Kedah govt confident mainland can match Langkawi's tourism appeal

 

The atmosphere of Tok Pasai Bridge, illuminated by colorful lights, is one of the latest attractions in conjunction with Visit Kedah Year 2025 at Tok Pasai Bridge, Kuala Kedah. - NSTP/WAN NABIL NASIR

KUALA KEDAH: The Kedah government is confident that mainland Kedah can draw as much tourist interest as Langkawi during the Visit Kedah Year 2025 (VK2025) campaign.

State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the campaign aims to attract seven million visitors, with 3.5 million expected to visit Langkawi and mainland Kedah each.

"Insya-Allah, with continuous efforts from all parties, we are confident of achieving this goal," he said during the symbolic opening ceremony of the Tok Pasai Bridge night lights yesterday.

Salleh expressed confidence in meeting the target, citing the promising number of visitors received by the state during the recent school holidays.

"Recently, during the school holidays, we observed more than 100,000 visitors arriving in Langkawi from Dec 20 alone."

"This figure exceeded last year's school holiday numbers, showing that Kedah's tourism, especially in Langkawi, has rebounded. That is why we dared to set a target of seven million," he added.

Salleh also welcomed constructive criticism of the state government's efforts in the tourism sector.

"We are open to criticism. In just one year and three months of helming this portfolio, we have taken bold steps to launch campaigns of this scale.

"This reflects our commitment to elevate Kedah's tourism to new heights. People can comment or say what they like, but we know what we are doing," he added.

On the Tok Pasai Bridge night lights, Salleh said the initiative is part of the state government's efforts to enhance tourism in Kuala Kedah.

"The lights will be turned on daily from 7.30pm to midnight during VK2025. We hope this initiative will remind the local community to maintain environmental cleanliness," he said.

He added that a viewpoint structure may be added to further elevate the bridge's appeal as a tourism attraction.

-nst online.

Langkawi tourism boom a positive start for Visit Kedah Year 2025

 

ALOR STAR: Langkawi has seen a spike in its share of tourists for the year-end holiday season, reflecting a promising start for the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign.

The period included the school holidays, which began on Dec 21, as well as Christmas and New Year week.

State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said recent hotel occupancy rates on the island had risen significantly, with data from the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) indicating an average of 78 per cent.

"This reflects encouraging progress. Before the holidays, occupancy rates were around 62 per cent. This upward trend marks a promising start for the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign," he told the New Straits Times.

Salleh added that Langkawi ferry operators had also reported a sharp increase in tourist arrivals since the start of the school holidays.

"More than 100,000 visitors have travelled to Langkawi by ferry since Dec 20. This is very encouraging, and we hope this positive trend will continue throughout next year," he said.

He urged local tourists who have yet to explore Langkawi to experience the island's unique attractions.

"Some people like to compare Langkawi with southern Thailand, but that isn't fair. They are two distinct destinations with vastly different appeals," he added.

Meanwhile, Langkawi International Airport (LIA) general manager Che Sulaiman Che Pa confirmed the surge in tourist arrivals via air travel since Dec 1.

He said the airport had been welcoming over 3,900 arrivals daily. "Before the school holidays, we recorded around 2,800 to 4,000 passengers daily, with 21 to 29 flights.

"However, since Dec 1, this has increased to between 3,900 and 4,900 passengers daily, with flight numbers rising to 27 to 31 per day," he added.

-nst online.

Tourists flock to Kelantan for year-end sales

 

KOTA BARU: Tourists have begun flocking to Kelantan to take advantage of the promotions offered by local businesses during the Malaysia Year-End-Sale (MYES) campaign.

Foreigners, mainly from Thailand, have been taking advantage of recent weekends to shop at several malls in the town area. Among the popular malls are Aeon Mall in Lembah Sireh and KB Mall in Jalan Hamzah.

Thai visitor Anita Omar said she and her 48-year-old sister, Suraya, chose to shop at Aeon Mall because it offered a wide range of branded items.

"We come here often for shopping," she said. "We were informed that the mall was offering discounts of up to 50 per cent on branded handbags and women's shoes in conjunction with the recent Christmas celebration.

"Therefore, we were willing to spend one night here just to visit the mall," said the 51-year-old mother of two from Kampung Kubur Besar.

Another visitor, Azizah Marudin, said she enjoyed shopping at KB Mall, especially during year-end promotions.

"Many Thai women like to travel to Kota Baru every weekend or at the end of the year to buy clothes and women's accessories," she said. "Compared to our country, the goods sold here are much cheaper and all are branded products."

The 48-year-old from Kampung Belakang Kilang Lomek in Sungai Golok town said she typically spent around RM3,000 on handbags and shoes for herself and her two daughters.

"I particularly enjoy the midnight sales at Aeon Mall," she said. "The discounts offered during those sales are truly amazing."

