Cancellation Of VISIT MALAYSIA 2020 (VM2020) Campaign And Guest Stay At Tourist Accommodation Premises Throughout The Movement Control Order (MCO)

Following the recent Movement Control Order (MCO) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has decided to take the following pre-emptive actions:

• Cancellation of Visit Malaysia Campaign 2020 (VM2020)
• A freeze on all over-the-counter and online services for new application, license renewal of travel operating business and travel, tourist guide, tourism training institute and registration of rated tourist accommodation premises as well as spa and foot massage centre.

The cancellation of Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) with immediate effect is in line with the impact of COVID-19 outbreak which has profoundly affected the tourism sector in Malaysia and the whole world.

A freeze on all over-the-counter and online services at Tourism Licensing Division and MOTAC state offices concerning tourism licensing including business travel operator, tourist guide, tourism training institute and registration of rated tourist accommodation premises, spa centre and foot massage centre is also effective immediately until 31 March 2020.

Pursuant to the media statement issued by the National Security Council on the MCO, all tourist accommodation premises are allowed to operate at minimum level. Their services are to be rendered to guests who have already checked-in into the hotels before 18 March 2020, whilst food and beverages are restricted to room service only. On that note, the guests are to remain in their rooms throughout the quarantine period.

Check-ins at the tourist accommodation premises during the Movement Control Order are allowed but on a limited scale. For guests who have to extend their stay due to the implementation of MCO, they may book and/or check-in with the tourist accommodation premises according to their budget. However, new check-ins for domestic tourists are not allowed.

On this note, I urge the public to abide by the rule of social distancing during the implementation of the MCO and to get verified information from official sources. Together, let us do our part to flatten the curve and pray for the safety of our beloved country and people.

Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri
Minister
Tourism, Arts and Culture

18 March 2020.

Experience Malaysia - March 2020

For viewing EXPERIENCE MALAYSIA Click here 

-Tourism Malaysia.

Visa And Tourism Malaysia Enter Into Strategic Partnership To Grow Tourism To Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 March 2020 - Visa Malaysia has entered a long-term partnership with Tourism Malaysia to support the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in driving inbound tourism and promote Malaysia as a preferred travel destination.

In the spirit of Visit Malaysia 2020, Tourism Malaysia and Visa mark an important partnership to drive inbound tourists, and drive Malaysia to be a preferred destination for travel especially in shopping segment. 

Shopping in Malaysia is considered one of the popular tourist activities due to the favourable exchange rates, quality of products, and diversity of choices. According to Tourism Malaysia, for the past four straight years, shopping was the biggest share of tourist expenditure for Malaysia, taking up 35.2 per cent of the total tourist receipts in Jan-Sept 2019 at RM 23.3 billion. This showed an increase of 14.4 per cent compared to 2018. 

Visa will be harnessing its data analytics capabilities and research to generate useful traveller insights. Through collaborative co-creation with Tourism Malaysia, this will help to transform tourists’ travel experiences when they visit Malaysia.

The partnership will also leverage on Visa Preferred Merchant Programme (VPM) which features a variety of rewards and benefits popular amongst tourists visiting Malaysia. The benefits include dining, shopping, family entertainment and medical wellness offers for Visa cardholders. These benefits will be shared through Visa and Tourism Malaysia’s digital media and distribution channels globally. In addition, Visa will also help to promote domestic tourism in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia’s Cuti-Cuti Malaysia campaign and share a variety of offers that are relevant for local Visa cardholders.

Present at the signing ceremony was Datuk Musa Hj. Yusof, Director General Tourism Malaysia. He said, “MOTAC and Tourism Malaysia have embarked on several efforts to promote Malaysia as a must-visit tourism destination and we want to provide a conducive environment for businesses in Malaysia to drive and boost tourism growth. With Visa coming on board as a preferred payments partner to help promote Malaysia as a tourist destination, we are confident that we can attract more inbound tourists and enhance their experiences here in the country.”

“Visa is excited to collaborate with Tourism Malaysia to promote Truly Asia Malaysia. This strategic partnership is a milestone for both Visa and Tourism Malaysia. Malaysia has many outstanding travel spots, and we want to help achieve Tourism Malaysia’s goal of becoming one of the world’s top tourist destinations. We are able to leverage our analytics capabilities to provide insights on travellers visiting Malaysia and our extensive global network to further help Tourism Malaysia promote Malaysia as a leading tourist destination in the world,” said Ng Kong Boon, Visa Country Manager for Malaysia. 

