Malaysia to assign Mandarin-speaking officers at airports to welcome tourists from China after three years

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 — Keen to welcome back travellers from China, its top trading partner after three years, Putrajaya will station Mandarin-speaking officers at international airports nationwide to smoothen their arrival process.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the measures will be taken in anticipation of incoming Chinese tourists who are not well-versed in English or Malay even as Beijing opened its borders for overseas travel today and despite the health authorities apprehension of a new Covid-19 surge.

“The ministry will coordinate this international effort with international airport management nationwide and the Customs Department.

“This will ensure everything is prepared at the country's entry points, and in turn, further ease the entry process for travelers coming from China,” Tiong said on his Facebook page in Malay.

He said his ministry has proposed several measures to make the arrival process more efficient for travellers from China.

“Now, a large number of tourists from China are expected to enter our country for tourism.

“To better receive and welcome the arrival of Chinese tourists, MOTAC recommends easier entry points in international airports.

“Besides speeding up the process at the customs inspection without affecting travelers from other countries, this step can also highlight Malaysia's friendly nature in welcoming travelers from China,” he said.

MOTAC is the acronym for Tiong’s ministry.

He added that the health and safety of travellers from China is also a priority following Malaysia's move to tighten its health standard operating procedures to prevent a resurgence in Covid cases as global health experts warn of new emerging variants.

-malay mail.

Tour operators to be educated on social media

KUALA LUMPUR: Social media will be part of the Tourism Ministry's education programme for tour operators and travel guides.


Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said social media must be included to ensure the travel industry is up to date with current trends. “When they apply for a licence to operate, they need to undergo a two-day compulsory training course while those who want to renew their licences have to attend a one-day continuous education course.

“So, the social media aspect will be included in both these courses as it is important in improving the services and products provided to tourists,” she said after launching the two-day 2nd Malaysia International Tourism Bloggers Conference and Awards 2013 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.

Dr Ng pointed out that the ministry had come out strong in utilising social media in its promotional activities with the Cuti-Cuti Malaysia's Facebook page receiving 1,365,925 likes.

On another matter, Dr Ng gave an assurance that Sabah was not affected by the Lahad Datu siege, and that tourists could still travel there. Dr Ng added that she received news from Malaysia Airlines that tourists are still coming but were changing their destination to places like Langkawi instead of Sabah.

In a travel advisory posted on the Sabah Tourism Board's website, its general manager and board director Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks said all islands in the state are open and safe to visit.
-thestar online.

Lahad Datu: Yen Yen: Sabah is safe for tourists

KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism Ministry is once again assuring everyone that Sabah is not affected by the Lahad Datu incident. Its minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen said Tuesday tourists could still go to Sabah.

"There are army officers guarding the islands like Sipadan who have been there all this time," she said during a press conference at the Malaysia International Tourism Bloggers Conference and Awards Tuesday.

She said they have been communicating closely with the Sabah Tourism Board. "They update us on a daily basis," she said.

She added she has received news from Malaysia Airlines that tourists are still coming to Malaysia but were changing their destination. "There are some who don't want to go to Sabah but instead change their destination to places like Langkawi," she said.

-thestar online.

Ushering The Lunar Year With Sounds Of Over 200 Drums In Chinatown

PUTRAJAYA, 8 FEBRUARY 2013: Heeding  the Prime Minister  Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak’s clarion  call  to make Visit Malaysia Year 2014 a national mission, a group of local entrepreneurs have come up with a novel idea to usher the  Chinese New Year  in a unique  way.

Initiated by the Malaysian Chapter of the  Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (EO) in line with its theme, Delivering Happiness and supported by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, Drumming Up The Nation  is a cultural and musical showcase of over 200 drums from Malaysia’s diverse ethnic groups reverberating in unison throughout Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown to usher the Year of the Snake.

“This event promises to be a culturally significant and exciting occasion and will leave an indelible impression upon tourists and locals besides propelling KL’s Chinatown on the global tourist map.

