Jom kita memeriahkan Hari Terbuka Parlimen !!!
Anda boleh meletakkan kenderaan di kawasan parkir awam di Taman Botani & Tugu Negara atau digalakkan menaiki pengangkutan awam yg disediakan. Rapid KL Sentral ke Parlimen @ Rapid LRT Masjid Jamek ke Parlimen.
Pengunjung perlu mematuhi Etika dan Kod Pakaian Parlimen Malaysia namun pemakaian batik amat disarankan.
Ayuh! Eksplorasi Parlimen, jumpa anda nanti !
-Parlimen Malaysia.
Sabah FC hari ini telah memperkenalkan pakej pelancongan baharu iaitu Bola In The City – A Trip Of Excitement dengan kerjasama Tourism Malaysia dan lapan agensi pelancongan di Sabah.
Majlis pelancaran pakej “Bola In The City With Sabah FC – A Trip of Excitement!” ini telah berlangsung di Hilton Kota Kinabalu hari ini dan telah disempurnakan oleh YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia.
Turut hadir sama ialah Encik Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Domestik & Acara [Menanggung Tugas Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Perancangan)] Tourism Malaysia; Puan Noredah Othman, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Sabah Tourism Board; Encik Ahmad Marzuki Nasir, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Sabah FC; Encik Ibrahim Othman, Pengarah Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) Sabah dan Puan Trecey J. Tojuka, Timbalan Pengarah Tourism Malaysia Sabah.
Pakej ini ditawarkan pada tanda harga RM 330 untuk seorang dan setiap pembeli berpeluang untuk bertemu dan berinteraksi dengan para pemain Sabah FC.
Membawa elemen sukan dan pelancongan, pakej ini turut memberi peluang untuk menyaksikan sesi latihan pasukan utama Sabah di bawah kendalian Datuk Ong Kim Swee. Pada hari perlawanan pula, mereka berpeluang untuk menonton perlawanan Liga Super bersama barisan pemain legenda bola sepak Sabah seperti Hassan Sani, Matlan Marjan, Burhan Ajui, Jelius Ating dan ramai lagi.
Pakej baharu ini merupakan kesinambungan kepada pakej sukan pelancongan “Bola In The City” edisi pertama yang pernah dilancarkan pada Oktober 2022 dan ia telah menerima sambutan yang amat menggalakkan khususnya daripada peminat bola sepak.
Pembeli bakal merasai pengalaman bermakna di Sabah apabila diberi peluang melawat beberapa destinasi atau aktiviti pelancongan di Sabah seperti Pula Manukan, Rumah Terbalik, Tamparuli, Monsopiad Heritage Village, Penampang; Tagal Tinopikon Walk, Penampang; bagi menikmati makanan laut di Restoran Terapung Kg. Nelayan atau beberapa restoran makanan tradisi di Kota Kinabalu atau aktiviti urutan kaki.
Senarai agensi pelancongan yang terlibat ialah:
i) Dynamic Tours Travel & Incentive Sdn. Bhd.
üi) Borneo Excursions (AHSB Rentacar Sdn Bhd)
iii) Inno Travel & Tour Services Sdn. Bhd.
iv) Kinabalu Heritage Tours & Car Rental Sdn. Bhd.
V) Borneo Trails Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.
vi) Nadi Borneo Tours Sdn. Bhd.
vi) Sensational Holidays (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd.
vil) Discovery Tours (Sabah) Sdn. Bhd.
Kerjasama strategik Sabah FC dan Tourism Malaysia Sabah ini merupakan satu langkah positif dalam merancakkan lagi industri bola sepak tempatan.
Kepada yang berminat, pakej ini boleh dibeli melalui 8 agensi pelancongan yang terlibat. Layari laman web Tourism Malaysia Sabah atau terus ke platform media sosial Tourism Sabah dan agensi-agensi pelancongan yang terlibat.
-makanbola.com
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| Travelport’s data shows the resurgence of outbound travel from mainland China |
Travelport has released its latest data highlighting the resurgence of outbound travel from mainland China, which shows that demand continues to rise leading up to China’s Labour Day (May 1), one of the most popular times for tourists from mainland China to travel.
When it was announced on December 27 that travellers arriving to China no longer needed to undergo quarantine, outbound flight bookings from mainland China on that very day increased by 247% when compared to the same day the previous month.
According to research conducted by the UNWTO and the China Tourism Academy, approximately 150 million Chinese tourists travelled internationally in 2019, spending US$277 billion on global tourism. With quarantine restrictions now lifted, 1Q2023 saw outbound bookings from mainland China increase by 331% compared to last year.
However, mainland China is still only at 21% of its 2019 outbound booking levels. According to OAG, international airline capacity is at 37% of its April 2019 availability.
According to a recent McKinsey survey, pent-up demand for outbound travel from mainland China is massive, with 40% of survey respondents wanting to travel and prioritising international destinations for their next trip.
Travelport’s data shows the top five destinations that travellers from mainland China have booked trips for in 2023 include Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, the US, and South Korea.
One major difference in 2023 travel is that tourists from mainland China are taking shorter trips. The number of trips ranging from two to four days is increasing, which explains why closer destinations, such as Hong Kong and Macau, claim the top two spots.
Additionally, 71% of flight options available from mainland China are bound for destinations in Asia-Pacific.
Meanwhile, Labour Day in China is celebrated as an annual public holiday on May 1, with the holiday expanded to include a three-day break in recent years. This makes April 24 through May 7 (the week of Labour Day and the week prior) the most ideal dates for travellers to get away.
This year’s holiday period has reached a three-year high when compared to last year alone, with outbound travel bookings increasing by 470%. In addition, unlike the rest of the year, these dates see a noticeable spike in trips longer than 10 days. This could explain why the top destinations for these travel dates include longhaul destinations such as the UK, Canada and the US.
