Convention bureau establishment will position Sabah as premier business event destination

 

KOTA KINABALU: The establishment of the convention bureau is a game-changer, said Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Christina Liew.

She said that the bureau signifies a strategic approach to position Sabah as a premier business events destination in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region.

"Business events are more than just dates on a calendar. They are catalysts for socio-economic growth. When we host a conference, we create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and foster knowledge exchange.

"With meticulous planning, innovative ideas, and a commitment to excellence, we can attract conferences, trade shows, and corporate gatherings that will not only boost our economy, but also enrich our cultural fabric.

"Our impact extends beyond tourism, it influences education, technology, and even policymaking. Let us embrace this holistic view and recognise that every delegate who walks through our doors contributes to the larger tapestry of progress," she said during the launching of the two-day Business Events Forum at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here.

Liew's speech was read by her deputy permanent secretary II, Alesia Sion. Also present was SICC chief executive officer, Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki.

Meanwhile, in a separate event at SICC, Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, emphasised the state's commitment to further strengthen its foothold in the vibrant Singaporean tourism market.

"Sabah needs to capitalise on Singapore's status as a crucial aviation hub that caters to many international flights and travellers.

"This convenient and efficient connection has greatly enhanced accessibility, making Sabah more accessible to travelers from Singapore and beyond," he said when addressing Singaporean travel agents during the Meet-The-Experts programme here.

Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism chairman, highlighted Sabah's distinctive offerings and the mutual opportunities for growth and prosperity through collaboration between Singaporean travel agents and Sabah's tourism industry.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia Aims To Expand Air Connectivity To Malaysia Through ROUTES ASIA 2024

 

LANGKAWI, 28^th February 2024 – Tourism Malaysia plays host to Routes Asia 2024’s Networking Evening held today at Resorts World Langkawi, unveiling the best of Malaysian gastronomy and culture to international delegates from over 60 countries.

As the host country for the 20^th edition of Routes Asia, the mythical paradise of Langkawi becomes the home of over 800 delegates for three days, from 27^th to 29^th February 2024. In collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Tourism Malaysia is the co-host of the three-day event, bringing together Asia Pacific’s leading airlines, airports, and industry players.

Serving as another milestone for the MICE segment, Routes Asia 2024 also sets a precedent as Malaysia prepares to host next year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025, followed by Visit Malaysia Year in 2026 – ultimately anticipating a surge in tourist arrivals for the coming years. To reach this goal, Tourism Malaysia has introduced a matching grant initiative aimed to stimulate the expansion of new direct and charter routes to Malaysia.

“Tourism Malaysia is eager to collaborate with international airlines and tourism agencies to enhance air accessibility, frequency, and seat capacity to Malaysia via the International and Charter Flight Matching Grant (GSPC). We truly look forward to having more carriers designate Malaysia as their preferred destination,” said the Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia recorded a total of 20.1 million international tourist arrivals and RM71.3 billion in tourist receipts in 2023. This year, Malaysia aims to woo 27.3 million arrivals with RM102.7 billion in tourism revenue.

-Tourism Malaysia.

MAHB targets 80 airlines to fly to Malaysia by end-2024

 

LANGKAWI: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is targeting close to 80 airlines to fly to the country by end-2024 as the country gears up towards Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

MAHB senior general manager for strategy Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin said these carriers include new airlines and airlines that will reinstate Malaysia into their network by fourth quarter of this year or first quarter of 2025.

"These airlines are primarily from North Asia, Mainland China, South Korea, Asia Pacific and India. (There are) new routes coming in from various points of India (to Malaysia)," he told reporters at the Routes Asia hosted by MAHB and Tourism Malaysia. 

Megat Ardian said MAHB offers airlines with some incentives for their expenses including operational and marketing in order to welcome them to fly to Malaysia. 