According to Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysia Year-End-Sale (MYES), which began on Nov 15 and ends on Jan 1, offers discounts on a variety of household items and goods.

-nst online.

Taman Negara Mulu destinasi purba unik, superlatif

 

UNIK, superlatif serta terbaik di kepulauan Borneo, ungkapan jurupandu, Henry Lah Lucin bagi menggambarkan keistimewaan Taman Negara Gunung Mulu di Bumi Kenyalang.

Terletak di Bahagian Miri, Sarawak, Taman Negara Gunung Mulu, juga dikenali sebagai Taman Negara Mulu diwartakan sebagai Taman Negara Sarawak pada 1974 sebelum diiktiraf sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia Pertubuhan Pendidikan, Sains dan Kebudayaan Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UNESCO) pada 2000.

Menurut Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), superlatif merujuk kepada istilah paling atau darjah tertinggi, sekali gus menjelaskan keunikan taman terbesar di Sarawak yang bermula puluhan juta tahun lalu di bawah laut, menjadikannya destinasi purba yang mengagumkan.

Peluang meneroka Taman Negara Mulu selama empat hari anjuran Lembaga Pelancongan Sarawak (STB) bukan sahaja memberikan pengalaman berharga kepada penulis tetapi turut meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai kepentingan memelihara alam sekitar dan menghargai keunikan warisan alam semula jadi di Malaysia.

Menerusi program 'Exploring Mulu Sarawak', penulis dibawa meneroka taman yang meliputi kawasan kira-kira 544 kilometer persegi. Taman ini antara lima Tapak Warisan Dunia di Malaysia selain Warisan Arkeologi Lembah Lenggong, Taman Negara Kinabalu, Melaka dan Georgetown Bandar Sejarah Selat Melaka serta Gua Niah.

Ini bermakna Sarawak merupakan satu-satunya negeri di Malaysia yang memiliki dua tapak warisan - Taman Negara Mulu melambangkan alam semula jadi, manakala Gua Niah melambangkan budaya.

Taman Negara Mulu adalah antara destinasi alam semula jadi paling menakjubkan di dunia meliputi landskap gua, hutan hujan tropika, formasi batu kapur yang unik serta ekosistem yang kaya dengan kepelbagaian flora dan fauna.

Berkeluasan 86,000 hektar, ia adalah khazanah semula jadi yang penting dan tidak ternilai di rantau Asia Tenggara serta dianggarkan menjadi rumah 2,000 spesies tumbuhan; 450 pakis; 1,700 lumut; 4,000 kulat; 123 mamalia; 305 burung; 218 reptilia dan amfibia selain 48 ikan serta lebih 20,000 serangga dan invertebrata.

Henry, 45, antara 200 jurupandu yang memiliki lesen berdaftar dengan Jabatan Perhutanan Sarawak. Berpengalaman lebih 20 tahun sebagai jurupandu Taman Negara Mulu, hutan dan pelancongan memberikan pendidikan terbaik kepada lelaki berasal daripada etnik Penan ini, sekali gus mengiyakan kenyataan bahawa etnik Penan dengan hutan belantara berpisah tiada.

Etnik Penan antara etnik minoriti di Sarawak, satu daripada sub-etnik yang membentuk Kaum Orang Ulu yang mempunyai lebih kurang 27 etnik bernaung di bawah sebagai sub-etnik.

Hutan hujan yang mengambil masa 60 juta tahun untuk terbentuk

Menyaksikan pemandangan Mulu yang menakjubkan serta kepentingan biologinya, tidak menghairankan kawasan ini disenaraikan sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia.

Untuk melayakkan sesuatu kawasan mendapat status itu, ia mesti memenuhi satu daripada empat kriteria.

Kawasan berkenaan perlu menjadi contoh cemerlang sejarah geologi dunia (gua dan endapan gua); menjadi wakil terbaik bagi proses evolusi yang berterusan iaitu program penyelidikan semasa; memiliki keindahan luar biasa serta menyimpan habitat semula jadi penting untuk pemuliharaan in-situ kepelbagaian biologi dan perlindungan spesies terancam (pelbagai habitat gua dan hutan).

Mulu memenuhi semua kriteria berkenaan, sekali gus menepati misi keramat UNESCO - "Warisan ialah peninggalan masa lalu yang dinikmati hari ini dan yang diwariskan kepada generasi akan datang."

Taman Negara Mulu bukan hanya sesuai untuk individu yang inginkan ketenangan jauh daripada hiruk pikuk hutan batu, bahkan juga amat sesuai bagi mereka yang menggemari kegiatan lasak dengan kepelbagaian tumbuhan dan hidupan liar.

Keunikan taman negara ini sudah pasti terletak pada bentuk geografi sangat unik, didominasi empat gunung - Gunung Mulu atau Puncak Mulu, Gunung Api, Gunung Buda dan Gunung Benarat.