-TTG Asia.
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| SEBAHAGIAN daripada pengunjung yang memeriahkan Program Tarik Pukat Raya 2023 di Pantai Kekabu, Marang, Terengganu. - UTUSAN/PUQTRA HAIRRY ROSLI |
MARANG: Aktiviti tarik pukat yang menjadi tradisi nelayan di kawasan pantai di negeri ini akan dijadikan program tahunan kerajaan negeri apabila bakal disenaraikan dalam kalendar pelancongan Terengganu mulai tahun depan.
Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar berkata, keunikan amalan tradisi itu mampu menarik kedatangan pelancong selain mempertahankan aktiviti berkenaan untuk dikenali generasi muda.
“Aktiviti tarik pukat ini sudah biasa bagi komuniti dan nelayan pantai. Bukan sekadar kebersamaan dan merapatkan ukhuwah masyarakat semata-mata tetapi rutin tradisi ini sebenarnya mempunyai keunikan tersendiri sebagai produk pelancongan.
“Kerajaan negeri akan jadikan acara rasmi tahunan, dimasukkan dalam kalendar tahunan mulai tahun depan. Selain Pantai Pulau Kekabu, Marang ini kita akan kenal pasti beberapa lokasi lain yang sesuai bagi dianjurkan program tarik pukat.
“Program Tarik Pukat Raya 2023 hari ini dianjurkan untuk memeriahkan sambutan Aidilfitri apatah lagi dengan kehadiran perantau yang pulang ke kampung halaman,” katanya selepas Program Tarik Pukat Raya 2023 di Pantai Pulau Kebabu, di sini hari ini.
Seramai 300 pengunjung memeriahkan acara tersebut.
Sementara itu, seorang penduduk, Hassan Awang, 65, berkata, aktiviti tarik pukat menjadi tradisi komuniti di kawasan pantai berkenaan sejak lebih 30 tahun lalu dan biasanya bermula selepas berakhir musim tengkujuh.
“Rutin tradisi ini rancak bermula April hingga Oktober setiap tahun sewaktu ‘musim teduh’ iaitu selepas tamat musim tengkujuh, ketika ini keadaan ombak tenang dan reda. Tempoh ini juga, ikan gemar berada berhampiran pantai.
“Aktiviti ini jadi medan masyarakat erat silaturahim. Hasil tangkapan pula akan dibahagi terlebih dahulu, selebihnya barulah dijual. Pukat digunakan pula sepanjang kira-kira 500 meter serta memerlukan lebih ramai kru,” jelasnya.
-utusan online.
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| State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew (right) garlanding Raymond Lam upon arrival at KKIA. - NSTP/ courtesy of State’s Tourism Ministry |
KOTA KINABALU: A group of seven celebrities from Zhejiang TV China — including a Malaysian-born singer-actor — have arrived in town for the shooting of a reality show called "Star Chasers".
The celebrities are singer-turned actor Raymond Lam, actors Wu Chi-Lung, Ding Zhou Jie, Chen Li-Nung, Cai Wen Jing, and Zhou Jie Qiong, as well as Ah Niu, who hails from Malaysia.
The group was greeted by a large group of ecstatic fans upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on Sunday at 6pm.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew and the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) staff were also on hand to garland them with native bead necklaces.
The celebrities began location shooting at Masakan Sedap Restaurant in Hilltop, Luyang, on the same evening.
They then had a short stay at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru before departing for Manukan Island for the next shoot.
The tour continued with a visit to Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Tuaran.
During the sojourn, the celebrities explored Mari Mari Cultural Village, Cabana Retreat Resort, and 101 Firefly Eco Park before returning home tomorrow.
Liew said the team's nine-day trip to Malaysia, including Sabah, was coordinated by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
"As (Sabah's) Tourism Minister, I welcome the team of celebrities to Sabah.
"I am happy that they have selected Sabah as one of the three Malaysian states (after Melaka and Pahang) for their show.
"They are aware that Kota Kinabalu is one of the best spots in the world for viewing a beautiful sunset."
Liew said she was optimistic that their upcoming reality show in China would make Sabah known to a wider audience there, and encourage more Chinese nationals to choose the state for their holiday destination.
"While Sabah is better known to the people in first-tier cities in China, there is a need to promote the state to (other) cities."
-nst online.
Accor will debut the Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts brand in Malaysia for the first time come 3Q2028, with the property marked for King’s Park up on Malaysia’s Genting Highlands.
King’s Park, a development by Highlands ParkCity, in partnership with Crowne Estate Malaysia and Yuk Tung Group, will span 60.7 hectares and pack in a wide variety of retail shops, restaurants, convention centres, tourist attractions, entertainment outlets, hotels and amenities.
Swissôtel Genting Highlands will boast elegant rooms, all-day dining options, executive lounges, bars, as well as contemporary conference facilities, and a grand ballroom. The 300-key property will also come complete with a heated swimming pool, sundeck, fitness centre, spa, scenic jogging tracks and a kids’ club.
Guests at the 30-story building can enjoy unblocked views of the stunning mountains and the Genting Highlands summit, located just a 15-minute drive away.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on April 19, Sean Chen, COO, Crowne Estate Malaysia, said: “It is a huge step forward for Highlands ParkCity and Crowne Estate Malaysia in their goal to make King’s Park an eco-friendly tourist and destination hub for people all over the world.”
Garth Simmons, CEO, Accor for South & South-east Asia, Japan, South Korea and India, said: “The signing of Swissôtel Genting Highlands in one of the most popular destinations in the country for locals and tourists alike, further strengthens Accor’s leading position in Malaysia’s hospitality industry.”