"Normally on the airport side, we help them with their operational costs, (which are) landing waiver, parking fee waiver and we also help them with their marketing expenditures," he said, adding that MAHB also works closely with its internal and external stakeholders, including Tourism Malaysia to make the country as an attractive destination to foreign carriers. 

At the Routes Asia 2024, Megat Ardian said MAHB has held discussions with various international airlines to operate into Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi.

There was also high interest between the airlines to either start flying to Malaysia or re-starting their operations in Malaysia.

There are some 110 airlines represented at the event including 10 largest Chinese carriers including China Eastern Airlines, Air China and China Southern Airlines. 

From January to February this year, MAHB welcomed five airlines to Malaysia including Air Macau, Loong Air, flydubai, AirAsia Indonesia and Turkmenistan Airlines.

MAHB is keen to host the Routes World again in the next two to three years 

"With Routes World, there are a lot more airlines coming in; a lot more airports coming in; a lot more ground handlers are also coming in, so it will be almost double or triple the participation that we see here," Megat Ardian said. 

Malaysia hosted its first Routes World in 2008. 

The country has also hosted Routes Asia in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2014.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia Host Top Indonesian MICE Travel Agent And Media To Kuala Lumpur And Putrajaya

 

PUTRAJAYA, 26 February 2024 – Tourism Malaysia hosted travel trade partners and media from the Indonesian market on its familiarisation trip to promote Malaysia as the preferred tourist destination in the region in collaboration with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and Garuda Indonesia.

A group of seven travel agents and one media representative from Jakarta embarked on a four-day, three-night (4D3N) journey to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya from 4 to 7 February 2024. The itinerary includes immersive experiences in Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition (MICE) venue inspections at renowned locations such as the World Trade Centre, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Le Meridien Hotel Putrajaya, InterContinental Hotel, Four Points Hotel, Renaissance Hotel, and a city tour.

In Putrajaya, the participants experienced the Souq Putrajaya (3D Museum & Largest Chocolate Shop in Putrajaya) and enjoyed a sunset cruise along with other engaging activities. Additionally, the itinerary features a shopping spree at Exchange 106 @ TRX and Mitsui Sepang KLIA, along with a half-day inspection tour to Splashmania and Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to experience the latest attractions.

The FAM Trip aims to motivate Indonesian travel agents, particularly those focusing on the MICE segment, to actively promote tour packages to Malaysia. It underscores the significance of the Indonesian market for Malaysia's tourism industry, emphasising the substantial growth in arrivals observed in 2023 and the strong connectivity with 628 direct flights per week from Indonesia to Malaysia. Indonesia remains a crucial market for Malaysia, and with Garuda Indonesia providing daily flights from Jakarta, there is optimism for restoring pre-pandemic performance and enhancing the bilateral relationship.

Last year, Malaysia has warmly welcomed over 3.1 million Indonesian tourists, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and friendship between both nations. Tourism Malaysia anticipates more arrivals from Indonesia in conjunction with the state visit year 2024 campaign in Melaka, Kelantan, Perak, and Perlis.

This campaign sets the stage for the forthcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which aims to attract 35.6 million foreign tourists, targeting a revenue of RM147.1 billion. To uncover more about remarkable Malaysian experiences, visit Malaysia.travel.

-Tourism Malaysia.

 

State Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man said the state’s tourism strategy included holding familiarisation trips for international and domestic travel agents to popular attractions in all 11 districts in Pahang. STR/LUQMAN HAKIM ZUBIR

KUANTAN: The Pahang government is strategising initiatives to attract domestic and international tourists, eyeing 13.5 million arrivals this year.

Pahang's tourist arrivals totalled 13.2 million up to Dec 31 last year, up from 10.18 million in 2022 and two million in 2021, when the country's borders were closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

State Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man said the state's tourism strategy included holding familiarisation trips for international and domestic travel agents to popular attractions in all 11 districts in Pahang.

She said Tourism Pahang would participate in roadshows around the country and hold the inaugural Malaysia International Tourism (MIT) Expo Pahang this year.