Kawasan hutan hujan yang menakjubkan ini mengambil masa 60 juta tahun untuk terbentuk. Ia antara tapak semula jadi yang paling penting di Asia Tenggara.

Pelbagai aktiviti boleh direncanakan, antaranya mendaki Pinnacles iaitu formasi batu kapur yang tajam di Gunung Api, selain menjelajah Puncak Mulu dan menerokai ratusan gua termasuk yang memerlukan kepakaran serta panduan profesional daripada individu terlatih.

Bagi mereka yang mahu merasai pengalaman menikmati pemandangan hutan dari ketinggian 30 hingga 35 meter, Laluan Kanopi Mulu adalah jawapannya. Laluan yang dulunya sepanjang 480 meter, kini hanya 460 meter masih lagi dianggap laluan atau jambatan pokok terpanjang di dunia.

Dibina pada 2014, jambatan itu memiliki tujuh hentian atau platform dengan setiap platform mampu menampung empat pengunjung, manakala maksimum dua pengunjung dibenarkan melalui jambatan berkenaan pada satu-satu masa.

Program 'Exploring Mulu Sarawak' yang turut disertai pengamal media dari Indonesia dan Brunei membawa peserta menjelajah empat gua, menelusuri Sungai Melinau dengan perahu panjang, melihat penghasilan sumpitan sambil membeli cenderamata di pasar kraf perkampungan etnik Penan di Kampung Batu Bungan dan pastinya menikmati panorama aras tinggi di Laluan Kanopi Mulu.

Bersama Henry yang memiliki lesen penerokaan gua, Puncak Mulu, Pinnacles dan trekking hutan, peluang empat hari menikmati keindahan taman negara di Pulau Borneo yang dianggap antara hotspot biodiversiti dunia memberikan pengalaman menakjubkan.

Sekurang-kurangnya separuh daripada spesies tumbuhan, haiwan dan kulat yang dikenali di Borneo ditemui di Mulu, kawasan hutan hujan khatulistiwa yang luas dan menakjubkan dengan kepelbagaian flora dan fauna yang luar biasa.

Keterujaan penulis bermula sebaik menjejakkan kaki di Lapangan Terbang Mulu selepas menempuh perjalanan dengan pesawat hampir dua jam dari Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuching.

Damai, sunyi, tenang - suasana yang dirasai sebaik keluar dari pesawat MASwings sebelum dibawa mendaftar masuk ke Mulu Marriot Resort and Spa, resort dengan hampir 70 peratus pekerjanya dalam kalangan penduduk tempatan.

Siapa sangka, ada air tangan 'import' yang memenuhi cita rasa dan selera mereka yang menginap di resort serba mendamaikan itu. Ternyata kari ayam yang penulis nikmati bersama roti canai merupakan sentuhan Chef Rodzi Mustafa, 55, anak kelahiran Gelugor, Pulau Pinang yang juga pakar menyediakan juadah Sarawak, hasil 34 tahun 'bersilat di dapur'.

Seperti mana ketelitian Chef Rodzi menyediakan juadah di Mulu Marriot Resort and Spa, begitu juga Mulu yang amat menitikberatkan aspek kebersihan. Kemudahan awam terutama trek dan tandas yang bersih dan teratur di Taman Negara Mulu mencetuskan kekaguman.

Jika bandar raya Kuching berada pada kedudukan ke-14 bandar terbersih di dunia, menurut laporan portal Suara Sarawak pada awal tahun ini, apa kurangnya Mulu.

Penerokaan kami di Taman Negara Mulu bermula di Gua Lang dan Gua Rusa, lokasi bersebelahan. Untuk tiba di pintu masuk gua, kami perlu melalui trek sejauh 3.8 kilometer, struktur dibina daripada kayu pokok belian dengan lantainya daripada bahan komposit.

Pokok belian adalah spesies kayu keras, diumpamakan seperti besi, mampu bertahan ratusan tahun. Kali terakhir kayu yang membentuk trek bermula dari Pejabat Taman Negara itu ditukar pada 2004.

Mengambil sempena nama penduduk tempatan, Lang Belarek yang menjumpai gua ini pada 1977, Gua Lang disenaraikan antara gua tercantik dengan pembentukan pelbagai formasi stalaktit dan stalagmit.

Ia gua yang paling kecil dalam senarai empat gua yang kami lawati, namun tetap tidak kalah dengan struktur stalaktit dan stalagmit yang mengagumkan termasuk dengan formasi struktur seperti obor-obor.

Rasa takjub berterusan dengan penerokaan Gua Rusa, ruang laluan gua terbesar di dunia, memberikan pengalaman tidak terduga yang menawarkan suasana dramatik dan indah kerana keluasan pintu masuknya. Ruang utama, yang sebahagiannya diterangi cahaya matahari, berkeluasan 174 meter lebar dan 122 meter tinggi.