Drumming Up The Nation promises to  be the biggest ever street party  in Malaysian history held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year Street Celebrations at  Petaling Street on Sunday, February 17, 2013 between 4.00pm to 11.00pm,” said Minister of Tourism, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen here today.

“Drumming Up The Nation is all about celebrating the lunar year in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown by Malaysians from various races in the true 1Malaysia spirit of unity, harmony, joy and splendour. It is about celebrating and sharing the strengths of our  cultural diversity. It’s also about building a united and common community spirit through festivities, fun activities and local food,” she continued.

Other highlights of the programme include abseiling performances by the Malaysian Armed Forces; performances and acrobatic feats by the World’s No. 1 Champion Lion Dance Association; Theatrical and Lights Production showcasing the rich history of Chinatown; live stage performances by Tourism Malaysia’s troupe; hawker food-fare; pyrotechnic and fireworks.

The Minister of Tourism said that Drumming Up The Nation will benefit local businesses as well as provide a unique opportunity to showcase the rich and colourful heritage of KL’s Chinatown apart from strengthening the spirit of unity amongst all Malaysians

For added convenience and to ensure visitors enjoy Chinatown’s famed hawker food-fare, Jalan Sultan will be closed to traffic and turned into a walking thoroughfare on February 17 between 6.00pm to 11.00 pm.

The Malaysian Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (EO) is a global community that enriches members’ lives through direct peer-to-peer learning, connections to experts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. EO is a catalyst enabling entrepreneurs to learn from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Dr Ng surprises long-stay guests

Imagine you are a tourist, having dinner at your favourite place, and suddenly the Tourism Minister of that country walks up to you and asks if you are enjoying your stay.

About 20 long-staying foreign guests of Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Penang went wide-eyed when Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen did just that.

On her recent official visit to Penang, Dr Ng decided to make an unscheduled surprise stop and chatted with such a group. “We are so pleased that the Tourism Minister would come and say hello to us,” said Swedish guest Sven Gunnar Karlstrom, 81.

Showing appreciation: Dr Ng chatting with Budke (left) and Kalstrom at the Rasa Sayang Resort in Batu Ferringhi, Penang

Dr Ng was also introduced to German Wilma Budke, 85, who has been a returning guest of the resort since 1978, and would have stayed in Penang for more than 5,000 nights, or a total of almost 14 years, by May. She also presented a congratulatory note from Tourism Malaysia and the resort recognising Budke’s night count.

“The presence of such a large number of long-staying guests in Penang is testament to the quality of Penang’s hospitality industry,” said Dr Ng. “I hope hospitality industry members in Penang will continue to maintain its leadership in the region.”

Resort general manager Elaine Yue said the resort has about 50 guests who return yearly, who stay for between one and six months to escape winter in their own countries.

-thestar online.

http://www.shangri-la.com/penang/rasasayangresort/

PM urges Malaysians to help make Visit Malaysia 2014 a success

photo: Tourism Malaysia ~ Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia facebook

KUALA LUMPUR: All Malaysians have a role to play in ensuring foreign tourists here get a tourist-friendly Malaysian experience, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the government targeted to receive 28 million tourists next year under Visit Malaysia 2014, an additional three million to the 25 million foreign tourists received last year.

“Every Malaysian needs to make the success of this campaign a national project and mission, and everyone should show a tourist-friendly attitude to let tourists feel that when they visit Malaysia, they are accepted with polite and friendly treatment from locals,” he said when launching the Visit Malaysia 2014 promotional campaign carnival at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here Saturday.

photo: Tourism Malaysia ~ Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia facebook

Also present were the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor,Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, HomeMinister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, and deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit.

Najib noted that despite the promotional work being done by the government ministries and agencies, the best advertisement for the country was the experience of tourists.

“Their sharing of experience to their family and friends back home is what will encourage more people to visit, so we must prepare to give them a Malaysian experience that will leave a lasting impression in their hearts and minds,” he said, adding that Malaysia's uniqueness rested in its successful combination of Eastern and Western values.

At the launch, the campaign's theme song, Celebrating 1Malaysia, Truly Asia, was also premiered by Malaysia's rock queen, Ella. The song will be used worldwide to promote the campaign.