-TTG Asia.
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| British travel YouTuber Karl Watson (standing, 6th left) with his followers and STB officers who hosted the dinner. - Pic courtesy of STB. |
KOTA KINABALU: Karl Watson, a British travel YouTuber has embarked on an 11-day tour to explore the nature and wildlife of Sabah.
He was joined by 15 followers, among them from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Czech Republic, Australia and Malta.
Watson has been creating travel documentaries for 10 years with over 227,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel.
He partnered with a travel company to organise comprehensive bespoke group excursions worldwide.
The partnership initiative allows Watson to pick his favourite destination, customise the itinerary to be more sustainable, and sell it on his website and YouTube.
"We organised the first customised group tour to Morocco since it is closer to Europe, less expensive, and exotic.
"When it came to choosing a second destination for a bespoke group tour, I knew I wanted some place very different from the cities, marketplaces, and culture of Morocco.
"I've been considering a trip to Borneo because I like nature.
"So, I did my research, and said to myself and decided to go on a full nature wildlife adventure," he explained.
"I came for the wildlife but was won over by the people.
"This trip is a perfect introduction to Borneo, and I would like to come back to explore Sabah deeper, especially the national parks and the off-the-beaten paths," he said.
He also admired the rich cultural heritage and the friendly multi-ethnic population of Sabah.
During the journey from April 3 to 14, the group scaled Mount Kinabalu, went on a river cruise down the Kinabatangan River, and explored Sandakan to learn about conservation efforts at the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre as well as Selingan Turtle Island, among others.
Captivated by Sabah's beauty and wildlife, Watson expresses his desire to return to explore the national parks and off-the-beaten paths in the future.
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) hosted a Ramadan dinner for the group where they were able to try local delicacies and were delighted by the traditional dance performance.
-nst online.
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| India outbound travel demand for Hong Kong has returned strongly; Hong Kong Observation Wheel pictured |
This summer travel season is heating up for many Indian travel consultants, who have reported robust bookings both for shorthaul and longhaul destinations this year compared to the last year.
For this peak summer season, Rajeev Kale, president & country head, holidays, MICE, Visa-Thomas Cook (India), noted that longhaul travel demand has quadrupled while shorthaul destinations have tripled over 2022.
“Europe continues to top our demand pipeline with a surge of over 300 per cent for the upcoming summer holidays, followed by South-east Asia’s Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Vietnam and Cambodia are also witnessing brisk business. Other destinations like the Maldives, Mauritius, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al-Khaimah are also (in demand),” Kale added.
Meanwhile, Varun Gupta, partner of Travelz Factorry, remarked: “The outbound travel demand this year is surpassing the previous year’s growth. Destinations like Vietnam, Turkey and Azerbaijan are recording strong (interest). On the other hand, the demand for Hong Kong has returned strongly. Popular destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Dubai are already recording demand comparable to the pre-pandemic numbers.”
Agents say demand is fuelled by various traveller segments.
Daniel D’Souza, president & country head – holidays, SOTC Travel, sees demand streaming in from multigenerational families, Gen Zs, millennials, DINKs and solo travellers.
He said: “Despite increased airfares and room rates, and we are witnessing high demand emerging from not only India’s metros, but also mini metros, tier-two and tier-three cities.”
-TTG Asia.
IPOH: The panjut festival program that was organized for the first time at the iconic location of Padang Ipoh will be included in the tourism calendar in conjunction with the Visit Perak 2024.
The mayor of Ipoh, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said, among other things, the program is to promote the tradition of panjut in this city to the public, which was previously more synonymous in Kuala Kangsar.
He said that for the beginning of this year it was only implemented at the Ipoh City Council (MBI) sector level, but he was optimistic that it would be extended to the public for the following year. “Next year we will include it in the tourism calendar in conjunction with the Year of Visiting Perak.
“We chose Padang Ipoh because it is the center of the city. It is also part of the Ipoh tourism triangle. “Indirectly, the program carried out here can attract more people, especially to break fast in the field and then take pictures near the panjut on display,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after officiating the MBI Inter-Sector Panjut Festival at Padang Ipoh, here last night.
Themed ‘Kampungku Halamanku’, he said more than 2,000 panjut were used for the festival, each involving 500 lights per sector.
Among the sectors involved are Services, Administration and Operations, Finance and Technical.
“The panjut here uses diesel oil, it is more easily available than kerosene. We will install this panjut after Maghrib until it goes out by itself. “This program will last until April 24, so people can come in large numbers and see for themselves the uniqueness of the panjut installed in conjunction with the arrival of Syawal,” he added.
Meanwhile, for one of the visitors, Hidayah Ismail, 24, she did not miss the opportunity to see the panjut on display up close. “It happened that I passed here after breaking fast with a friend, suddenly saw an interesting panjut here. “It’s really exciting when you do a program like this in Ipoh because it’s usually synonymous with Kuala Kangsar, so it’s really exciting and I hope it continues for next year,” she said.
Adha Hakim Osman, 27, hopes that more parties will participate in the party next year. “I found out about this program on social media, so I decided to come with my family and friends to break the fast here. “It’s interesting and beautiful, the mood is lively with the presence of people who want to take memorable photos, there’s not always a party,” he said.
-ipoh echo.
KUALA TERENGGANU: Lebih 5,000 pelita raya tradisional akan menerangi pekarangan Kampung Budaya Terengganu dekat Muzium Negeri, Losong, di sini sempena program Pelita Raya Terengganu 2023 di perkampungan tersebut bermula malam ini hingga 18 April depan.