“In addition, Visa has more than 3.4 billion cards worldwide, and enabling our cardholders to make full use of their privileges when they travel using our preferred merchant programme is important to us,” added Ng Kong Boon.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And Sharp Launch AQUOS 8K VM2020 Video Collaboration

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 February 2020: Tourism Malaysia and SHARP Electronics (Malaysia) today launched the AQUOS 8K VM2020 Video Collaboration in Pavillion shopping mall. 

Dato’ Dr. Noor Zari Hamat, Secretary General Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Mr Yoshihiro Hashimoto, Managing Officer Head of President office, and Mr. Robert Wu, SHARP Deputy CEO of ASEAN and Managing Director, also present in the ceremony.

In the spirit of Visit Malaysia 2020, Tourism Malaysia and SHARP unveiled their highly anticipated production titled ‘Truly Aquos 8K, Truly Asia Malaysia’ to captivate tourists across SHARP’s extensive network, both locally and globally. 

Robert Wu, said, “SHARP is thrilled to promote Malaysia to the world through this creative collaboration with Tourism Malaysia. We can all agree there is no place like Malaysia. We have beautiful rainforests, friendly people, unique architecture, and charming islands. What sets the ‘Truly Aquos 8K, Truly Asia Malaysia’ production apart is the presence of our 8K technology which captures every micro-detail and moment and presents it to our audience in the same manner as if experiencing it in real life. SHARP is happy to support Tourism Malaysia and complement their efforts to boost interest among holidaymakers, especially potential travellers who are also customers across our global SHARP network.”

“Malaysia continues to be a melting pot of cultures with the right mix of urban and natural charms. It is refreshing to see this brought to life visually through the lens of new technology, such as Aquos 8K VM2020 Video. And amid the current challenge faced by the tourism sector as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, we believe precautionary measures to safeguard the well-being of travellers will strengthen confidence among tourists planning their journey to Malaysia,” said Dato’ Dr. Noor Zari.

The production team created two videos, with a duration of two minutes each, themed, ‘Amazing’ and ‘Diversity’ to represent the qualities that best describe Malaysia. The process took approximately 240 hours within 20 days in production and 16 days in post-production.

Malaysia, being one of the most multicultural nations in Southeast Asia, inspired the videos which embody raw and genuine human essence derived from diverse ethnicities and a myriad of cultures. Several recognisable attractions featured in both videos were shot at locations like Sekinchan in Selangor, the Mossy Forest in Pahang, Central Melaka, Tanjung Rhu in Langkawi, the Thean Hou Temple and Gelanggang Tok Cindai in Kuala Lumpur. The Sarawak Cultural Village and Pom Pom Island in Sabah, are also featured as well as among others.

SHARP and Tourism Malaysia engaged established award-winning Malaysian film and content house, Chilli Pepper Films to spearhead the ‘Truly Aquos 8K, Truly Asia Malaysia’ production. Together with Mark Toia, a Kiwi-born, Australian-bred globally acclaimed commercial director, and Cameron Michael, a New York-based nature cinematographer and director of photographer, the team breathe life into the ‘Amazing’ and ‘Diverse’ videos. Braving the elements and responsibility of capturing Malaysia’s sights and sounds, the production team has become the first to shoot an 8K video in Malaysia. 

The creative vision and execution coupled with state-of-the art 8K video quality of the ‘Amazing’ video won global recognition at the Asia Destination Film Awards 2020 in Bangkok in January this year. The video took home the award in the Tourism Board category, overcoming 1,000 other submissions and 34 shortlisted films.

The ‘Truly Aquos 8K, Truly Asia Malaysia’ videos are the result of a Memorandum of Joint Collaboration Partnership signed by Tourism Malaysia and SHARP in 2019 with the aim to boost promotion of the VM2020 campaign. The promotional videos bearing Malaysia’s attractions will be showcased at 19,500 stores (195,000 TV panels) across SHARP’s global network.

-Tourism Malaysia.

MYEXPERIENCE Tawar 500 Pakej Niche Pelancongan Sempena Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 FEBRUARI 2020 – Tourism Malaysia telah melancarkan ‘PAKEJ MYexperience SEMPENA VISIT MALAYSIA 2020’ bertempat di Dewan Tun Dr. Ismail, World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur hari ini.