Gua ini menempatkan lebih tiga juta kelawar daripada sekurang-kurangnya 12 spesies, tertinggi pernah direkodkan menghuni satu gua dengan jangka hayat mamalia ini antara 13 hingga 30 tahun.

Gua yang dinamakan penduduk Penan dan Berawan berikutan menjadi lokasi teduhan rusa menawarkan pelbagai arca semula jadi terbentuk jutaan tahun lalu.

Laluan menghala ke dalam gua ini berliku-liku mengikut kontur semula jadi lantai gua. Meskipun laluannya diterangi lampu, jangan lupa kepentingan membawa lampu suluh untuk memeriksa lantai gua yang dilitupi guano atau najis kelawar dan serangga. Pesanan penulis - wajib bawa pelitup muka.

Profil bekas Presiden Amerika Syarikat (AS) ke-16, Abraham Lincoln yang terbentuk daripada proses hakisan tiga batu besar memberi ilusi seperti wajah manusia, akhirnya membentuk identiti Gua Rusa.

Sedikit ralat apabila penulis tidak berpeluang menikmati jutaan kelawar terbang keluar dari gua mencari makanan pada sebelah petang kerana hujan lebat. Kami sudah dimaklumkan lebih awal kemungkinan peluang melihat kelawar terbang bebas membentuk pelbagai formasi adalah tipis susulan cuaca tidak menentu mutakhir ini.

Seawal pagi, penulis dibawa menelusuri Sungai Melinau menaiki perahu panjang untuk meneroka Gua Angin dan Gua Air Jernih yang disenaraikan sebagai gua terpanjang di Asia Tenggara.

Kali ini, penerokaan sedikit mencabar apabila perlu melepasi ratusan anak tangga yang mencanak untuk tiba di pintu masuk gua. Namun keringat kami berbaloi apabila kedua-dua gua khususnya Gua Air Jernih menawarkan suasana menakjubkan dengan aliran anak sungai yang deras dan jernih di dalamnya selain titisan air dari bumbung gua.

Pengalaman di Gua Air Jernih sedikit sebanyak mengubati rasa kecewa gagal melihat formasi kelawar di langit. Penulis mengimpikan eksplorasi kedua untuk meneroka lebih banyak gua, menyusuri lebih jauh denai dan trek di Taman Negara Mulu yang menjanjikan pengalaman baharu bersama teman baharu.

Bukan hanya flora dan fauna, Sarawak secara umumnya juga kaya dengan kepelbagaian etnik dan budaya menjadikan ia sebuah negeri yang unik, sekali gus menjadi kekuatan utama Sarawak dalam menarik pengunjung ke negeri itu.

Menjelang Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026, STB mengambil langkah dan strategi lebih berani serta agresif dalam memasarkan negeri itu di peringkat antarabangsa dengan menyasarkan kehadiran lima juta pelancong tahun depan.

-berita harian online.

Finale Tahun Melawat Perak 2024 @ Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah, Meru, Ipoh ( 31 Disember 2024 )

 

Finale Tahun Melawat Perak 2024

Tarikh: 31 Disember 2024 (Selasa)

Masa: 8.00 - 12.30 malam

Lokasi: Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah, Meru

Mari semua kita penuhkan bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah minggu depan!

Sempena hari terakhir Tahun Melawat Perak 2024, pelbagai aktiviti yang menarik akan diadakan seperti:

> Persembahan kebudayaan pelbagai kaum

> Pelancaran logo pakej "Coffee Trails of Perak"

> Gerai-gerai jualan (bermula 30 disember 2024)

> Sesi meet & greet bersama maskot pelancongan perak

> Pertunjukan bunga api

> Persembahan nyanyian Tomok

> Persembahan nyanyian Ramlah Ram

Jom semua datang beramai-ramai! Jangan lupa juga bawa sekali tikar dan kerusi healing masing-masing ya..

Kita santai sama-sama...

-Tourism Perak.

Langkawi sees surge in visitors with additional ferry trips for Christmas holiday

 

LANGKAWI: Over 50,000 visitors have arrived in Langkawi via ferry since Dec 20 during the Christmas holiday, which coincides with the school break.

Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd Operations Manager, Lt Commander (Rtd) Norhafiz Abdul Wahid, said passengers accessed the island through the Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis jetty terminals.

"Of the total, 19,215 passengers travelled from the Kuala Kedah jetty terminal to Langkawi, while another 31,300 entered via the Kuala Perlis jetty terminal.

"During this holiday period, additional ferry trips from Kuala Perlis have been arranged to accommodate passengers travelling to and from Langkawi.