Earlier, Dr Ng said the campaign was already garnering attention as there were 56.3 million online searches on Visit Malaysia 2014.

The launch was part of a three-day carnival, which ends today. The carnival presents a variety of events, including music and dance competitions, performances by popular artistes Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim, Jimmy Palikat and Azlan and the Typewriter, and lucky draws with over 2000 prizes.

Visitors can also buy holiday packages from over 200 booths manned by hotels, tour agents and tourism product operators at the carnival, besides learning more about local tourism programs like the Malaysia Homestay program and the 1Malaysia International Shoe Festival.

-thestar online.
www.motour.gov.my
www.tourism.gov.my

Three-day carnival to promote VMY 2014 to be held on Jan 18-20

PUTRAJAYA: A three-day tourism carnival will be held next week to kick-start the promotional campaign for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014.

Although VMY 2014 is still a year away, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the ministry would waste no time in reaching out to Malaysians on the importance of VMY 2014.

The carnival will be held at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 18-20 and will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak on the second night.

"We would like the rakyat to join us in welcoming the world as we are all hosts to this important year in tourism for the country," Dr Ng said in a press conference at the ministry here Friday.

Highlights at the carnival will include booths offering special holiday packages, food and fruit bazaars, an exhibition on 1Malaysia Chopper Bikes, a display of more than 60 different lanterns and lights, as well as various performances by local artistes such as Ella and Jimmy Palikat.

The carnival will be open from 10am to 11pm on the designated dates except on Jan 20, when it will close at 7pm. The ministry has targeted 28 million tourists to visit the country next year.
-thestar online.

www.motour.gov.my
www.tourism.gov.my

PelanconganKini supported Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

Yen Yen: More to do to make Malaysia a better place to retire

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will continue improving its tourism products after gaining worldwide recognition as an ideal place to retire in, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

“I am very proud that the world is recognising our country as an ideal place for retirement. “However, there is still room for improvement to make Malaysia an even more comfortable place for retirees,” she said, adding that this included transportation.

“Efforts under the National Key Result Area (NKRA) have been yielding results in terms of better public transport. But there is still much more we can do,” said Dr Ng. Malaysia was recently ranked third on travel web-magazine Internationalliving.com's list of “World's Top Retirement Havens in 2013”.

The list was compiled based on several factors affecting retirees, such as special benefits and infrastructure, medical and health facilities and cost of living. Ecuador came out tops and Panama second.

“There are many reasons that make Malaysia a great place to retire in, such as a stable environment, nice climate, affordable cost of living and our cultural diversity,” Dr Ng added.

On the three Moroccan tourists robbed by two men posing as taxi drivers in Penang, Dr Ng said the incident was unfortunate. She added that taxi services in the country needed to be strengthened.

In line with this, the ministry was training taxi drivers to become ambassadors for the country. “So far, we have trained up to 4,000 drivers and helped them see their very significant role in building the tourism industry. “We have received feedback that the quality of service provided by taxi drivers, especially those who have undergone training, has improved.”
-thestar online.

A successful year for tourism

PETALING JAYA: Industry players have described 2012 as a successful year for the country's tourism sector and the many achievements and international accolades bestowed on Malaysia is a reflection of its long list of accomplishments.

Kudos, they say, should go to the Tourism Ministry and its minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen for the tireless efforts to further promote the country to the world with new and “out of the box” tourism creations and innovations.

Industry players are confident the tourism achievements recorded this year will be a boon for both the industry and them especially in facing competition from other destinations.

Malaysia Tourist Guide Council president Jimmy Leong said the ministry has taken steps in the right direction by coming up with new and exciting packages and tourism products to lure more tourists to the country. He said the recognition received by Malaysia as the ninth most visited country in the world by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the fourth best shopping destination by CNN Travel has given Malaysia a better edge against its competitors.

“The international recognition has pushed us to another level. It is just not mere recognition because the world is now looking at us. “If previously, international tourists are undecided on where they should land in Asia, the accolades and recognition will help them decide on their holiday destination which is Malaysia,” Leong said.

