Explore Sabah campaign launches at World Travel Market in London

 

KOTA KINABALU: The 'Explore Sabah' campaign, aimed at highlighting the state's unique attractions, was launched at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday (Nov 5).

The initiative, which will feature Sabah’s 10 unique wonders including Unesco heritage sites, five highest peaks, rich biodiversity and wildlife encounters, was launched by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew at the Sabah Pavilion during the first day of the WTM.

Liew, who led the Sabah delegation over the four-day business-to-business exhibition, stressed that Explore Sabah is a strategic initiative to enhance the state’s appeal as a favourite destination, particularly in anticipation of Visit Malaysia 2026.

In a statement released here, she said participating in the WTM will amplify reach in the UK and beyond, and is part of the journey to connect with global partners.

Liew further shared good news of growth in the state tourism sector, where an increase of 25.7% for the first eight months of this year was recorded in total tourism arrivals (2,094,202), from 1,665,951 arrivals in the corresponding period last year.

"International arrivals surged by 64.5%, totalling 867,231 visitors, bringing tourism back to 87% of pre-pandemic levels.

"Currently, Sabah is connected to 19 international destinations, with plans for further connectivity," Liew added, reiterating confidence in reaching the target of three million visitors by year-end.

On the WTM, this year, the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is the agency leading Sabah's participation, where the Board is showcasing 13 local agents in the pavilion.

Throughout the exhibition, the Sabah Pavilion is featuring presentations by Sabah's cultural ambassadors; Stanley Missun from the Sabah Tamparuli Bamboo Music Orchestra, Unduk Ngadau (Harvest beauty pageant queen) Hyellene Danius, and renowned long flute player Payuki, all showcasing the state's rich cultural heritage.

During the event, Liew also announced a national campaign collaboration between STB and Intrepid UK to further enhance Sabah's international profile, where a Memorandum of Collaboration signing took place.

Also present were Liew’s Assistant Minister cum STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar, and STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.

Prior to the WTM event, Liew on Monday (Nov 4) hosted a networking session with the UK industry trade and media partners as well as the Sabah private sector, as part of Sabah’s commitment to maintaining strong marketing relationships with its stakeholders.

-thestar online.

Festival Asia 2024 @ Lanai, MATIC Kuala Lumpur ( 8 ~ 10 November 2024 )

 

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at FESTIVAL ASIA 2024!

Join us for a vibrant celebration of Asian culture! Explore delicious food, unique crafts, stunning fashion, exciting games, and so much more—all under one roof!

Date: 8th - 10th November 2024

Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Venue: LANAI @ MATIC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

Bring your friends, family, and colleagues for a weekend filled with fun and exploration! Don't miss out on the adventure!

-Yayasan Gemilang fb.

MB: Acara sukan jadi teras dalam kalendar Tahun Melawat Selangor 2025

 

SEPANG, 3 NOV: Acara sukan dan rekreasi dijadikan teras inisiatif dalam kalendar Tahun Melawat Selangor 2025 bagi menarik kehadiran lebih ramai pelancong tempatan dan antarabangsa.

Dato’ Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari berkata pelancongan sukan mampu meningkatkan ekonomi tempatan selain mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan.

“Kita akan jadikan perlumbaan Grand Prix Motosikal (MotoGP) Malaysia 2024 ini sebagai model untuk menganjurkan lebih banyak acara sukan pelancongan.

“Sukan pelancongan merupakan salah satu tarikan utama. Sukan seperti larian dan basikal sudah ada peminatnya sendiri, terbaharu sukan pickleball yang banyak dimainkan di bandar,” katanya kepada pemberita.

Terdahulu beliau melancarkan logo Tahun Melawat Selangor 2025 di reruai Tourism Selangor di Litar Antarabangsa Petronas Sepang di sini, hari ini.

Hadir sama Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Menteri Besar Selangor (Pemerbadanan) atau MBI Saipolyazan Mat Yusop dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Tourism Selangor, Azrul Shah Mohamad.