Pengarah Pelancongan Terengganu, Fadli Yusof Zakaria berkata, pelita-pelita sumbu tersebut akan dipasang oleh lapan daerah di negeri ini yang menyertai program tersebut bertemakan ‘Comeynya Peliter’.
Menurutnya, sebahagian pelita berkenaan dipasang dengan rekaan replika dan dekorasi mengikut identiti setiap daerah terlibat bagi menceria serta memeriahkan program tersebut.
“Pelita-pelita tradisi yang menghiasi suasana malam di Kampung Budaya Terengganu itu menggunakan barangan terpakai.
“Antara jenis pelita yang akan dipasang adalah pelita buluh, pelita buah kepala dan pelita buah kekabu,” katanya ketika ditemui selepas meninjau persiapan tapak program Pelita Raya Terengganu 2023 di sini, malam tadi.
Fadli Yusof memberitahu, lebih 30,000 pengunjung dijangka hadir memeriahkan program yang berlangsung selama lima hari itu.
Selain itu, katanya, penganjuran kali ketiga program tersebut pada tahun ini membawa sedikit kelainan apabila pengunjung juga berpeluang menikmati pelbagai jenis juadah tradisional yang dijual di tapak program tersebut.
“Sebahagian kuih-kuih tradisional itu hanya terdapat di daerah-daerah berkenaan yang sukar semakin ditemui pada masa ini,” ujarnya.
Tambahnya, pengunjung yang hadir menyaksikan cahaya pelita-pelita tersebut juga akan dihiburkan dengan persembahan kebudayaan seperti pencak silat, dikir barat dan wayang kulit.
-utusan online.
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 April 2023 – This year’s Ramadan brings forth an Iftar Evening for foreign diplomats in Malaysia, hosted by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and organised by Tourism Malaysia. Held at Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur today, the gathering was attended by High Commissioners and Ambassadors representing 63 countries. Also present were Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Datuk Hajah Saraya Arbi and local media representatives.
In addition to showcasing Malaysia's cuisine, the event also highlights elements of Malaysia’s arts and culture such as performances of Malaysia’s traditional musical instruments gambus and sape, as well as a handicraft exhibition of the local songket, batik and wood-carving by Kraftangan Malaysia.
“In this celebrated month of blessings, I am very grateful to be able to host this get-together with all the officials and media that have been working tirelessly. Through this evening, I hope that we can work together in further strengthening our collaborations in marketing and promoting our country’s tourism offerings to the world, especially in gearing up for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) in 2025,” said YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
In 2022, Malaysia successfully recorded 10.07 million international tourist arrivals with RM28.2 billion in tourism receipts. This year, Malaysia targets to receive 16.1 million tourist arrivals and generate RM49.2 billion in tourism receipts. Moving forward, in anticipation of VMY 2025, Malaysia forecasts a total of 23.5 million tourist arrivals with RM76.8 billion in tourism receipts.
-Tourism Malaysia.
PUTRAJAYA, 14 April – Lembaga Penggalakan
Pelancongan Malaysia (Tourism Malaysia) mengumumkan pelantikan YBhg. Dato’ Dr.
Ammar Abd. Ghapar sebagai Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia yang baharu berkuat
kuasa 12 April 2023.
Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, YB Dato Sri Tiong King
Sing telah bersetuju melantik Dato’ Dr. Ammar secara rasmi bagi menggantikan
Dato’ Hj. Zainuddin Abdul Wahab yang bersara wajib pada 10 April 2023.
Berkelulusan Ijazah Doktor Falsafah (PhD) dalam pengajian Hotel
dan Pengurusan Pelancongan serta Sarjana Pentadbiran Perniagaan (MBA) daripada
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Dato’ Dr. Ammar sebelum ini merupakan
Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Promosi Antarabangsa (Amerika, Eropah dan Oceania).
Beliau yang telah berkhidmat selama 35 tahun dalam perkhidmatan
awam, pernah diberikan kepercayaan untuk menggalas tugas sebagai Pengarah Kanan
Pengurusan selain menerajui Bahagian Perancangan Strategik serta Bahagian
Domestik & Acara Tourism Malaysia.
Selain pernah dilantik sebagai Pengarah Bahagian Kewangan,
beliau turut menjawat jawatan Pengarah Luar Negeri di Osaka dan Moscow,
masing-masing pada tahun 1999 dan 2008 serta Pengarah Negeri Tourism Malaysia
Kedah/Perlis pada tahun 2005.
Pada tahun 2021, Dato’ Dr. Ammar mengetuai Sekretariat Pasukan
Petugas Gelembung Perjalanan bagi memacu usaha pemulihan industri pelancongan
yang terkesan akibat pandemik COVID-19. Beliau juga merupakan Profesor Adjung
di Fakulti Hotel dan Pengurusan Pelancongan, UiTM sehingga kini.
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| ABDUL RAZAK Abdul Rahman (dua dari kanan) bergambar bersama pelancong kapal persiaran Ms. Amadea di ICQS, Kota Laksamana, Melaka. – UTUSAN/MUHAMMAD SHAHIZAM TAZALI |
MELAKA: Kerajaan negeri menyasarkan sebanyak 50 buah kapal persiaran mewah akan singgah berlabuh di perairan Melaka sempena Tahun Melawat Melaka (TMM) 2024.
Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Warisan, Seni dan Budaya negeri, Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman berkata, ketibaan kapal-kapal tersebut dijangka membawa masuk kira-kira 25,000 pelancong.
Menurut beliau, ejen-ejen kapal persiaran diminta menghebahkan mengenai TMM kerana terdapat pelbagai program dan pakej percutian istimewa yang telah direncanakan.