"We are providing 19 additional trips from Dec 20 to 29 between Kuala Perlis and Langkawi," he said when contacted today.

State Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the rise in visitor arrivals to Langkawi is an encouraging sign for the upcoming Visit Kedah Year 2025 (VKY 2025).

He said feedback from industry players and media reports indicated a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to the same period last year.

"This demonstrates that Langkawi's tourism sector has fully recovered, thanks to the collective efforts of the state and federal governments, agencies, and industry players.

"The consistent promotion of VKY 2025 is yielding positive results, and we are optimistic that next year will see a steady rise in visitor arrivals, not only in Langkawi but also across mainland Kedah.

"We have prepared extensively for VKY 2025 and are just three days away from unveiling what we have to offer for our guests to explore and enjoy," he said.

Meanwhile, Langkawi Paparich Leisure Sdn Bhd, the operator of a luxury cruise, has already received bookings for VKY 2025.

Its executive director Hazani Husin said the company has recently commenced the operation of RM10 million cruise ship capable of accommodating up to 333 passengers, adding a fresh attraction to Langkawi's offerings for VKY 2025.

-nst online.

Melaka terus kerjasama dengan Media Prima promosi WTD, WTC tahun depan - Ab Rauf

 

Ketua Menteri Melaka, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh pada sidang media di Seri Negeri Ayer Keroh, hari ini. - NSTP/AMIR MAMAT

AYER KEROH: Kerajaan negeri akan meneruskan kerjasama strategik dengan Kumpulan Media Prima Berhad (MPB) dalam penganjuran Hari Pelancongan Dunia (WTD) dan Persidangan Pelancongan Dunia (WTC) tahun depan.

Ketua Menteri, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, berkata ia susulan pemilihan Melaka sebagai tuan rumah kepada dua acara berprestij itu yang dijadual diadakan September tahun depan.

"Sudah pasti kita akan meneruskan kerjasama dengan MPB sebagai rakan media rasmi bagi acara berkenaan kerana kerajaan negeri amat berpuas hati dengan komitmen konglomerat media sepanjang penganjuran Tahun Melawat Melaka 2024 (TMM2024).

"Saya menegaskan, MPB berjaya membantu Melaka mempromosikan TMM2024 dan kita mendapat pulangan yang baik menerusi kedatangan pelancong yang ramai.

"Justeru saya harap tahun depan MPB sekali lagi dapat memberikan kerjasama dalam mempromosikan Melaka sebagai tuan rumah WTD dan WTC.... pastinya kerjasama itu akan diteruskan lagi," katanya pada sidang media selepas membentangkan Rang Undang-undang Enakmen Perbekalan 2025 (Bajet) pada Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Melaka Ke-15 di Seri Negeri, di sini hari ini.

Tahun lalu, kerajaan negeri Melaka menjalinkan kerjasama strategik dengan MPB yang dilantik sebagai rakan media rasmi TMM2024.

Pemilihan berkenaan susulan pengiktirafan MPB sebagai syarikat konglomerat media terbesar dan berpengaruh di negara ini.

Ia juga berdasarkan pengalaman dan kepakaran MPB yang mempunyai operasi bersepadu termasuk rangkaian televisyen, akhbar, radio dan pengiklanan digital, secara tidak langsung membantu kerajaan negeri mempromosikan kempen TMM2024.

Sementara itu, Ab Rauf berkata, kerajaan negeri akan melanjutkan Tahun Melawat Melaka (TMM) untuk tempoh dua tahun lagi sehingga 2026.

Beliau berkata, langkah itu sejajar pemilihan Melaka sebagai tuan rumah WTD dan WTC tahun depan dan disusuli Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

"Bagi mengekalkan momentum semangat TMM2024, kerajaan negeri bersetuju mengekalkan slogan keramat 'Mana Lagi...Melaka Lerr' yang semakin popular," katanya.

Mengulas sektor pelancongan negeri, Ab Rauf berkata, Melaka terus 'mendunia' dengan menganjurkan pelbagai aktiviti melalui 14 sub sektor pelancongan dengan 64 acara sepanjang tahun hadapan.

Katanya, antara aktiviti itu termasuklah Pengkisahan Detik Kemerdekaan Bersama Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Teater Kegemilangan Melaka, Melaka International Mountain Bike Jamboree, Pesta Pantai Melaka dan Melaka International Travel Mart.

Sempena kehadiran penganjuran WTD dan WTC di Melaka pada September tahun depan, kerajaan negeri turut menawarkan diri sebagai tuan rumah pelancaran VM2026.

-berita harian online.

PM urges innovative tourism projects to celebrate legends and history

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for more innovative projects like Dream Forest Langkawi to strengthen Malaysia's tourism sector.

In a Facebook post today, Anwar said such initiatives could spark interest in Malaysia's myths, legends, and history.