"The MIT will be held in Kuantan between Oct 8 and 10. The tourism fair will feature booths that allow people to obtain firsthand information on unique destinations and products in Pahang.

"Tourism Pahang has listed 41 events on the Pahang tourism calendar this year, including Southeast Asia's longest-running international bird race event, the Fraser's Hill International Bird Race, as well as the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge.

“Plans are underway to introduce several international tourism events this year," she said at a press conference here today.

Leong said besides focusing on tourist arrivals and promotion campaigns, the state government would also hold specially tailored programmes for stakeholders.

"Tour guides will be given the opportunity to join training and refresher courses to update their knowledge and skills.

"Short courses on digital marketing and customer service will be provided to tourism industry players.

"Besides promoting Pahang as a favourite holiday destination, we want to ensure all stakeholders are equipped with skills, competencies and digital knowledge to offer top-class services."

Leong said last year, tourists spent about RM11.89 billion in Pahang, up from RM9.1 billion in 2022 and RM1.9 billion in 2021.

She said Genting Highlands remained the most visited destination in Pahang, recording 8.1 million visitors last year, with state capital Kuantan in second place at 2.18 million visitors and Cameron Highlands in the third spot at 1.36 million visitors.

-nst online.

Malaysia Festival @ Tumbalong Park, Sydney ( 2 March 2024 )

 

Malaysia Festival is back in Sydney this year grandeur than ever. Aiming to celebrate the diversity of community among the Sydneysiders.

Immerse yourself in the best of Malaysian culture, as we have a plethora of ethnic performances, traditional games and many others planned just for you!

And fret not, we'll have vendors for you to quench your thirst and feed your tummy throughout the day!

But the most amazing part is... it is FREE ENTRY for everyone, so bring your friends and family!

Aren't you excited? because we are!! So, come and join us this 2 March 2024 at Tumbalong Park!

Register to get your tickets! Win a chance to win a return trip to Malaysia and hotel vouchers when you register! (details will be announced in the future)

Don't forget to follow us and turn on the notifications so you don’t miss out on any information!

-Malaysia Festival.

https://www.malaysiafest.com.au/

ESCAPE Ipoh set to attract 200,000 visitors in its first year

 

File pic credit (Peraktastic Facebook)

BATU GAJAH: Perak is on track to unveil its latest tourism icon, ESCAPE Ipoh, with the state government targeting an influx of 200,000 visitors within the first year of its opening.

Situated next to the historic TT5 Dredge, ESCAPE Ipoh is poised to become a landmark in Batu Gajah and a key player in Perak's tourism sector.

Perak Chief Minister Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad announced that the natural inspiration park, sprawling over 140 acres, is set to fully open in April this year, aligning with the Visit Perak Year 2024.

"The opening will not only boost the local economy but also act as a catalyst for the tourism industry in Perak, especially around Batu Gajah," he said during a press conference following the launch.

Highlighting the strategic location of ESCAPE Ipoh near attractions such as Kellie's Castle, Silverlakes Village Outlet, Galeri LAT, Gua Tempurung, Taman Alam Kinta, PATRO, and The Treasure Taman Herba @Gopeng, Saarani emphasised its role in complementing the plan to make Greater Ipoh a top choice for tourists.

"The investment value in developing ESCAPE Ipoh is estimated at RM30 million. "It is implemented through a collaboration between the state government-linked company, Menteri Besar Incorporated (Perak) as the site provider, and the private company," he said.

Saarani expressed confidence that ESCAPE Ipoh would create more job opportunities, with already 100 workers employed, and expects this number to increase once the park is officially open.

-nst online.

Routes Asia 2024 bring over 900 key airlines, airports & destinations players to collaborate on Asia Pacific's air travel

 

image: LADA

KUALA LUMPUR: Routes Asia 2024 is set to bring over 900 decision makers from airlines, airports and destinations to collaborate on air connectivity in Asia Pacific. 