“Walaupun Melaka tidak mempunyai jeti khusus untuk kapal persiaran berlabuh, tetapi kemudahan yang terdapat di Kompleks Imigresen, Kastam, Kuarantin dan Keselamatan (ICQS) sangat lengkap. Jadi tidak timbul masalah untuk kita menerima kehadiran pelancong.
“Kita menjangkakan sebanyak 40 kapal persiaran mewah akan berlabuh pada tahun ini dan 50 buah lagi pada tahun depan. Kapasiti setiap kapal biasanya membawa tidak kurang daripada 500 orang.
Ejen-ejen diharapkan mengambil kesempatan dan peluang ini untuk membawa lebih ramai pelancong daripada kapal persiaran bagi menikmati keindahan Melaka,” katanya dalam sidang akhbar selepas Majlis Sambutan Meraikan Pelancong Kapal Persiaran di ICQS di sini, hari ini.
Abdul Razak menyambut ketibaan 390 penumpang kapal persiaran Ms. Amadea dari Bahamas yang dalam perjalanan ke Singapura, Melaka dan Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor.
Tambah Abdul Razak, beliau berharap para pelancong yang turun daripada kapal persiaran dapat bermalam di Melaka.
Katanya, jika tidak bermalam sekalipun, persinggahan selama 12 jam amat bermakna kepada sektor pelancongan negeri kerana mereka boleh menerokai pelbagai produk pelancongan.
“Kita mengharapkan mereka dapat bermalam di sini. Kita sedang berunding dengan pengusaha atau ejen kapal persiaran untuk memberi pakej-pakej istimewa sempena TMM kepada para pelancong,” ujarnya.
-utusan online.
BEIJING, 12
April 2023 – The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) through
its agency, Tourism Malaysia have embarked their first sales mission and
roadshow to major cities in China from 29 March to 15 April 2023. The sales
mission takes place in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangxi while the roadshow begins in
Guangzhou, followed by Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen.
The mission
is headed by Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and
Culture together with 68 organisations comprising state governments namely
Tourism Terengganu, Tourism Selangor, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism
Board, and participating agencies such as Malaysia Health Tourism Council
(MHTC), Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) as well as other industry players from
Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA), Malaysian Association of Tour and
Travel Agents (MATTA) and product owners.
The main
objective of this mission is to strengthen marketing efforts and raise Malaysia’s
profile for China Market after the reopening of China market beginning 6
February 2023 and also to highlight Malaysia’s projection in organising Visit
Malaysia 2025. For the year 2023, Malaysia is targeting 16.1 million
international tourist arrivals with RM49.2 billion in tourism receipts.
Alongside
the mission, seminars are held by Tourism Malaysia, focusing on leisure market,
niche market namely Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) and medical tourism.
Business matching sessions are also organised throughout the cities to give the
platform for Malaysian industry players to reconnect with China given the long
hiatus since the Covid-19 outbreak.
“China is a
vital market for Malaysia and we are grateful to be included in their list of
20 countries to visit. Our presence here today is a testament to our commitment
to strengthening our relationship with China. Our focus on the Malaysia My
Second Home program, medical tourism and education tourism will help us achieve
our target of 23.5 million international tourist arrivals and RM76.8 billion in
tourism receipts by 2025,” said YB Dato Sri Tiong.
This year,
Tourism Malaysia through its Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou offices will
intensify promotions alongside with the travel agents and airlines. Malaysia is
optimistic that there will be more flight frequency to boost connectivity
between China and Malaysia. At present, there are 81 flights per week from
China to Malaysia via Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, China
Southern Airlines, Shenzen Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Malindo Air.
AirAsia's
latest promotion offers discounted fares on flights from Beijing, Shanghai and
Hangzhou to Kuala Lumpur for ¥288 (CNY) and from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Kunming,
Nanning and Wuhan to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu for ¥188
(CNY). Bookings for this promotion starts from 11 April to 16 April, 2023, with
travel dates between 17 April to 28 October, 2023.
Finally,
MOTAC through Tourism Malaysia will continue their efforts to work alongside
the travel industry, including airlines, travel agents, product owners and
hoteliers to promote Malaysia in China market.
KOTA BHARU: Beca hibrid atau Tek-C yang menggunakan tenaga solar menjadi tarikan baharu produk pelancongan di negeri ini pada tahun hadapan.
Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Perpaduan Masyarakat, Kebudayaan, Warisan dan Pelancongan negeri, Datuk Md. Anizam Abdul Rahman berkata, setakat ini prototaip tersebut telah siap dan pihaknya berharap sebanyak 10 buah Tek-C dapat digunakan pada tahun hadapan.
“Kerajaan yakin, Tek-C ini meningkatkan potensi pelancongan apabila ia akan digunakan oleh penarik beca sedia ada (tradisional) termasuklah generasi berumur antara 30 hingga 40 tahun dengan rekaan lebih moden.
“Pembaharuan ini mampu merancakan lagi pelancong domestik dan antarabangsa terutama di Laman Warisan Kampung Laut, Tumpat dan di kawasan bebas cukai Rantau Panjang”, katanya kepada pemberita selepas menyampaikan Bantuan Sara Hidup kepada penarik beca di Pusat Penerangan Pelancongan (TIC) Kelantan hari ini.
Md. Anizam berkata, pengenalan beca jenis baharu ini juga diharap dapat menarik minat golongan muda untuk menjadi pelapis penarik beca pada masa akan datang.
“Kita turut mengalu-alukan pelapis-pelapis baharu yang merupakan keluarga penarik beca dan mereka yang tiada pekerjaan dan menganggur untuk tampil bertemu pihak kami atau TIC bagi menyertai kami sebagai penarik beca era baharu.