"Alhamdulillah, I am truly impressed by the creative talent showcased at Dream Forest Langkawi.

"This project has successfully highlighted the uniqueness of Langkawi Island in a highly impactful way while also bringing to life the local legends and myths that form an integral part of our national heritage.

"I hope to see more initiatives like this developed and celebrated to strengthen the nation's tourism sector while also igniting interest in the myths, legends, and history of our homeland," he said.

Anwar is currently in Langkawi, spending time on holiday with his family. He is also scheduled to attend several programmes with the local community.

He praised the project for its creative and impactful presentation of Langkawi's uniqueness, weaving together the island's natural beauty with its cultural stories.

"Langkawi is not just a beautiful island but one rich with stories and heritage that deserve to be explored and embraced by current and future generations.

"I propose that this effort also incorporates a vision for Langkawi's future, embracing new technologies and innovations.

"I have also contacted Tan Sri Fendi (Tan Sri Mohd Effendi Norwawi) and Puan Sri Tiara (Jacquelina) to express my appreciation for their tremendous efforts in making this initiative a success," he said.

Dream Forest Langkawi, situated at the base of Gunung Raya, brings to life a range of legendary stories tied to Langkawi, including the tales of Tasik Dayang Bunting and Merong Mahawangsa.

The brainchild of Tiara and her company, Enfiniti Group, the initiative provides visitors with an immersive, multi-sensory adventure through Langkawi's magical rainforest, surrounded by illuminations and projection mapping.

-nst online.

Foreign tourist spending up 63pct to RM26.98 billion in first nine months

 

State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md Noor (second from left) launched the programme. STR/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH

KOTA BARU: Spending by foreign tourists in Malaysia reached RM26.98 billion during the first nine months of this year, an increase of 63 percent compared to the same period last year.

Tourism Malaysia Eastern Region Director Mohd Azizul Arif Yahaya said Malaysia registered RM16.56 billion in spending by foreign tourists during the same period in 2023.

Mohd Azizul attributed the increase to the success of the Malaysia Year End Sale (MYES), which was the main contributor to the country's total tourism income.

"The MYES segment contributed 36.8 percent of the country's total tourism income of RM73.2 billion recorded during this period.

"I am very confident that this figure will continue to increase in the coming year, given the good response to this programme, especially after Tourism Malaysia re-organised the Malaysia Mega Sale 2024 campaign," he said at the launch of the Midnight Sale at Aeon Mall here last night.

The programme was launched by State Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Heritage Committee Chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md Noor.

Azizul said a total of seven MYES events were being held throughout the country, with two of them in Kelantan and Terengganu.

"One of the main reasons for organising this programme is to encourage international tourists, especially those from neighbouring countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei, to take this opportunity not only to shop but also to spend the night in Malaysia.

"This initiative focuses on tourists from Singapore and Thailand, with Tourism Malaysia hoping that these tourists can extend their stay in the country, including staying overnight in hotels around Johor Baru and Kota Baru," he added.

For 2025, he said Tourism Malaysia plans to expand this event to more shopping malls throughout the East Coast states, aiming to make the Midnight Sale or Year-End Sale one of the most awaited annual tourism events.

-nst online.

Kempen MYES: 100 pelancong Thailand kunjungi 'Midnight Sales' di Kelantan

 

KOTA BHARU: Seramai 100 pelancong dari selatan Thailand mengunjungi acara 'Midnight Sales' (Jualan Tengah Malam) di Kelantan sempena kempen Malaysia Year End Sale (MYES) 2024.

Kedatangan mereka selama dua hari satu malam sejak semalam itu adalah melalui jualan pakej yang dibangunkan oleh MATTA Kelantan Chapter sempena kempen berkenaan.

Pengarah Tourism Malaysia Wilayah Timur, Mohd Azizul Arif Yahya, berkata secara keseluruhan, tujuh program 'Midnight Sales' diadakan di seluruh negara dengan dua daripadanya berlangsung di Kelantan dan Terengganu.

"Antara matlamat penganjurannya ialah menggalakkan pelancong antarabangsa, terutama dari negara bersempadan dengan Malaysia, supaya mengambil peluang ini bukan saja untuk berbelanja tetapi juga bermalam di negara ini.

"Inisiatif ini memfokus kepada pelancong dari Singapura dan Thailand yang diharap memanjangkan tempoh keberadaan mereka di negara ini, termasuk bermalam di hotel.

"Acara di pusat beli-belah mampu menjadi alasan mereka yang datang dari jauh untuk tinggal lebih lama di Kelantan, sekali gus menyumbang kepada ekonomi tempatan," katanya kepada pemberita selepas pelancaran 'Midnight Sales' sempena kempen MYES di sebuah pasar raya, di sini, malam tadi.

Majlis itu disempurnakan oleh Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan Kelantan, Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor.