Routes director Steven Small said the event presents a vital role for airlines to meet and discuss on their network on new and existing air services with their airports and destination partners. 

"Route development has perhaps become more important than it has ever been with airlines scrutinising opportunities more carefully than ever before," he said in a statement. 

Small added that Route is excited to host its 20th edition of the event in Langkawi together with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and Tourism Malaysia as its long-standing partners.

MAHB acting group chief executive officer Mohamed Rastam Shahrom said Routes Asia has become an indispensable platform to foster collaboration, explore new opportunities, and drive innovation within Asia Pacific's dynamic aviation industry. 

"For Malaysia Airports, we look forward to bringing new airlines to our network of airports, and encourage others to start new routes to sunny Malaysia," he said. 

Tourism Malaysia director general said as the country prepare for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026, airline route development and partnerships will be key to increasing connectivity and accessibility to Malaysia. 

He said the Routes Asia event provided an excellent platform for Tourism Malaysia to showcase Malaysia as a premium travel destination. 

"Langkawi presents the ideal backdrop for delegates to experience Malaysian Hospitality and tremendous appeal as a leisure and business travel destination, supporting our target of achieving 27.3 million tourist arrivals and RM102.7 billion in tourist receipts this year," Periasamy added. 

This year's Routes Asia, the third of its kind in Malaysia, will be hosted by MAHB and Tourism Malaysia.

The event will feature keynote speakers including Malaysia Aviation Group's group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Riyadh Air chief operating officer Peter Bellew and Airports Council International Asia and Middle East director general Stefano Baronci. 

Airline representatives who will attend include those from AirAsia Group, Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, Thai Airways as well as Chinese carriers including China Eastern Airlines, Air China and China Southern Airlines.

-nst online.

Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan launches Visit Kelantan Year 2024

 

The Visit Kelantan Year (VKY) 2024 which was launched by Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan,Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra kicked off tonight. - NSTP/ SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH

KOTA BARU: The Visit Kelantan Year (VKY) 2024 which was launched by Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan,Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra kicked off tonight.

About 3,000 people including foreigners attended the launch programme which was held at Sultan Muhammad IV stadium.

Among those who attended the programme were Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, his deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan and Kelantan state secretary Datuk Nazran Muhammad. Also present were state Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor and Kelantan Mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad.

Mohd Nassurudin in his speech said the state government has allocated about RM 3.3 million for the year.

"The state government through the State Arts and Heritage have lined up various programmes for VKY 2024. "Among others, we will organise both local and international programmes with the co-operation from other countries from Asia, Europe, Middle East and others," he said.

He added the state government also hoped VKY 2024 would help boost the state's economic development.

It was reported that Kelantan Tourism Ministry has set its sights high for 2024 by announcing ambitious goals for Visit Kelantan Year.

Its chief assistant secretary Nik Ahmad Shazzwan Nek Muhammad said the ministry's aim is to welcome two to 2.5 million tourists during this highly anticipated year.

-nst online.

https://www.facebook.com/tic.kelantan

Malaysia Food Festival @ Hyatt Regency New Delhi

 

NEW DELHI, 22 FEB 2024- The Malaysian Food Festival held at the Hyatt Regency New Delhi featured the participation of two chefs from Kuala Lumpur, namely Chef Afiq and Chef Nazmie, who curated dishes for the week-long event.

Tourism Malaysia New Delhi Office supported the promotion of the festival through social media and SATTE, while also providing cultural costumes and batik materials.

The event was graced by the presence of Deputy Minister of MITI, YB Liew Chin Tong, and HE Dato’ Muzafar Shah, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to India.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Aturcara Festival LENTERA Sisisran Tasik Putrajaya ( 24 februari ~ 3 Mac 2024 )

 

Aturcara bagi sepanjang Festival Lentera : Sisiran Tasik Putrajaya 2024 !!!