“Apabila ada pelapis baharu bagi penarik beca, maka pengangkutan ini dapat dikekalkan dan kita akan beri sokongan penuh kepada pihak terbabit dalam usaha mengekalkan pengangkutan tradisional ini sebagai antara produk pelancongan yang masih mendapat sambutan sejak dahulu sehingga kini,” ujarnya.
Sementara itu, seorang penarik beca Che Uda Che Pa, 72, berkata, usaha kerajaan negeri dalam mengekalkan pengangkutan beca tradiosinal yang ditambah baik dengan beca solar hibrid disambut baik.
Katanya, pengenalan Tek-C itu meningkatkan potensi pelancongan sekali gus memberi sinar baharu kepada nasib penarik beca yang sudah 30 tahun mencari rezeki dalam bidang ini.
-utusan online.
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| AMINUDDIN Harun (dua dari kiri) menyampaikan sumbangan kepada anak yatim pada program Street Iftar-Under The Stars Bersama Rakan Strategik MPPD di Laluan Jalan Pasar dan Jalan Baharu, Bandar Port Dickson, semalam.-UTUSAN/MOHD. SHAHJEHAN MAAMIN. |
PORT DICKSON: Kerajaan Negeri Sembilan akan menyelaraskan program Tahun Melawat Negeri Sembilan bersama dengan Tahun Melawat Malaysia sekali gus dilihat mampu memberikan impak lebih besar kepada industri pelancongan dalam negara.
Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun berkata, keputusan itu diambil selepas mengambil beberapa perkara kemudahan dan infrastruktur sedia ada serta projek-projek menaik taraf sebelum menerima kedatangan pelancong.
“Setakat ini, kami belum mengadakan sebarang perbincangan, kami melihat kemudahan infrastruktur yang ada selepas Covid-19, banjir itu harus diberikan tumpuan.
“Sekiranya dilaksanakan secara bersama, tentu dapat buat promosi yang lebih besar dan lebih meriah. Kami serah kepada pihak Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya untuk buat sebarang perbincangan. Kami serah kepada pihak kementerian dan akan sambut baik apa sahaja keputusan ,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas hadir ke program Street Iftar-Under The Stars Bersama Rakan Strategik Majlis Perbandaran Port Dickson (MPPD) di Laluan Jalan Pasar dan Jalan Baharu, Bandar Port Dickson di sini semalam.
Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yang juga Menteri Kewangan semasa membentangkan Belanjawan 2023 berkata, tahun 2025 telah ditetapkan sebagai Tahun Melawat Malaysia dengan sasaran ketibaan 23.5 juta pelancong antarabangsa dan unjuran pendapatan sehingga RM76.8 bilion.
Katanya, kerajaan memperuntukkan RM250 juta untuk mempromosi dan melonjakkan pelancongan negara mulai tahun ini dan menjelang Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2025.
-utusan online.
The 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM)
will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from May 1 to 4 with travel
professionals and policymakers from across the globe coming together to explore
how the tourism sector is working to drive decarbonisation.
The four-day event will feature over 150 speakers
across 63 sessions, with ministers from the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Jamaica
and Spain to join a host of senior figures from the private sector to showcase
sustainable innovations, share knowledge and best practice, and explore
opportunities and challenges along the road to net zero.
The 30th edition will “address one of the most
significant challenges facing the sector, in line with our theme of Working
Towards Net Zero”, commented Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME, ATM.
“Increased participation in this year’s show not
only reflects the seriousness with which global tourism professionals and
policymakers are taking sustainability, but also rising demand for leisure and
business travel across the Middle East and beyond.”
Exhibitor participation will be 27 per cent higher
than last year, with more than 2,000 exhibitors and beyond 34,000 attendees
from over 150 countries.
The event will also host an array of regional
policymakers, private-sector leaders, and speakers addressing sector-critical
issues throughout the four days of the event.
Curtis added: “We look forward to learning how they
are working to achieve net zero within their respective tourism markets, as our
industry comes together to showcase the cutting-edge innovations and solutions
that are driving the next generation of sustainable travel in the Middle East
and beyond.”
To mark the 30th edition, Curtis and her team will
unveil a dedicated sustainability pledge designed to reinforce commitment to
the delivery of sustainable events and supplemented by a new playbook offering
participants a framework within which to mitigate their environmental impact
before, during and after the show – it also offers an operational guide for ATM
as it works towards net zero by 2030.
In addition, this year’s show will also see the
return of the ATM Travel Tech Stage, which will showcase how cutting-edge
innovations – artificial intelligence, metaverse, cryptocurrency and big data –
are driving environmentally responsible tourism.
Highlights of ATM 2023 include the brand-new Sustainability Hub, which will feature sessions dedicated to the latest sustainable travel trends and innovations; the ATM 2023 Start-up Competition, an event that will see entrepreneurs go head-to-head in a ‘Sustainable Tech Pitch Battle’; the International Luxury Travel Market Arabia; and sessions from the International Tourism & Investment Conference, the International Congress and Convention Association, and the Global Business Travel Association.
Other highlights include sessions focused on the key markets of India, China
and the GCC, as well as informal speed networking.
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| Yong Tai Bhd (YTB) is expected to benefit from the strengthening relationship between Malaysia and China, as the influx of business tourists will contribute to the rising demand for hotel accommodations. |
KUALA LUMPUR: Yong Tai Bhd (YTB) is expected to benefit from the strengthening relationship between Malaysia and China, as the influx of business tourists will contribute to the rising demand for hotel accommodations.
Chinese companies increasingly invest in Malaysian infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology sectors, there is also an increasing number of business travellers visiting Malaysia.
And companies, particularly those offering amenities and services tailored to the needs of corporate travellers, will likely benefit from the growing trend.