Leong said with Malaysia now placed high on international ranking, the council expect this to be translated to not only bigger number of tourist arrivals but also more income for his 10,000-odd members and he thanked the minister for setting up a taskforce to look into the council's views and grouses.

Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association president Tony Ting said the industry has benefited tremendously from yet another one of the ministry's creative idea Malaysian International Shoe Festival, which, since its introduction in 2010, has become a major hit among locals and foreign tourists and was an event that many looked forward to attending.

He said the ministry introduced the festival an anchor event for the annual Grand Prix Sales following a study that showed that 17% of the tourist dollar went to purchase of footwear and buying shoes was on top of the “must buy” list among visitors.

“We are pleased that the ministry had approached us and this event has definitely elevated the Malaysian footwear industry. Last year, the festival saw some 60,000 visitors and the numbers have increased over the past five years.

“We are also pleased with the international tourism endorsements accorded to Malaysia and it reflects Dr Ng's hard work to promote the country's tourism industry,” Ting said.

Gabungan Persatuan Pelukis se-Malaysia vice-president Datuk Mansor Taib said the ministry's “out of the box” efforts to promote local arts has brought recognition to Malaysian artists at home and abroad. He said thanks to a new tourism product the contemporary art package formulated to lure art lovers from all over the world to experience and appreciate Malaysian arts, local artists were able to display their labour of love.

“This innovative way of promoting arts have given art galleries a new lease of life and have resulted in the opening of more such venues.” Mansor added that the ministry's efforts in promoting art has also given local artists the opportunity to work along their foreign contemporaries, including with a group of Russian artists recently.

-thestar online.
www.motour.gov.my
www.tourism.gov.my

The wheels of cycling tourism are turning fast

PUTRAJAYA: Bike ride packages are now gaining a foothold in Malaysian tourism.


“It started last year with just two travel operators offering cycling packages. Now there are seven operators offering 30 such attractions,” said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, adding that packages were on offer outside Putrajaya, too.

“Almost all states in the country now have bike rides. This is the result of the co-operation between the private sector and the Government,” Dr Ng said after participating in the Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Bike Ride @ Putrajaya 2012 cycling event here yesterday.

Dr Ng hailed Putrajaya as a suitable location to promote cycling tourism, citing reasons such as the administrative capital’s availability of cycling space, architectural beauty, and the green lung preserved in many of its botanical gardens.

“Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Bike Ride started as a domestic product but has now gained international recognition,” Dr Ng said, adding that talks with local airlines were in the works to further boost cycling tourism.
-thestar online.

Yen Yen: Special task force to handle tourist guide issues

PUTRAJAYA: A special task force has been set up to resolve issues faced by 10,000 tourist guides nationwide, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen (pic).


"The aim of the task force is to provide a platform for tourist guides to raise their grouses directly to the ministry. "This will allow the ministry to coordinate with the other relevant agencies to better address the issues," she told reporters this after a dialogue session here with industry players Monday.

She added that the task force, headed by the ministry's secretary-general and comprising representatives from tourist associations and relevant government agencies, would hold its first meeting next week.

She cited the examples of tourist guides wanting Socso coverage and foreigners working as guides as issues usually handled separately by the Human Resources Ministry and Immigration Department. "However, the task force will help cut red-tape as representatives from the relevant agencies will be invited to participate in the meetings," she said.

She noted that the move will better streamline the industry as the nation prepared to play host in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014. Some 11.6 million tourists visited the country for the first six months of this year and spent a total of RM26.8bil.
-thestar online.

Ng: Forecast of RM30bil revenue in food tourism by 2020

All together: Ng (in yellow attire) at the launch of the state-level ‘Fabulous Food 1Malaysia 2012’. Looking on are Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam (centre) and state and community leaders.

MALACCA: Malaysia is forecasted to enjoy a revenue of RM30bil in food tourism by the year 2020, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Speaking to reporters after launching the state-level “Fabulous Food 1Malaysia 2012” at a shopping centre here recently, Dr Ng revealed that the figure from food-related travel was tabulated from the total earnings of RM168bil anticipated through the tourism industry in the next seven years.