Bertepatan dengan tema 'Tradisi & Cahaya', pelbagai pengisian persembahan kebudayaan akan disajikan di samping petunjukan utama iaitu 'Grand Light Symphony & Musical Fountain', pesona dekorasi taman dan efek pencahayaan sepanjang festival berlangsung.

-Perbadanan Putrajaya.

AirAsia enhances connectivity between Singapore and 12 cities in India

 

Velaitham: through our Fly-Thru service, we seamlessly connect travellers from Singapore to India and vice versa, bolstering arrivals into Changi Airport

AirAsia is expanding its network to 12 cities in India, facilitated by its seamless Fly-Thru connecting service.

To commemorate 20 years of operations in Singapore, AirAsia is offering competitive low fares for travel between Singapore and India.

AirAsia operates an extensive network flying to 12 cities in India. Customers can now fly from Singapore to Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, New Delhi, Amritsar, Trivandrum, Jaipur (commencing April 21), Visakhapatnam (commencing April 26) and Ahmedabad (commencing May 1) via its seamless Fly-Thru service in Kuala Lumpur. Through its Bangkok (Don Mueang) hub, passengers can also fly to Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Jaipur, Chennai, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Gaya, Guwahati and Visakhapatnam.

In addition, the airline has introduced its free seats promotion, highlighting four cities in India –Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, Trivandrum and Ahmedabad – with promotional fares from as low as SG$173 (US$128) from now till February 25, for travel between September 1, 2024 and June 18, 2025.

Logan Velaitham, CEO of AirAsia Singapore, said: “Through our Fly-Thru service, we seamlessly connect travellers from Singapore to India and vice versa, bolstering arrivals into Changi Airport. This enables access to AirAsia’s extensive network of over 130 destinations with a convenient short-stop in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok (Don Mueang), without the need to collect or re-check in baggage during transit.”

-TTG Asia.

Lentera Sisiran Tasik Putrajaya @ Anjung Floria Presint 4, Putrajaya ( 24 Februari ~ 3 Mac 2024 )

 

FESTIVAL LENTERA: SISIRAN TASIK PUTRAJAYA 2024

Lebih 40 pengisian menarik dan istimewa berkonsepkan 'Tradisi & Cahaya' akan disediakan buat para pengunjung semua.

Tiket masuk boleh dibeli mulai 20 Februari 2024 secara 'online' dan boleh juga dibeli di kaunter festival.

Warganegara Malaysia
> Dewasa (13thn ke atas) = RM10
> Kanak-kanak (7-12thn) & Warga Emas = RM5
> Kanak-kanak di bawah 6thn & OKU = Percuma

Pelancong Warga Asing
> Dewasa (13thn ke atas) = RM30
> Kanak-kanak (4-12thn) = RM15

-Perbadanan Putrajaya.

Putrajaya Save Wildlife For Future @ Taman Botani Putrajaya ( 24 ~ 25 Februari 2024 )

 

Jom sertai kami dalam Putrajaya Save Wildlife For Future 2024 di Taman Botani Putrajaya selama 2 hari pada hujung minggu ini!

Terokai dunia hidupan liar dengan lebih dekat dan pelajari mengenai kepentingannya. Pelbagai aktiviti menarik menanti ada.

MASUK ADALAH PERCUMA!!!

Borang pendaftaran aktiviti sila klik https://linktr.ee/HariHidupanLiarSedunia?fbclid=IwAR0sYKcdu0lfoNu7d5t5cOAyORhaV0NGbhLVbsmJhKukbu7-XwriH5P7fBg

-Perbadanan Putrajaya.

Festival Kuala Perlis @ Eyes of Perlis, Dataran Lok 9 Kuala Perlis ( 23 ~ 25 Februari 2024 )

 

FESTIVAL KUALA PERLIS

Tarikh: 23 - 25 Februari 2024

Lokasi: Eyes of Kuala Perlis, Dataran Lok 9 Kuala Perlis (berhampiran KOMALAUT). Dataran paling besar di Perlis

Pelbagai aktiviti dan jualan disediakan. Bukan senang nak bersantai sambil layan angin laut Kuala Perlis.