Mengulas lanjut, Mohd Azizul berkata, tempoh 15 November 2024 hingga 1 Januari 2025 diwartakan untuk penganjuran jualan akhir tahun, dan Tourism Malaysia dengan kolaborasi lebih 60 pemain industri telah melancarkan kempen MYES di seluruh negara.

Beliau berkata, Aeon Mall Kota Bharu, Noor Arfa Craft Complex dan KTCC Mall menjadi rakan strategik Tourism Malaysia dalam memperkenal, mempromosi serta mengadakan jualan hujung tahun sempena kempen MYES untuk Pantai Timur.

"Pelbagai tawaran potongan harga dan sesi cabutan bertuah dengan aneka hadiah menarik disediakan selama tempoh 48 hari kempen ini berlangsung.

"Untuk 2025, Tourism Malaysia bercadang memperluaskan acara ini ke lebih banyak pusat beli-belah di seluruh negeri di Pantai Timur, dalam usaha menjadikan jualan tengah malam sebagai salah satu acara tahunan pelancongan yang ditunggu-tunggu," katanya.

-berita harian online.

Selangor targets 8 million tourists next year

 

SHAH ALAM: Tourism Selangor has officially launched Visit Selangor Year 2025 with the tagline "Surprising Selangor" as it seeks to attract eight million tourists by the end of next year.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari launched the Visit Selangor Year 2025 campaign during the three-day Visit Selangor Year 2025 Festival and Concert, held from Dec 20 to 22, at Setia City Park, Setia Alam.

The festival attracted over 5,000 visitors and served as a vibrant platform to celebrate Selangor's rich culture, stunning natural landscapes and a wide array of attractions.

A standout moment was the free concert on Dec 21, during which Tourism Selangor introduced the campaign's mascot, SPARK the Fireflies, unveiled the campaign's digital portal, visitselangor2025.my, and debuted the official theme song performed live by Aizat Amdan.

The event also featured stellar performances by top artistes such as Cakra Khan, Datuk Amy Search, Ameng Spring, Zubir Khan, Suki Low, alongside a diverse array of activities. The events included an energetic workout, Love Food Festival with 70 booths offering 60 viral Selangor delicacies, a tourism exhibition, lucky draws and a spectacular fireworks display, all showcasing Selangor's rich cultural heritage, culinary delights and leisure experiences.

Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the Visit Selangor Year 2025 campaign marks a pivotal milestone in the Selangor First Plan, concluding in 2025.

"To support the campaign, the state government has allocated RM8 million in its 2025 budget, funding various initiatives.

"These include iconic events such as Art of Speed Malaysia and the Selangor Travel Fair, grants for local tourism operators, and extensive local and international marketing efforts to position Selangor as a premier travel destination," he said.

-nst online.

Festival Light And Motion Putrajaya (LAMPU 2024) @ Dataran Putrajaya, Malaysia ( 27 ~ 31 Disember 2024 )

 

-Perbadanan Putrajaya.

Tourism Malaysia Boost Media Engagement With #MYTravelNation For Visit Malaysia 2026

 

PENANG, 20 December 2024 - In a splendid display of appreciation, Tourism Malaysia hosts the Tourism Malaysia Social Media Spotlights, held from 19-21 December 2024, honouring the pivotal role of social media in promoting Malaysia as a top travel destination. The event celebrates the incredible contributions of social media influencers, content creators, and digital industry collaborators who are instrumental in showcasing Malaysia’s vibrant tourism offerings to a global audience.

Participants embarked on a curated journey through Penang, experiencing iconic landmarks such as The TOP, Penang War Museum, and a variety of delectable gastronomical delights such as the Nyonya cuisine at Nyonya Chiak hosted by Penang Global Tourism. The highlight of the event is the “Malam Pesta Muda Mudi” – an appreciation dinner held on 20 December at the Peranakan-inspired hotel at Iconic Marjorie in Bayan Lepas, followed by the heritage city tour around George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The event also marked the official launch of the #MYTravelNation initiative, a dynamic community that unites local and international social media practitioners to inspire and engage global travellers, inviting them to explore the unique wonders of Malaysia. The #MYTravelNation community will be crucial in amplifying awareness and excitement for Malaysia’s diverse travel experiences in gearing up for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Speaking at the event, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, emphasised the critical role of creativity and social media in driving growth and promotion within the tourism sector to achieve the target of welcoming 35.6 million international tourist arrivals and RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts in 2026.

“The success of #MYTravelNation and our goals for VM2026 is a shared responsibility. With the synergy between social media influencers and key digital industry partners like Canon, TikTok, and others, as well as the tourism industry players as a whole, we are empowering the world to discover the beauty and wonders of Malaysia, making it a must-visit destination for every traveller,” said Datuk Manoharan.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Pelancong Indonesia selami keunikan bermalam di inap desa

 

SHAH ALAM - Pertubuhan Pengusaha Homestay Malaysia (PPHM) yakin keseimbangan industri pelancongan antara Malaysia dengan Indonesia mampu diwujudkan.