Dalam pada itu, Amirudin menambah MotoGP 2024 menerima kehadiran kira-kira 200,000 pengunjung dengan sebahagian daripadanya merupakan pelancong luar negeri dan antarabangsa.

Jelasnya, jumlah itu menunjukkan peningkatan sebanyak 10 peratus berbanding tahun lalu sekali gus membuktikan acara tersebut amat dinantikan peminat sukan permotoran.

“Perlumbaan MotoGP juga berperanan sebagai platform untuk Tourism Selangor mempromosikan warisan budaya negeri yang kaya, landskap indah dan infrastruktur termaju,” katanya.

-selangorkini.

Hajiji: Tamu Besar Kota Belud attracts tourists, promotes state's cultural diversity

 

KOTA BELUD: Tamu Besar Kota Belud not only draws tourists but also highlights the state's cultural diversity, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He added that Tamu Besar Kota Belud was one of the oldest tamu in Sabah, having been around for more than 100 years.

"Tamu Besar Kota Belud is not just a trade centre but also a place for producing and selling agricultural products, traditional foods, handicrafts, machetes and traditional musical instruments.

"Visitors can find a variety of valuable items at reasonable prices. "Hosting Tamu Besar attracts tourists and promotes local culture.

"Tamu Besar also symbolises unity, serving as a social gathering for people of various ethnicities and religions, such as Bajau, Kadazandusun, Iranun and Chinese communities." He said this at the Tamu Besar Kota Belud at Padang Pekan Kota Belud here. Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah Tun Juhar Mahiruddin officiated the event.

This year's tamu will feature cultural performances, traditional sports, exhibitions and sale of crafts. Hajiji reiterated the state government's commitment to boosting tourism initiatives and programmes.

The state recorded 2.1 million tourists from January to August, with 867,231 being international tourists and 1.2 million domestic tourists.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia Welcomes AirAsia’s Network Expansion From Da Lat, Vietnam & Chiang Rai, Thailand To Kuala Lumpur

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 November 2024 – Tourism Malaysia is thrilled to welcome the resumption of AirAsia’s direct flights connecting Da Lat, Vietnam (DLI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) starting 1 November 2024, coupled with the launch of a brand-new route from Chiang Rai, Thailand (CEI) to Kuala Lumpur, commencing on 2 November 2024. These new services demonstrate AirAsia’s dedication to enhancing regional connectivity, making it easier for travellers to explore Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

To commemorate the launch, Mr. Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) Tourism Malaysia will host a special welcome reception at Terminal 2, KLIA, where guests and passengers will enjoy a celebratory event upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur. This welcoming gesture further reflects Malaysian hospitality and the ongoing collaboration between AirAsia and Tourism Malaysia in promoting Malaysia as a prime travel destination within the ASEAN region.

The resumed AK 572 Da Lat to Kuala Lumpur service will operate four times weekly, departing Da Lat at 12:40 p.m. and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 3:55 p.m. This route, ideal for both leisure and business travellers, will be operated on an A320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 seats.

Meanwhile, the new AK 872 Chiang Rai to Kuala Lumpur route will operate three times weekly, departing Chiang Rai at 1:45 p.m. and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 5:55 p.m. This route provides a convenient link for travellers between northern Thailand and Malaysia, served by an A320 aircraft with a 180-seat capacity.

As of September 2024, Malaysia logged 1,216,809 and 265,068 tourist arrivals from Thailand and Vietnam, respectively. Tickets are available now through AirAsia’s website and mobile app. For more information, kindly contact AirAsia’s Customer Service team or visit AirAsia’s official website.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Midnight Sale 2024 To Boost Tourism And Economic Growth

 

JOHOR BAHRU, 30 OCTOBER 2024 – Tourism Malaysia is thrilled to announce the launch of the Malaysia Midnight Sale 2024, in collaboration with Mastercard, Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, and GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

The first-ever Malaysia Midnight Sale will span four days, from 30th October 30 to 2nd November 2024, providing both local and foreign tourists with a unique opportunity to shop late into the night. Shoppers will get to enjoy exclusive deals, discounts, and special giveaways from participating retailers.