“The Government is confident of hitting the RM30bil mark by 2020 for food tourism alone as visitors often spend a chunk on food while holidaying in the country,” she said. Dr Ng noted that in 2011, food tourism contributed 17% or RM10bil from the RM58.3bil that was generated through the tourism industry. “The spending trend of tourists while holidaying here is also fuelled by the quest for authentic food and the multitude dishes available in the country,” she said.

She said mouth-watering dishes and cuisines of various races in the country had also placed the country as a haven for food.

Singaporeans, Dr Ng revealed, made the highest contributors towards the local food tourism. Malacca was one of the states which benefited from the arrival of tourists from across the causeway. Dr Ng said the importance of food as a vital component in tourism had been growing steadily and the ministry was optimistic this will be a catalyst for the development of the industry.

“Food related destinations in Malaysia should be in tandem with promotions carried out to popularise tourism spots,” she said, adding that local food is a valuable precious source to attract tourists into the country.

Dr Ng said the ministry also emphasised on quality services offered by food operators as well as the cleanliness of their premises. “Hence, it is imperative for food operators to provide the best services to tourists.

-thestar online.

Fabulous street food

Grand do: Dr Ng (left) lighting a mock couldron as a launching gimmick during the opening ceremony of Fabulous Food 1Malaysia Street Food Festival in Taman Johor Jaya.

JOHOR BARU: More than 240 stalls lined up along a 500m stretch along Jalan Dedap 25 here for the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia Street Food Festival in Taman Johor Jaya here.

The three-day food festival, in its fourth year, focused on popular multi-cultural street food including rojak, mee rebus, yong tau foo and there were also vendors selling fresh fruits, Japanese food and various types of desserts.

Visitor Hong Lee Muay, 35, gave her thumbs up after trying nasi ambang for the first time at the food festival. “I found it interesting that fried noodles is one of the dishes that accompanies the fragrant rice until the stall owner explained it to me. “Before this I have never even heard of the dish and I really enjoyed it because like true Malaysians, we always want a little bit of this and that in one dish,” said the homemaker.

Bicycle shop owner Mohammad Firdaus Saad, 39, who also attended the event last two years said that he was impressed that the number of stalls increase each year.

Sweet smelling: Street food like apom balik were a hit with visitors.

“My family actually look forward to this event each year because of the variety of food that is available all in one venue. “Some of our favourites are popiah basah, Hainanese chicken rice, Asam Laksa and of course, durian,” said the father-of-three.

Besides rows of food stalls, the thoughtful organisers also prepared tables and chairs for visitors to enjoy their food comfortably.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen who launched the food festival on Friday (Nov 30), said that food is one of the focus of the country’s tourism economy.

“In addition to transportation and accommodation, food is one of the essentials as tourist standards become more demanding and being very particular to the all-rounded combination of colour, flavour and taste of the food. “I have strong confidence in our hawkers and chefs in bringing out Malaysia’s multi-cultural cuisine as a way to promote our country,” she said.
-thestar online.

The Star launches book on culinary delights in Klang Valley

Come dine with us: Dr Ng taking a call card from food stall owner Panir Selvam during the launch of Food Trail in Kuala Lumpur. With them are Wong (left) and Cheong.

KUALA LUMPUR: Foodies will be able to scout around for the tastiest of dishes, now that Food Trail has been launched, a new book by The Star.

The book is a compilation of articles written by StarMetro journalist Sam Cheong under the same name and which was featured in its central edition every Thursday.

The Star executive director and group chief editor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai said Cheong had “explored every nook and corner” to find the most delectable dishes in town and had put together a trail for people who loved good food.
“He has made access to these places even simpler by providing GPS coordinates,” he said during the launch at the Malaysia Tourism Information Centre here yesterday.

The Star media group, he added, is passionate about food and would go the extra mile in promoting it via its newspaper, Flavours magazine, Kuali portal and LiTV on Astro Channel 728. The 160-page, full-colour book contains some of the best halal and non-halal fares in the Klang Valley.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, who launched the book, said food was an important tourism product in drawing more visitors to the country.