Objektif utama pelancaran ini adalah untuk meningkatkan promosi produk-produk pelancongan minat khas (niche product) melalui pengumpulan 500 pakej-pakej niche yang komprehensif di dalam terbitan booklet MYexperience. Booklet ini telah dikemaskini dan ditambah nilai dengan penglibatan 109 pengusaha-pengusaha pelancongan berdaftar yang mempromosi pakej-pakej yang menarik untuk Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2020. Ia diharap dapat menarik minat pelancong tempatan dan juga pelancong antarabangsa.

Majlis pelancaran ini diserikan dengan aktiviti-aktiviti bercorak interaktif dan berinformasi sepanjang program berlangsung. Dianggarkan kehadiran seramai 200 jemputan yang terdiri daripada organisasi kerajaan dan swasta, pihak universiti awam dan swasta, serta pihak industri pelancongan.

“Pelancaran booklet MYexperience ini tepat pada masanya dan sangatlah bersesuaian bagi menggalakkan percutian domestik di kalangan penduduk Malaysia,” ulas YB. Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia. Jelas menteri itu lagi, Pakej Myexperience juga selari dengan inisiatif ‘quick win’ dalam menangani industri pelancongan negara yang turut terkesan susulan daripada krisis COVID-19 yang ketara di peringkat global.

Pakej Myexperience ini boleh diperolehi melalui www.malaysia.travel dan vm2020.malaysia.travel selain dari laman sesawang setiap agensi pelancongan yang terlibat. Tempoh sah laku pakej yang ditawarkan adalah sehingga penghujung Disember 2020. Pakej-pakej yang ditawarkan meliputi 23 segmen termasuklah pelancongan sukan, pelancongan ekologi, pelancongan perubatan atau kesihatan, pelancongan pendidikan, pelancongan gastronomi, pelancongan berasaskan gaya hidup serta membeli-belah.

-Tourism Malaysia.
http://ebrochures.malaysia.travel/

Malaysia Showcases VM2020 Campaign At ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2020

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 15 JANUARY 2020: Malaysia kick started Visit Malaysia Campaign 2020 (VM2020) by participating in the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2020 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam from 12 to 16 January 2020. The Malaysian delegation was led by YB Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi, accompanied by the Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Dato' Dr. Noor Zari bin Hamat and Director General, Tourism Malaysia, Datuk Musa bin Haji Yusof.

This year marks the 39th anniversary of the event with the slogan "Together Towards a Next Generation of Travel". During the forum, a series of meetings among ASEAN Tourism Ministers and Senior Officials are held from 12 to 16 January 2020. A joint media statement by the ASEAN Ministers of Tourism will be issued on 16 January 2020 to state resolutions and relevant decisions in developing the tourism industry in the ASEAN region as decided during the bilateral meetings.

In addition to attending the bilateral meetings, Malaysia also participated in ATF 2020 TRAVEX exhibition to engage with Malaysian tourism industry players and organizations which received tremendous support from buyers and media at Tourism Malaysia’s booth. This particular year, ATF witnessed participation from 160 international buyers and 109 international and local media.

A total of 37 delegates from 22 Malaysian tourism industry players including hotels, tour operators, tourism organizations and airlines participated in ATF 2020 TRAVEX. Tourism Malaysia set up a 54-square-foot pavilion to facilitate Malaysian sellers to hold discussions with buyers and provided updates on tourism products and other tourism-related information in Malaysia.

To further enhance VM2020 promotional activities, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia had launched the campaign on 15 January 2020 with the objective to cultivate the enthusiasm and interest of tourists from ASEAN countries especially Brunei to travel to Malaysia in 2020.

Malaysia's participation in the ATF 2020 is expected to attract more international tourists to Malaysia in order to achieve the campaign targets of 30 million tourists and USD 24.44 billion (RM100 billion).

As a member state of ASEAN, Malaysia is looking forward to the next decade of a more prosperous and relevant ASEAN and will continue to collectively innovate and seek meaningful initiatives to increase tourism growth in the region by incorporating the digitalization tourism while retaining the heritage, tradition and identity that make ASEAN unique for future generations.