Jom Pakat Timpa Mai Kola Perlis kaih

Kepada peniaga yang ingin berniaga di Festival Kuala Perlis sila WhatsApp di talian : 011-53579899

-Perlis Permai.

LADA Dan Media Berpisah Tiada - "Naturally Langkawi"

 

10-12 Februari 2024 - LADA telah menjemput beberapa media terkemuka Malaysia iaitu Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Headquarter, Places Malaysia, NU Ideativ (Pa & Ma – Keluarga dan Libur) dan New Straits Times (NST) bagi membuat liputan mengenai acara Fenomena Sandbar Walk di Tanjung Rhu Langkawi yang berlaku setahun sekali.

Media-media ini turut meninjau & membuat liputan produk-produk pelancongan baru seperti berikut:

1. Langkawi Eagle Nest’s Skywalk yang akan dibuka tidak lama lagi.

2. Dream Forest Langkawi yang memaparkan keindahan immersive light dan penceritaan lagenda Langkawi.

3. Pulau Beras Basah bagi pakej island hopping.

4. Pulau Singa Besar yang kaya dengan terumbu karang dan habitat pelbagai hidupan laut.

5. Gastronomy Langkawi

6. Pulau Tuba

Antara yang menjadi tajuk penting kepada program lawatan ini adalah liputan media mengenai penglibatan komuniti Pulau Tuba di dalam sektor pelancongan dengan pengendalian perkhidmatan melalui Koperasi Komuniti Kepulauan Tuba dan Selat Berhad (KOPTUBAS). Media telah berpeluang melihat & merasai sendiri aktiviti pelancongan penduduk di Pulau Tuba bagi meningkatkan ekonomi mereka.

-LADA.

Batik Air Launches New Route From Batam To Kuala Lumpur, Boosting Malaysia-Indonesia Tourism

 

SEPANG, 17 February 2024 – Malaysia ushered in the inaugural direct flight of Batik Air from Batam to Kuala Lumpur today, marking another significant milestone in strengthening the robust links between Malaysia and Indonesia by offering convenient travel options for business, leisure and medical tourism.

Dato’ Dr Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, alongside representatives from Batik Air and Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB), greeted passengers arriving on Flight OD357 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1.

Operating three times weekly with Boeing 737 aircraft, this new route underscores Batik Air’s commitment to expand its network growth in Southeast Asia while catering to the increased demand for intra-regional travel.

Dato’ Dr Ammar stated: “Given our geographical proximity, shared cultural heritage and strong connectivity, Indonesia holds a special place as a key source market for Malaysia. We are confident that this connection will further bolster tourist arrivals as we are gearing up for Visit Malaysia 2026 and contribute to the economic prosperity of both nations.”

"The launch of direct flights from Batam to Kuala Lumpur represents a strategic move for Batik Air as we continue to expand our presence in key markets,” said Chief Executive Officer of Batik Air Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy adding that this new route will enable passengers from Batam to connect to Batik Air’s ever-growing flight network to 53 destinations across 22 countries through KLIA.

The ASEAN market has predominantly been the primary contributor to Malaysia’s tourism sector, with Indonesia ranking second in the top ten tourist-generating markets, contributing significantly to the 2.8 million arrivals between January and November 2023. Malaysia’s diverse offerings, including renowned medical tourism services and vibrant shopping destinations, continue to attract Indonesian travellers.

In 2024, Malaysia aims to welcome 27.3 million tourists, generating RM102.7 billion in revenue. The forthcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 has set an ambitious target of 35.6 million foreign tourist arrivals with target receipt of RM147.1billion.

-Tourism Malaysia.