“We have positioned Malaysian food as an important structure of our tourism by having food promotions three months in a year from October to December,” she said. She hoped that Malaysia would become a household name for, among others, food, shopping, exhibitions and meetings on the global platform.

Later, during a press conference, Dr Ng said the ministry encouraged district and state authorities to create their own “food trail” directories. “This will enhance our domestic tourism's Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia programme as locals will know the best places to eat,” she said.

Dr Ng also urged the councils to set up their own tourism committees to help promote and develop their respective areas. Food Trail is available at all major bookstores in Malaysia at RM25 a copy.
-thestar online.

Five companies sign up with Chinese bank to promote services via MM2H programme

MM2H collaboration: Dr Ng speaking with Bank of China (M) Bhd personal banking department senior executive Janice Tan at its booth at the Malaysian pavilion during the China International Travel Mart in Shanghai.

SHANGHAI: Riding on a wave of Chinese nationals joining the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, five Malaysian companies have signed up with the Bank of China to provide services to their prospective clients.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the cooperation between her ministry, Bank of China and the private sector was an unusual development in promoting the MM2H programme to foreigners. She said the companies could work with the bank to attract its 300,000 high-end customers with savings and assets of US$1mil (RM3.07mil) to US$2mil (RM6.14mil) each to choose Malaysia as their top choice destina-tion of home away from home.

“I am confident that if they promote the programme well and always put their customers first, they will reap the fruits of their labour,” she said after witnessing a joint memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between the bank and the five companies here on Thursday.

The companies, licensed by the ministry as agents of the programme, are Complete Point (MM2H) Sdn Bhd, CK-Ten (MM2H) Sdn Bhd, Synergy Home (MM2H) Sdn Bhd, Sweet Home Garden (MM2H) Sdn Bhd and CLS (MM2H) Sdn Bhd.

Since 2002 until August, Malaysia approved applications from 19,488 foreigners for the MM2H programme. China topped other countries with 3,332 participants, followed by Japan and Bangladesh. Between January and August, 475 participants from China joined the programme, a 257% increase from the corresponding period last year.

On Friday, Dr Ng who was on a two-day official visit to Shanghai attended the opening of the Malaysian pavilion at the China International Travel Mart and paid a courtesy call on Chinese National Tourism Administration Minister Shao Qiwei.

-thestar online.

A ‘rojak’ of iconic dishes

Food drive: Ng speaking at the launch of the Asean Heritage Food Trail 2012 in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR: Three local favourites - yong tau foo, rojak and mee rebus - have been chosen as iconic Malaysian dishes for a food tourism event featuring famous chefs.

“The dishes were picked based on the criteria that they represent Malaysia Truly Asia, common to all Malaysians and are easily available,” said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. She added that the dishes, chosen for the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia - 4th Asean Heritage Food Trail with Datuk Chef Wan, were selected based on feedback of the people.

The event will held until Nov 22 at Lot 10 shopping centre here, where local celebrity chefs will be conducting cooking demonstrations of their favourite Asean dishes. The public can expect familiar names such as chef Riz, Florence Tan and Celine Marbeck.

The event will also include international chefs from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Sweden, France and Singapore. Dr Ng hoped the public would also give their input to the ministry on their favourite local food for next year's top three dishes for the event.

On food tourism, Dr Ng said it was a great revenue generator and the local good food was sure to lure tourists to Malaysia. She added that food tourism has been identified as one of the components that would accelerate the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 in achieving the country's target of 36 million tourist arrivals and RM168bil tourism receipts by 2020.

“By 2020, it is expected that tourists will spend almost RM30bil on food,” she said in her speech before launching the event yesterday.

-thestar online.

Foreign trips raised tourism revenue by RM635mil, says Ng Yen Yen

KUALA LUMPUR: The foreign trips and promotions by the Tourism Minister last year generated an increase of RM635.3mil in foreign exchange revenues compared to 2010, Parliament was told. The increase could be derived from the promotions of prestige tourism and high spending tourists to Malaysia.