Apart from participating in ATF 2020, Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with Horizon Restaurant, Brunei is also organizing the Malaysian Food and Culture Festival for a week from 13 to 21 January 2020. The festival gives opportunity for local citizens, international expatriates and foreign tourists to witness Malaysian cultural performances and savour Malaysian food during the event.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Xiaomi Partners With Tourism Malaysia For VM2020

PUTRAJAYA, 10th January 2020 - Global technology leader Xiaomi has partnered with the Tourism Malaysia to boost Malaysia’s global tourism. The partnership sees both parties jointly producing impressive photography shots in several scenic spots in Malaysia through Xiaomi's latest smartphone Mi Note 10, as well as contributing a promotional video for the Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) campaign. The partnership also aims to promote Malaysia’s tourism through the Mi Note 10, the world’s first smartphone with 108MP penta camera setup.

The partnership was announced at an official ceremony between Xiaomi Malaysia and MTPB which was officiated by Datuk Musa Yusof, Director General Tourism Malaysia, and Mr. Allen An, Country Manager of Xiaomi Malaysia and Singapore.

The 3-minute promotional video, featuring Malaysia's world renowned natural and architectural wonders as well as hidden gems, is now available on Xiaomi's official social media platforms including Xiaomi Malaysia’s Facebook page, Xiaomi Malaysia’s Youtube channel, and Xiaomi’s official account in Sina weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform.

“We’ve always wanted to help showcase Malaysia’s natural beauty to the world and so we want to thank Tourism Malaysia for giving us the opportunity to play our part in the VM2020 campaign. Not just tourists, but Malaysians themselves often overlook the country’s hidden gems. With the 108mp camera on the Mi Note 10, Malaysians are able to capture the unique beauty of this country into the innermost detail, bringing to life what was previously unseen. We believe Mi Note 10 will enable users and Mi Fans to enjoy mobile photography more with epic photography and videography quality.” said Mr. Allen.

Commenting on the partnership, Datuk Musa Yusof, said, “Xiaomi being a global technology leader together with their latest smartphone, Mi Note 10, is the perfect device to display Malaysia’s hidden beauty to the world. For the VM2020 campaign, we wanted to showcase the best Malaysia has to offer, whether our vibrant heritage, our diverse culture or our endless scenic spots that we have, Xiaomi is one of the most suitable partners to help us achieve these efforts and capture a truly aesthetic experience.”

In conjunction with the partnership, Xiaomi Malaysia will be launching an online photography competition, themed #ExploreMalaysiaWithMINOTE10, on its official Facebook Page. Users are able to participate by taking photos of sceneries in Malaysia using the Mi Note 10. Participants are required to take photos and post online on either Facebook or Instagram together with the hashtag #ExploreMalaysiaWithMiNote10. Winners will be selected based on the most creative shots and will stand a chance to win attractive prizes courtesy of Tourism Malaysia including tickets to scenic spots and resorts in Malaysia.

VM2020 brings out the best of what Malaysia has to offer to the world in a single, event-packed year. The year 2020 holds a special place in the heart of all Malaysians as we reflect and celebrate all our successes and challenges in transforming a once colonial land, into a thriving, multi-cultural and dynamic country.

Officially launched on 4th December 2019 in Malaysia, Mi Note 10 features 6GB RAM+128GB ROM and is the world’s first 108MP penta camera setup with a premium design and a massive 5260mAh battery. Another variant is also available, Mi Note 10 Pro, with an 8-piece lens and a larger 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM storage. Both Mi Note 10 and Mi Note 10 Pro are here to deliver epic smartphone photography experience.

Mi Note 10 retails for RM 2,099, whereas Mi Note 10 Pro retails for RM 2,499. Both devices are available online through Lazada, Shopee and at all Mi Stores in Malaysia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

TM Supports Tourism Malaysia As The Strategic Telecommunication Partner For VISIT TRULY ASIA MALAYSIA 2020

International tourists travelling to Malaysia, here’s a great offer for you! You can now register for unifi Travel Pass, the best tourist SIM in Malaysia and enjoy unlimited high speed data, wifi connectivity and favourite TV shows! 

This special offer is made possible with the collaboration between Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Tourism Malaysia for Visit Truly Asia Malaysia 2020 campaign, in line with its commitment to achieve 30 million tourist arrivals and RM100 billion tourist receipts in 2020. 

This collaboration marks an unwavering effort by both parties to optimise the use of latest technology, leverage on digital marketing and maximise integrated marketing campaign to boost Malaysia’s tourism industry. The collaboration will focus on three (3) main pillars, namely broadband connectivity for tourists; promotion of the campaign via TM’s digital assets; and campaign promotion via global and domestic assets. 