1,000 delegates to attend Langkawi 2024 Routes Asia

 

photo: LADA

LANGKAWI: A total of 1,000 local and foreign delegates will attend the three-day 2024 Routes Asia beginning Feb 27 at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here.

"The event provides a platform for airlines, airports, tourism authorities and stakeholders in the region's aviation industry to meet and share best practices," said Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid.

"A total of 1,000 participants representing 329 companies have confirmed their attendance and some 3,000 appointments, face-to-face meetings and business-to-business matchmaking will be held," said Haslina.

She added that Routes Asia, formerly called New Routes Asia, was the brainchild of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). Its inaugural event was held in Kuala Lumpur in 2003.

"Langkawi won the host rights following a bidding by LADA, with the cooperation of MAHB and Tourism Malaysia."

The previous edition was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand in February last year.

-nst online.

Program MADANI Rakyat Zon Tengah @ Kompleks Sukan Kuala Selangor ( 23 ~ 25 Februari 2024 )

 

Pejabat Perdana Menteri (PMO) melalui Unit Penyelarasan Lonjakan Prestasi (PACU), Kementerian Pertanian dan Keterjaminan Makanan (KPKM) dan Kerajaan Negeri Selangor akan menganjurkan Program MADANI Rakyat Zon Tengah pada 23 hingga 25 Februari 2024 bertempat di Kompleks Sukan Kuala Selangor, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Program MADANI Rakyat adalah kesinambungan daripada Program Setahun Bersama Kerajaan MADANI yang diadakan di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil pada Disember lalu. Program ini diteruskan ke peringkat negeri mengikut zon bagi memberi peluang kepada masyarakat setempat untuk bersama-sama memahami, melihat dan menilai dasar serta inisiatif baharu yang dilaksanakan oleh Kerajaan MADANI dalam usaha meningkatkan kesejahteraan hidup rakyat. Program MADANI Rakyat Zon Tengah merangkumi Negeri Selangor, Perak, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur dan Putrajaya.

Program MADANI Rakyat juga merupakan wadah untuk masyarakat mendapatkan perkhidmatan secara terus daripada Kementerian kementerian di peringkat Kerajaan Persekutuan dan agensi-agensi peringkat negeri, di samping memberi peluang kepada masyarakat umum mengemukakan pandangan dan cadangan untuk menambah baik mutu perkhidmatan. Program seperti ini juga mewujudkan saluran komunikasi berterusan antara masyarakat dengan kerajaan, sekali gus memperkukuhkan hubungan dalam usaha membina negara yang lebih sejahtera selaras dengan agenda Malaysia MADANI.

Program MADANI Rakyat Zon Tengah memberi tumpuan kepada aktiviti yang berkaitan dengan pertanian dan keterjaminan makanan, program TVET serta program kesejahteraan rakyat, selain pelbagai perkhidmatan yang disediakan oleh agensi Kerajaan Persekutuan dan Kerajaan Negeri Selangor khususnya. Program ini turut melibatkan kerjasama strategik syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLC), pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) dan pihak swasta. Selain itu, Jualan Agro dan Mega MADANI yang menawarkan potongan harga dan tawaran istimewa serta pameran aset- aset kerajaan turut disediakan untuk pengunjung.

Majlis penutupan Program MADANI Rakyat Zon Tengah bakal disempurnakan oleh Perdana Menteri, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim pada 25 Februari 2024 dan turut dihadiri oleh kepimpinan tertinggi Kerajaan Persekutuan dan Negeri.

Orang ramai dijemput untuk bersama-sama hadir memeriahkan Program MADANI Rakyat Zon Tengah pada 23 hingga 25 Februari 2024 bermula 9.00 pagi hingga 10.00 malam.

-MalaysiaMadani.

Malaysia Welcomes Turkmenistan Airlines' Inaugural Flight From Ashgabat To Kuala Lumpur Expanding Central Asian Connectivity

 

SEPANG, 15 February 2024 – Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) joyously welcome the inaugural flight of Turkmenistan Airlines from Ashgabat to Kuala Lumpur. This marks the second airline from Central Asia to offer direct flights to Kuala Lumpur.