In 2011, foreign tourists spending in the shopping sector alone made up 30% of the total revenue for the industry, which is RM17.5bil compared to 28.7% or RM16.2bil in the previous year, the minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen told Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) during Question Time.

Kok had asked the ministry to list the minister's foreign trips and tourism promotion from 2010. Dr Ng said that the official promotional visits to various countries had also increased tourist arrivals, boost revenue as well as opening new markets.

In 2011, we went for several promotional visits, including to Iran, Indonesia, China, Russia, Philippines, Vietnam, and United Arab Emirates in conjunction with the Arab Travel Mart, Dr Ng said. For instance, tourists from China increased by 10.6% from 1,130,261 visitors in 2010 to 1,250,536 in 2011, generating 12.6% increase in revenue from RM3.1bil to RM3.5bil.

This year, from January to August, we visited Singapore, Philippines, and Germany in conjunction with the Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB), she said.

-thestar online.

Tourism sector set to fly high

The tourism ind­ustry will scale greater heights with the increase in allocations in Budget 2013, said Tou­rism Mi­n­is­ter Da­tuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.


Describing the budget announ­ced by the Prime Minister yesterday as “responsible and very implementable”, Ng said the incentives would motivate industry players to work harder towards making Malaysia a leading tourist destination. “I am very pleased with the budget as the extra allocation for Visit Malaysia Year will definitely boost the industry,” she said, adding that the ministry had targeted 26.8 million tourist arrivals in the coming year.

The tourism industry was allocated RM358mil under Budget 2013 in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2013/2014, which is a 42% increase from last year’s allocation of RM250mil.

Tour operators who bring in at least 750 foreign tourists or handle a minimum of 1,500 local tourists per year will also receive 100% income tax exemption for three years.

Ng said the tax exemption incentive would encourage tour operators to be more innovative and creative in coming up with new tourism products to attract more visitors.
-thestar online.

Malaysia eyes Indonesia's rapidly growing market for high-end travel

Malaysia wants to tap the Indonesian luxury travel market to the peninsula as arrivals to the country grow rapidly.

Speaking to Indonesian outbound tour operators and the city’s socialites in Jakarta on Tuesday, Malaysia Tourism Minister, Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen introduced Malaysia’s new tourism campaign Luxury Malaysia, which targets the high-end market. She said: “Travellers today still look at destinations in Europe like Paris for luxury travel. Our new tourism direction is to make Malaysia a luxury destination.”

January-June arrivals from Indonesia to Malaysia grew 20 per cent over the same period last year to 1,108,361. Last year, Indonesia recorded 2,134,381 total arrivals. “Apart from the fact that there is increased seat capacity from Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia and Sriwijaya Air, there is a rising number of outbound travel from Indonesia, which shows the economy is growing,” she said.

A couple of familiarisation trips organised by Tourism Malaysia Jakarta office had shown that with awareness campaigns and promotions, Malaysia has the potential to attract Indonesian high-end travellers.

“Many people are not aware yet that Malaysia is a duty free country. Apart from the five categories of products (car, glass and pyrex, cigarettes, alcohol and chocolates) all other products are tax exempted in Malaysia. Shoppers from all over the world can seek bargain buys from luxurious brands in Malaysia,” the minister said. Other areas that could potentially draw high-end travellers were the country’s culinary and cycling tours.

Dr Ng Yen Yen also said Malaysia had just launched a helicopter tour, cruise, Johor Premium Outlets, Legoland, KidZania as part of a lineup of luxury products. “We are also offering the Fly and Cycling Tour for the high-end market. To travel agents who have a group of 30 people, we (the government) will organise a police escort, mechanics, and an ambulance,” she said. The Fly and Cycling Tour has tourists fly into Malaysia for cycling tours.

Quizzed on their target segment, Dr Ng Yen Yen said: “We are aiming for the top-notch ‘Hermes’ travellers and the next layer of ‘Mango’-brand travellers.”
-TTG Asia.