To mark the momentous working synergies, both parties today exchanged the collaboration document in an event graced by Dato' Dr. Noor Zari Hamat, Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture together with Tuan Haji Rosli Man, Chairman of TM. At the event, Izlyn Ramli, Vice President, Group Brand and Communication, TM exchanged the document with Datuk Musa Yusof, Director General, Tourism Malaysia.  

As part of the collaboration, TM through its premier Convergence brand – unifi – introduced a special unifi Mobile plan, aptly called unifi Travel Pass, designed exclusively for tourists visiting Malaysia. unifi Travel Pass offers the freedom to be connected via unlimited high speed data plan, access to unlimited wifi nationwide via wifi@unifi and unlimited entertainment via playtv@unifi app, making it the best tourist SIM in Malaysia. 

Commenting on the collaboration, Tuan Haji Rosli said, “We are excited to support Tourism Malaysia as the Strategic Telecommunication Partner for the Visit Truly Asia Malaysia 2020 campaign. This collaboration not only reflects our support for Malaysia’s tourism industry, it is also a testament of our continuous commitment in bringing unlimited connectivity for everyone including foreign tourists travelling in Malaysia, so they can stay connected to the digital world, in line with our role towards realising Malaysia’s Digital Nation aspirations. TM via its innovative and comprehensive products and solutions will continue to serve a more digital society and lifestyle, digital businesses and industry verticals, as well as digital Government.”  

He further elaborated, “I would like to warmly welcome all tourists to our country. I hope they will create and leave beautiful memories of Malaysia. We also understand that connectivity is crucial for tourists; from hotel booking, transportation, places of interest, food suggestions and weather information, all these can be easily accessible with reliable internet access. Thus, we are offering tourists a simple and seamless way to be connected, so they can truly experience Malaysia while staying in touch with their families and friends back home. On top of the unlimited mobile data, tourists can access our wifi@unifi service available at more than 8,000 wifi@unifi hotspots nationwide. That’s not all, tourists can also enjoy unlimited entertainment throughout their stay in Malaysia via the playTV@unifi app which offers digital streams of both local and international LIVE channels, enabling them to watch their favorite TV shows and keep up with the latest news from Fox Sports, nick Jr, Euronews, BBC World News and many more.”  

Meanwhile, Dato' Dr. Noor Zari said: “We hope that the collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and TM will play a key role in advancing Malaysia’s tourism ambitions as a unique and culturally diverse tourist destination for travelers from all around the world.” 

unifi Travel Pass offers unlimited high speed data SIM for tourists to stay connected during their visit here in Malaysia. Tourists can choose either the 7 Days Pass for RM30 or the 15 Days Pass for RM60, both offering high speed 4G/3G data. It also comes with preloaded airtime credit for them to make outgoing calls at RM0.20 per minute and send SMS at RM0.10 per SMS. In addition, they can reload their credit anytime via online or can be easily purchased from over 15,000 unifi Mobile reload vendors nationwide. The unifi Travel Pass is available for purchase via mobile.unifi.com.my/travelpass starting January 2020. Tourists can choose to collect the SIM card at Tourism Malaysia’s Tourist Information Centres at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2.  

For more info on other unifi latest products offerings, visit www.unifi.com.my. 

-Tourism Malaysia & Telekom Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Promotes VISIT MALAYSIA 2020 At SATTE 2020

NEW DELHI, 8 JANUARY 2020 - Malaysia extends its visa waiver program until end of 2020 for Indian tourist as part of its Visit Malaysia 2020(VM2020) promotion campaign as announced by Hon. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia at the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE 2020) which is been held from today to 10 January 2020. The VM2020 campaign aims to attract 30 million international tourist arrivals with one million from India market.

“India is one of our top six source markets, with a total of 600,377 tourists recorded in 2018. Last year, from January to October, total arrivals from India was at 615,296.  Based on the present outbound trend, we are optimistic that we will be able to surpass the 728,000 arrivals target for 2019” said the Deputy Minister.

Hon. Tuan Muhammad Bakhtiar Bin Wan Chik is leading the Malaysian delegation comprising of 13 tour agents, 14 hotel operators, 7 product owners, 3 airline operators and several officials from Tourism Malaysia and the state government to promote Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination. The three-day programme will be held at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida and it will be an opportunity for buyers and sellers to network with each other and develop new tourism products and packages.