Presidennya, Datuk Sahariman Hamdan berkata, satu kempen telah diadakan di Bandung dan Bogor dengan memberi tawaran pakej pelancongan menarik negara untuk menarik lebih ramai pelancong ke sini.

"Justeru, sempena Tahun Melawat Inap Desa 2025 dan Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026, kita menjemput mereka untuk merasai kelainan apabila bermalam di inap desa.

"Uniknya mereka akan merasai suasana kehidupan di kampung Melayu, menikmati makanan tradisi, persembahan kebudayaan dan pelbagai aktiviti yang disediakan," katanya dalam satu kenyataan pada Khamis.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas menandatangani memorandum persefahaman (MoU) antara PPHM dengan Asosiasi Travel Agent Indonesia (ASTINDO) Jawa Barat yang diwakili Presidennya, Joseph Sugeng irianto dan disaksikan Pengarah Tourism Malaysia di Indonesia, Hairi Mohd Yakzan di Bandung, Indonesia.

Mengulas lanjut, beliau yang juga pengusaha Kampungstay di Temerloh, Pahang memaklumkan, kerjasama itu diyakini akan menyuburkan persaudaraan antara Malaysia dan Indonesia.

Tambahnya, Malaysia mempunyai 223 kluster kampung yang mampu menawarkan lebih 3,000 bilik.

-sinar harian.

Santai Pancing Madani@Pantai Kelanang tawar hadiah wang tunai lebih RM27,000

 

BANTING: Pertandingan Santai Pancing Madani@Pantai Kelanang pada Sabtu ini yang mendapat sokongan Tourism Malaysia, menawarkan hadiah wang tunai keseluruhan lebih RM27,000 kepada pemenang.

Juara akan membawa pulang wang tunai RM10,00, naib juara (RM3,000), ketiga (RM1,000), keempat (RM600), kelima (500), keenam hingga 10 (masing-masing RM250) dan ke-11 hingga 100 (masing-masing RM120).

Pertandingan anjuran Kelab Pemancing Surfcast Profesional Bersatu Malaysia (MUPSAC) itu turut mendapat sokongan Ahli Majlis, Majlis Perwakilan Penduduk (MPP) Zon 18, Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Langat (MPHL), Mat Irwan Mat Ismail.

Presiden MUPSAC, Mohd Naim Ab Hakim, berkata acara Sabtu ini dijadual berlangsung dari jam 9 pagi hingga 12.30 tengah hari dengan kaunter pendaftaran akan dibuka di lokasi pertandingan bermula 8 malam Jumaat ini.

"Yuran penyertaan RM70 dikenakan untuk satu joran, manakala bagi orang kelainan upaya (OKU), yuran RM50. Peserta yang mendaftar awal akan menerima baju T, manakala peserta bertuah yang memegang resit pendaftaran pada gandaan 10 akan mendapat makan tengah hari percuma.

"Makan tengah hari percuma disediakan di lokasi pertandingan oleh pengusaha Lan Nasi Ayam selepas acara tamat jam 12.30 tengah hari,'' katanya memaklumkan resit pendaftaran pada gandaan 10 seperti 1,000; 1,010; 1,020; 1030 dan seterusnya.

Mohd Naim berkata, pertandingan itu dijangka membantu industri pelancongan domestik dengan pergerakan peserta dari seluruh Semenanjung bagi menyertai acara di Pantai Kelanang yang kaya pelbagai spesies ikan seperti pari, malong, belukang, semilang, gelama dan lain-lain.

Untuk pertanyaan dan pendaftaran, hubungi penganjur di talian 019-6203040, 012-2141401 dan 012-6823479.

-berita harian online.

Boney M to start anniversary tour in Kuching on Jan 4

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak will begin 2025 with a concert by popular 1970s band Boney M which marks their 50th anniversary tour in Kuching on Jan 4.

State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the band, led by original member Maizie Williams, had chosen Kuching as the first stop on their tour.

"We feel honoured to start the year with such a popular international band. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this iconic band live," he said in a news report today.

Event promoter Front Row Entertainment Sdn Bhd executive director Zaid Zaini said the Boney M show at the Borneo Convention Centre in Kuching was part of Sarawak's initiative to host international cultural events.

Founded in 1974, Boney M is a disco group renowned for hits like Rasputin, Daddy Cool, Ma Baker and Rivers of Babylon.

The concert organised by Lo-Fi Entertainment and Front Row Entertainment is titled Boney M 50th Anniversary Tour and will also be held in Mega Star Arena, Jalan Sultan Ismail here on Jan 12.

-nst online.