The event will kick off at Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru on 30th and 31st October 2024. Known as one of the largest shopping centers in southern Malaysia, Paradigm Mall is ideally located near Johor Bahru City and Singapore, making it a prime venue for this large-scale event.

From 1st to 2nd November 2024, the sale will extend to GCH Retail outlets around Johor Bahru, including Mercato Garden Square, Mercato Plaza Pelangi, and several Giant stores. Daily shopping hours start at 10:00 AM, with the biggest discounts of up to 80% available between 10:00 PM till midnight.

A variety of activities will cater to all age groups, including exhibitions featuring travel packages, live performances, hourly lucky draws, local fruit festivals, and children's entertainment.

Additionally, 10 hotels around Johor Bahru, namely the Ramada Straits Johor, Trinidad Suites Johor, Shama Suasana Johor Bahru, Holiday Inn Johor Bahru, Opero Hotel Southkey Johor Bahru, Hyatt Place Johor Bahru, Holiday Villa Hotel Johor Bahru, Thistle Johor Bahru, Grand Paragon Johor Bahru, and Trove Johor Bahru, are offering room rates with discounts of up to 72%, encouraging tourists to extend their stay.

YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, emphasised the importance of attracting tourists from Singapore, stating, "We hope this campaign will entice visitors from Singapore to extend their stay in Johor Bahru, supporting local businesses and contributing to the local economy."

This initiative marks the beginning of the Malaysian Year-End Sale, which will run from 15th November 2024, to 1st January 2025, and is designed to support the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign by invigorating the shopping tourism sector and attracting international visitors. The Malaysia Midnight Sale is expected to significantly boost tourism revenue, contributing to the national target of RM102.7 billion in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic figures.

For more information on available packages and shopping offers, visit the Tourism Malaysia website at www.malaysia.travel.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Welcomes LOT Polish Aarlines Charter Flight From Warsaw To Langkawi

 

LANGKAWI, 28 October 2024 – LOT Polish Airlines has officially launched its inaugural charter flight from Warsaw to Langkawi, marking a significant milestone in strengthening travel links between Poland and Malaysia. This new connection is set to enhance tourist traffic between the two destinations.

The maiden flight touched down at Langkawi International Airport (LGK) and was greeted by a welcoming ceremony led by Deputy Secretary General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dr. Yasmeen Yasim. Representatives from Tourism Malaysia, the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), and Nowa Itaka were also present to celebrate this occasion. The aircraft was honoured with a ceremonial water salute upon arrival, symbolising the growing ties between Poland and Malaysia.

The new direct flight will operate once a week every Sunday until March 2025, bringing more convenience to the people of the two countries in bridging the economic and cultural exchange and investment. As of September 2024, Malaysia welcomed 24,362 visitors from Poland, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and the total of 21,472 Polish tourists recorded in 2023.

As part of the welcoming efforts, LADA is also planning a series of promotional activities, including guided tours, cultural events, and immersive local experiences to ensure that Polish tourists have an unforgettable experience in Langkawi. LADA is optimistic that these initiatives will help increase air arrivals and raise the total number of tourists to Langkawi to an estimated 3 million by the end of this year.

Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of LADA, remarked: “The arrival of these charter flights from Poland is a remarkable milestone for Langkawi's tourism industry. We are eager to showcase the island’s natural beauty and warm hospitality to our Polish visitors. This initiative not only boosts our local economy but also strengthens international relations and cultural exchange. Our partnership with ITAKA was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding at ITB Berlin 2024.”

The introduction of this new route presents an excellent opportunity to attract more European tourists to Malaysia. As part of the ongoing efforts to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), Tourism Malaysia remains dedicated to forging strategic partnerships with international airlines to boost promotional initiatives and stimulate travel demand, further positioning Malaysia as a top destination for global travellers.

-Tourism Malaysia.