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing and Ambassador of Turkmenistan in Malaysia, His Excellency, Mr Muhammetnyyaz Mashalov, along with representatives from Turkmenistan Airlines, graced the occasion, joining the 228 passengers on their arrival. The aircraft received a grand water cannon salute while models adorned in the national costumes of both countries greeted the passengers.

The twice-weekly scheduled flights are operated by Boeing 777-200LR/777-300ER aircraft, boasting seating capacities of 289 and 368, respectively. Departing from Ashgabat every Wednesday and Thursday, this new connectivity is poised to significantly enhance arrivals from Central Asia and Russia, facilitating seamless travel between regions. 

The flight duration from Ashgabat to Kuala Lumpur is a mere 8 hours and 10 minutes, offering passengers swift and convenient access to Malaysia's vibrant capital.

In line with the commitment to expanding tourism accessibility, Tourism Malaysia is actively pursuing strategic collaborations with international airlines, aiming to stimulate increased travel demand from Central Asia through innovative partnerships and initiatives. This effort aligns with Malaysia's target of welcoming 35.6 million tourists during Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

In the period from January to November 2023, Malaysia experienced a notable surge in tourism from Central Asia, welcoming a total of 21,910 tourists, reflecting a remarkable 196.7% increase compared to 2022. 

Concurrently, arrivals from Russia also soared, with Malaysia hosting 100,645 Russian visitors during the same period. This represents a staggering 360% surge from 2022 and a notable 39.5% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Hosts Its Inaugural Series Of Tourism Sales Mission In India For The Year 2024

 

BANGALORE, 12^th February 2024 – Tourism Malaysia is intensifying its promotional strategies towards Indian travellers through several tourism expos including the recent Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) held in Mumbai from 8^th to 10^th February 2024, and the upcoming South Asia Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) in New Delhi, scheduled from 12^th to 22^nd February 2024.

In addition to its participation at OTM, Tourism Malaysia also conducted a Food and Culture promotional event in Mumbai, which took place from 5^th to 11^th February. Building on the success of this event, Tourism Malaysia is now orchestrating a sales mission across five main cities. The mission kicks off in Bangalore, followed by Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and concludes in New Delhi, spanning from February 12^th to 22^nd.

"The mission is led by Mr. Razaidi Abdul Rahim - Director, Tourism Malaysia, Chennai, Ms. Noriah Jaafar - Director, Tourism Malaysia, Mumbai and Mr. Akmal Aziz - Deputy Director, Tourism Malaysia, New Delhi, together with 45 organisations, comprised of two (2) state tourism bodies, three (3) airlines, 14 hotel and resort operators, 19 travel agents, six (6) product owners, and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), also an agency under Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia."

This B2B event brings together Malaysian sellers of tourism products and services to interact with Indian counterparts to strengthen networking and cultivate business opportunities with the important market. Apart from the business matching sessions, there will be seminars and product presentations focusing on leisure and niche tourism markets such as meeting & incentives groups (MICE), weddings, golfing, and family fun activities. The sales mission is expected to gather over 500 travel agents and tour operators from the respective cities.

India is a significant priority market for Malaysia, with strong economic ties and cultural connections. India is Malaysia's fifth largest source of tourists. Malaysia recorded 17.8 million tourist arrivals between January and November 2023 with 587,703 from India. In terms of air accessibility, 181 flights with 33,851 seats are offered weekly between India and Malaysia through Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, AirAsia, and IndiGo.

This mission is also to promote the recently lifted entry visa to Malaysia with visa-free entry for citizens of India for stays of up to 30 days beginning 1^st December 2023 until 31^st December 2024. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim. Additionally, it serves as a platform to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 through publicity coverage throughout the programme.

-Tourism Malaysia.