"Ultimately, the Courtyard by Marriott Melaka will play an instrumental role in tapping into the pent-up demand for travel, benefiting both YTB and Malaysia's tourism sector," YTB said in a statement.
Moreover, the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott Melaka, owned by YTB, marks a significant milestone for the company, as it is positioned to accommodate the predicted surge in demand for accommodation and hospitality services due to the pent-up demand for travel following months of travel restrictions.
The hotel is expected to generate a consistent recurring revenue stream for the company as travellers return to Melaka.
On earnings, YTB returned to profitability in the first quarter (Q1) of its financial year ending on June 30, 2023 (FY23), demonstrating the company's resilience and ability to navigate the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Through various initiatives in revitalising its business, YTB reported a net profit of RM3.4 million in the first half (1H) of FY23, compared to RM22.0 million in the same period the previous year.
The company's recovery highlights its commitment to progressively delivering its projects and has established a foundation for long-term success and stability.
Chief executive officer and executive director Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon previously said that the company would continue to work with various local and international show producers on events or shows at Encore Melaka, which could boost earnings through rental income and potential ancillary income from merchandise sales, accommodation and broadcasting revenue.
He added that the company would collaborate with other parties in delivering art and technology exhibitions at Encore Melaka to maximise the utilisation of its theatre.
-nst online.
PUTRAJAYA, 5 April 2023 – Tourism Malaysia has taken travel agents from Vientiane, Laos, on a 7D 6N familiarisation trip (FAM Trip) from 19 to 25 March 2023 to tap into their interests in generating sales lead to Malaysia in highlighting Sabah as a new destination for the Lao market, including its floating resorts.
A total of 10 participants, comprising nine travel agents and a marketing representative from Tourism Malaysia Laos, joined this very first official FAM Trip to Malaysia since the Laos border reopening, co-hosted by Sabah Tourism Board, Columbia Leisure, Sky Mirror Kuala Selangor and Vivatel Kuala Lumpur.
Dato’ Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, said: “The enchanting floating resorts in Malaysia offer unique travel experiences and value-for-money destinations which we believe will appeal to the Lao people, especially for the beach and island lovers.”
“In Sabah, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, Gayana Marine Resort and Mataking Resort are some of the sought-after floating resorts for a perfect vacation, not to mention Lexis Hibiscus in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan - a luxury beach resort offering idyllic view and world-class amenities.”
Other highlights of the new tourism products included the hidden gem of the beautiful Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor and the Instagrammable spot of Saloma Link Bridge, apart from modern shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia welcomed 26,995 tourist arrivals from Laos in 2019. Currently, even though there is no direct flight from Laos to Malaysia, travellers can transit through Bangkok and fly to Kuala Lumpur or Sabah via Thai AirAsia or Thai Airways. Alternatively, they can enter Malaysia via the land route to Johor Bahru after boarding Scoot from Vientiane to Singapore.
-Tourism Malaysia.
Iftar@KL bakal menemui anda pada 8,9, 15 dan 16
April 2023 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:-
> Penyediaan Bubur Lambuk
> Tadarus Al Quran
> Solat Berjemaah dan Tarawih
> Aktiviti Kerohanian – Tazkirah
> Ramadan dan Ceramah Perdana
> Persembahan Nasyid
> Kaunter Bayaran Zakat
> Jualan Food Truck
Orang awam dijemput hadir bagi memeriahkan Iftar@KL
2023
Jumpa anda disana......
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| TUANKU Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail (tiga dari kiri) berkenan bagi melancarkan kempen Promosi Masakan Perlis@Sandakan di Hotel Elopura, Sabah, baru-baru ini. -UTUSAN |
KANGAR: Raja Muda Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail berkenan bagi melancarkan kempen Promosi Masakan Perlis@Sandakan di Hotel Elopura baru-baru ini.
Keberangkatan tiba baginda ke program anjuran Yayasan Tuanku Syed Putra (YTSP) Perlis bersama Hotel Elopura itu disambut oleh pemiliknya, Datuk Mohd Affendi Datuk Hamdan.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin bertitah, hidangan-hidangan yang disediakan di hotel itu pastinya akan dapat menambat selera pengunjung yang ingin mencuba juadah disediakan di sana.
“Selain daripada menu-menu enak disediakan, terdapat banyak lagi hidangan menarik di Perlis antaranya seperti Laksa Kuala Perlis, Pulut Mangga Harumanis dan Pekasam Ikan Puyu,” titah baginda.
Antara juadah popular negeri Perlis yang disediakan khas bersempena majlis berbuka puasa di hotel itu adalah seperti Kurma Daging Perlis, Gulai Tulang dengan Rebung, dan Pekasam Ikan Timah Tasoh.
Semua juadah berkenaan disediakan oleh Datuk Zull Aznam Haron dan dibantu pasukan chef daripada Hotel Elopura yang beroperasi di Sandakan Harbour Square, Sabah.
Dalam pada itu, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin turut mengalu-alukan kedatangan semua pelancong untuk berkunjung ke Perlis yang mempunyai pelbagai tarikan menarik.
“Perlis mempunyai banyak lokasi-lokasi menarik untuk dilawati antaranya keindahan Gua Kelam, Taman Negeri, Wang Kelian View Point, Projek Transformasi Diraja Kampung Nelayan Warna Warni Seberang Ramai Kuala Perlis, Empangan Timah Tasoh, Kangar Street Art, Superfruits Valley, Ladang Kenaf dan banyak lagi.
“Lokasi-lokasi pelancongan ini mempunyai daya tarikan tersendiri yang pastinya memberikan pengalaman dan memori tidak ternilai kepada setiap para pengunjung ke negeri ini,” titah baginda.
-utusan online.
