumer market and would be a catalyst for economic recovery.

“Therefore, we must grasp the needs and intentions of travellers from China and make appropriate arrangements to attract them.

“I hope the relevant businesses will seize the opportunity to tailor-make itineraries and products for tourists celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China (in 2024),” he added.

-malay mail.

Tourism Malaysia Resumes To Entice Indians At SATTE 2023

 

NEW DELHI, 10th Feb 2023 – Tourism Malaysia returns to India’s largest tourism fair, South Asia's Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE), Delhi NCR for the nineteenth year. The three-day event, happening from 9 to 11 February 2023, is a continuous effort to keep Malaysia as the preferred tourism destination in the minds of Indian travellers. 

At SATTE this year, Tourism Malaysia aims to focus on the niche products such as shopping, golfing, luxury tourism, soft tourism, theme parks and honeymoon packages. On top of that, emerging segments such as weddings and film-induced tourism are also being promoted to Indians as a destination of choice. With more than 35,000 trade visitors expected, the event will anticipate a significant increase of Indian tourists to Malaysia and promote stronger cooperation between tour operators and members of the tourism fraternity.

The Malaysian delegation is headed by The Honourable Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia together with twenty-four (24) tour agents, eleven (11) hotel/resort operators, four (4) tourism product owners, three (3) airline operators, four (4) state tourism board, one (1) medical tourism member, one (1) visa solution consultant along with several officials from Tourism Malaysia.

Just recently, from 30th January to 7th February 2023, Tourism Malaysia together with the Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) have just concluded a roadshow campaign across five main cities in India, namely Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

“In 2019, before the pandemic, we welcomed 382,916 tourist arrivals from India with MYR3.6 million in tourist expenditure, while between January and September 2022, about 187,037 Indian tourists visited Malaysia. This year, we intend to achieve the arrival target of 15.6 million international tourist with MYR47.6 billion in tourism receipts. Out of that, we are optimist more than 400,000 tourist arrivals from India market. We do hope this market will continue to play the important role in achieving this number,” said The Honourable Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.

He added, “We will leverage on the niche product segment which could be a big platform for Malaysia, especially as a preferred wedding destination from the Indian market. Additionaly, we are keen to promote Malaysia as a destination of choice for film-induced tourism. A lot of incentives being provided should one comes to do the filming in Malaysia”.

India remains an important market for Malaysia. In terms of connectivity, there are currently 169 flights per week with more than 29,000 seats from India to Malaysia via Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air (formerly known as Malindo Air), AirAsia, and IndiGo.

At present, Malaysia has recently launched a new eVISA Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) facility consisting of fly & cruise, wedding, medical treatment and business visitors purposes for Indian tourists that comes with a six-month validity, a 30-day length of stay (LOS) and costs only INR1,000.00. The visa can be applied online through https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa/evisa.jsp.

-Tourism Malaysia.

One-stop-portal on healthcare travel to be launched soon

 

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) chief executive officer Mohd Daud Mohd Arif mingles with members of the media during a gathering in Kuala Lumpur. - NSTP/HAZREEN MOHAMAD

KUALA LUMPUR: A one-stop-portal on healthcare travel will soon be launched as part of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council's (MHTC) initiatives to catalyse further growth of the country's healthcare travel industry.

"The portal will give international healthcare travellers (HT) easy access to anything related to healthcare travelling," said MHTC chief executive officer Mohd Daud Mohd Arif.

He said the portal would save the international HTs the hassle of searching for the right information on the Internet endlessly.

"The portal is one of the key initiatives that we will implement to cause further growth of the country's healthcare travel industry while embarking on the rebuilding phase of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Blueprint 2021-2025 this year.

He said the main initiative was to focus on the healthcare travel ecosystem that would stress on patients' experience in Malaysia healthcare travel.

"Another initiative is the Health Facilitator Training Programme that will equip international tour and travel agents with the essential knowledge and skills in becoming Malaysia Healthcare agents abroad," said Mohd Daud during a media luncheon hosted by MHTC here today.

He said MHTC would also build Malaysia's first flagship medical tourism hospital and establish more strategic partnerships as well as driving advocacy for the Malaysia healthcare brand.

He said that MHTC has limited funds in terms of targeting the market but it has a clear investment that would bring income back into the country.

"For now we are focusing on our traditional markets like Indonesia, Bangladesh, Indo-China countries, and aim to double the healthcare travel industry revenue by 2025."

He said compared to countries like Singapore, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom or other European countries, Malaysia is much more affordable in healthcare and with the same or if not better quality services.

"And of course communication wise, we have the advantage of being able to communicate in different languages," he said.

For the recovery phase of the pandemic in 2022, Mohd Daud said, industry players should work closely to implement proactive measures in providing continuity of care to patients while ensuring the safety of locals and international patients.

"We want to make Malaysia the best place to travel for quality healthcare services and experience," said Mohd Daud.

-nst online.