Deputy Prime Minister Opens MOTOUR Art Gallery

photo: PelanconganKini

PUTRAJAYA, 13 SEPT – Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Tan Sri Dato’ Muhyiddin Haji Mohd Yassin, officially opened the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia (MOTOUR) Art Gallery at the lobby of the Tourism Ministry before attending its Raya Open House, Warna-Warni Aildilfitri 2012 here, today.

The event was graced by the Tourism Minister, YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen and a number of senior officers from various government departments, foreign ambassadors, local artists and representatives from the tourism industry. The MOTOUR Art Gallery grand opening exhibition features a stellar collection of large creative artworks by various talented local artists.

Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen in her speech said that the art gallery was set up to support the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism event and to complement the Malaysian artists’ creative efforts. “I believe that the MOTOUR Art Gallery can be used as a platform to promote the very best in contemporary Malaysian artworks to the public, especially to the local and foreign visitors that the Ministry receives daily,” said Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng, adding that the opening of the art gallery would help expose the local artist artworks to a wider audience. “Creativity is an important value and I strongly believe that Malaysian art offers a window to the rest of Malaysia, our beautiful natural landscapes, our culture and tradition.” she added.

photo: PelanconganKini

The MOTOUR Art Gallery currently features Malaysian aboriginal sculptures by the Mah Meri tribe which have attained the UNESCO Seal of Excellence recognition – the only one in the world. Through their sculpture works, the Mah Meri people from Pulau Carey, show their legacy of culture and traditions.

There is also an exhibition of the international award winning masterpieces by Suhaimi Fadzir, who recently won the Dublin Biennial 2012 Award of Excellence, the first major award won by a Malaysian in any biennials to date. In Suhaimi’s sculptures, installations and mixed media works, the viewer will be able to identify common items and icons that they, too, can relate and thus form a bond of understanding with the artist.

photo: PelanconganKini

Another outstanding collection at the art gallery is the artworks by Ahmad Shukri. This award-winning Malaysian contemporary artist (Philip Morris, Young Contemporary and ASEAN Art Awards) is one of the co-founders of leading non-conformist art group, MATAHATI. Through MATAHATI, Ahmad Shukri contributes towards shaping the future of Malaysian art, using it as a platform to guide and mentor aspiring artists.

On display too are “The Malaysian Rice Plates Project” organised by Wei-Ling Gallery which brings together 60 Malaysian artists who have created individual artworks inspired by the Malaysian currency, not on canvas, but on rice plates. Rice, being the staple food of Asians, is as necessary to sustenance as money. It is also an important symbol of unity as all Malaysians eat their rice from plates.

photo: PelanconganKini

The exhibition today also features Malaysia’s young creative talents in “Reflections of 1 MALAYSIA” – an exhibition by Malaysian students organized by Institut Kajian Etnik (KITA) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. This art programme reaches out especially to the young children of Malaysia. It brings together the reflections of a group of school children of various cultures and ages around the themes of friendship and social relationships.

BACKGROUND ON 1MALAYSIA CONTEMPORARY ART TOURISM FESTIVAL

Held for the third consecutive year, the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival was initiated in 2010 to diversify Malaysia’s tourism product offerings and establish Malaysia as a reputable destination for art aficionados in the region to enjoy and acquire contemporary art, with museum-quality pieces in line with the theme “Malaysia, Your New Art Tourism Destination.”

The event, with a series of nationwide art-related events organized from July to September, serves as a platform to promote Malaysian artists and artworks to a global audience as well as groom and launch the careers of young Malaysian artists.

The first 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival in 2010 recorded 42,000 visitors and about RM14 million in art sales throughout the three-month festival from July to September. One of the most significant turn of events during the festival was the success of the Henry Butcher Art Auction, a first in Malaysia, which recorded sales of RM1.7 million in a single afternoon with 90% of the works sold.

The following year, the Henry Butcher Art Auction registered total sales of over RM3 million, while in 2012, total sales was RM4.1 million, proving that apart from a growing interest in collecting Malaysian artworks, the secondary art market for Malaysian artworks is well and truly on the rise as well.
-Tourism Malaysia.