GOLD COAST, Australia: AirAsia X Bhd is set to strengthen its position as the leading low-cost airline connecting Australia to Asia's key destinations.
Chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said AirAsia X would be the only carrier flying direct between Malaysia and the state of Queensland.
Benyamin said this marked an important milestone for AirAsia X as it returned to the Gold Coast - its first ever route which was launched in November 2007.
"What makes this announcement a major milestone is that we are now the only airline connecting Kuala Lumpur directly to the Gold Coast and to Queensland on the whole.
"We will be a beneficiary for bringing not just Malaysians but the region like Asean. I hope that we can benefit from that and then we can put in more flights and increase frequency," he said at a media press conference of AirAsia X celebrating its return to the Gold Coast.
AirAsia X today launched the long-awaited resumption of services to its first-ever route to Gold Coast, Australia, after a hiatus of more than two years due to the pandemic.
The inaugural flight departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) at 11.25pm on Friday and landed at Gold Coast International Airport at 9.25am local time.
In celebration of the newly-resumed services to the coastal city, all guests on the inaugural flight were treated to a special send off ceremony before boarding and a welcoming event on arrival.
The Gold Coast is the airline's fourth destination in Australia.
According to Benjamin, the newest route provided the most affordable and convenient air travel option for guests who want to explore Australia.
He said the resumption would not only attract a significant number of visitors from Malaysia and other Asian countries but also strengthen the ties between Malaysia and Australia.
"We look forward to working closely with all of our key airport and tourism stakeholders, especially Queensland Airports and Destination Gold Coast to make the Gold Coast a preferred tourism destination of choice for the many millions of leisure seekers across Asia," he said.
Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport Stirling Hinchliffe said AirAsia X was predicted to generate A$45.6 million for the Gold Coast's visitor economy.
Hinchliffe said these direct services from Kuala Lumpur had been secured by the Palaszczuk government's A$200 million aviation war chest in partnership with Gold Coast Airport.
"We're backing AirAsia X because of the airline's commitment to increasing its Gold Coast flight schedule to five days a week by the end of the year.
"AirAsia X is a terrific investment in the Gold Coast's visitor economy and the 450 good Queensland jobs these services will support," he said.
Meanwhile, Queensland Airports Ltd chief executive officer Amelia Evans said the return of AirAsia X to the Gold Coast would provide three return flights between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast each week.
Evans said this would bring 58,000 additional seats into the region each year.
"Since the first AirAsia X flight took off from Kuala Lumpur to the Gold Coast in 2007 more than two million travellers have flown between the two cities.
"The return of this service re-establishes an important connection between two major tourism and economic hubs at a competitive price for international travel, and an important partnership with AirAsia X for the future.
"We are also excited to have been able to welcome AirAsia X back to our new International Terminal, providing visitors with an elevated experience from the moment they touch down into the Gold Coast and the region," she added.
To celebrate the return to one of its most popular destinations, AirAsia X offers great value all-in fares between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast from RM699 all-in one-way for economy or RM2,999 one-way for a premium flatbed.
AirAsia X will be painting Gold Coast red with exciting consumer activation at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on April 2, 2023 from 11am to 3pm.
-nst online.
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| Bangkuai (third left) launching the Sabah Adex Ocean Partnership Summit 2023. |
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will further reinforce its reputation as a preferred meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition (MICE) destination when the state plays host to the Asia Dive Expo (Adex) Ocean Partnership Summit later this year.
This will also enable the state to solidify its position as a destination promoting marine conservation initiatives and sustainable diving tourism.
The summit, which is scheduled here from Aug 18 to 20, follows the Asian Dive Expo that is taking place at Singapore’s Sands Expo and Convention Centre from March 31 to April 2.
Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, attended the opening of Singapore Adex and also launched Sabah Adex Ocean Partnership Summit 2023.
Present were Adex chief executive officer John Thet, Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman, Malaysia dive icon and Adex diving ambassador Clement Lee and Sabah Adex team head Theresa Tham.
Organised in partnership with the Sabah Tourism Board, the summit will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre here from Aug 18 to 20.
“Sabah is already a popular diving destination and we are committed to the conservation and preservation of our marine ecosystem,” said Bangkuai in a statement on Friday (March 31).
“This exciting event will support the Sabah government's ongoing initiatives in ocean conservation and sustainable development.
“The state government has put in place a range of initiatives to protect the marine environment, including marine parks and sanctuaries, strict regulations on fishing and diving, and education programmes to raise awareness about marine conservation.
“We look forward to welcoming the global ocean community, renowned speakers, professional diving fraternity and attendees, in general, to build a network while sharing ideas and knowledge on the best practice adaptation for the ocean,” he said, adding the event will also bolster the state’s diving industry.
While actively pushing Sabah as a preferred travel destination, Bangkuai said that the Sabah Tourism Board was also shifting its focus to promoting specialised and high-end tourism activities.
This included scuba diving given that the state has a strong network of professional dive operators offering world-class diving services.
He also highlighted Sabah’s capacity for hosting significant events and expressed hope to see Sabah host its very own dive expo in light of the fact that many divers consider the state to be a must-dive spot.
Additionally, he said the Sabah Adex Ocean Partnership Summit provides an excellent platform to showcase not only Sabah’s rich marine biodiversity, but also its cultural diversity, giving visitors a chance to experience local culture and cuisine while also taking advantage of diving opportunities.
Based on statistics, Sabah recorded 61,796 divers in 2022, bringing in an estimated RM222.8mil in revenue.
The figure comprises 6,411 international divers and 55,384 domestic divers.
In 2019, Sabah registered 130,604 international divers and 7,145 domestic divers, with a total revenue of RM821mil.
-thestar online.