Malaysia’s presence at SATTE this year is focused on the promotion of Visit Malaysia Year 2020 in the region. This promotional effort is expected to increase the number of Indian tourists to Malaysia significantly, through promoting a greater awareness of Malaysia as an ideal holiday destination, as well as fostering greater cooperation between tour operators and members of the tourism fraternity.

This year is the 27^thyear of SATTE since it was first organised in 1994, and it is regarded as one of the largest travel trade exhibitions in the South Asia region, attracting hundreds of trade visitors from all over the world.
-Tourism Malaysia.
http://vm2020.malaysia.travel

Grand Reception At Major Entry Points In Conjunction With VISIT MALAYSIA 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 JANUARY 2020: Tourism Malaysia kicked off the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) Campaign on the first day of the year with a special reception at major entry points to welcome domestic and international tourists as a symbolic gesture indicating the commencement of the campaign.

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi was at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) which was one of the venues chosen for the welcome reception. Similar welcome receptions were held concurrently at 22 entry points throughout the country.

“Apart from welcoming tourists to Malaysia on the first day of 2020, the special reception is intended to spread the excitement of Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign,” said the minister to members of the press at the special welcoming ceremony.

The welcome reception was also made possible with the support provided by state governments and corporate agencies related to the tourism industry who joined in the celebration at the major entry points by providing full support and contributions in the preparation of the event as well as special tokens for tourists.

To spice up the celebratory mood, the first batch of international and domestic tourists arriving at all major entry points were greeted with cultural presentations from traditional dancers and also traditional music such as gamelan and sape. Tourists were presented with special tokens that represent Malaysia with delicious snack such as dodol and a special VM2020 scarf as a sign of Malaysian hospitality.

Malaysia is targeting 30 million tourist arrivals and RM100 billion in tourist receipts for 2020. Armed with the slogan “Visit Truly Asia Malaysia 2020”, the campaign promises colourful celebrations with an impressive line-up of special and exciting events throughout the year. The comprehensive list of events in 2020 can be obtained by visiting the official website for Visit Malaysia 2020 at http://vm2020.malaysia.travel/.

-Tourism Malaysia.

AMBANG 2020 @ Kuala Lumpur Opening For VISIT MALAYSIA 2020

photo: Tourism Malaysia

Wau (Malaysia Kites), Durian and Trishaw are among the eleven drones formation despite Malaysia’s uniqueness as a special occasion in New Year celebration  that adorns the skyline of Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur for more than ten minutes followed by a splash of fireworks. It is the grand opening for the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign run by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Prime Minister, YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad witnessed the performance and launched of the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign last night with Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Dr. Wan Ismail, accompanied by another Cabinet Minister. Ambang 2020 @ Kuala Lumpur organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) is the opening program to spark the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign starting last night.

Various events are also being organized to celebrate the arrival of 2020 at Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur and also at 22 national entrances via land and air routes throughout the country. Malaysia aims to attract 30 million international tourists and RM100 billion of the country's through tourism revenue which is one of the key economic sectors of the country. The Government has set up 929 tourist police officers nationwide to ensure public safety and security to maintain and provide the best services to foreign and domestic tourists.

Besides, public and private partnerships has provided over 100 events throughout 2020 as key national tourist attractions such as the Malaysian Open House, Regatta Lepa, KL Biennale, International Aborigines and Indigenous Arts Festival, George Town Festival as well as international conferences such as the Asia-Pacific Conference Economic Cooperation (APEC). New history has been created when Malaysia being recognized as the World Book Capital of 2020 by the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

  

Ambang 2020 @ Kuala Lumpur kicks off with Christmas Open House 2019 and launch by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Datuk Mohammadin bin Ketapi followed by a special presentation of Extravaganza Malaysia Time Capsule hosted by the Istana Budaya. The concert was enlivened by Dato' Jefrydin (Pop Yeh Yeh), Elvira Mentor (Oldies), Asmidar (Malaysian rhythm), Siti Nordiana (Pop Ballad) and Han byul (Korea).

Various program has been organized during this festival such as interactive exhibitions, Kita Punya #2puluh2puluh Concert, cultural games and many more. This is to show to the world that Malaysia is a country rich with diversity and high tolerance that reflects the Malaysian identity.

The program is a one of the government initiative to foster the unity and understanding of multiracial people, to promote national tourism and festive traditions such as Christmas and enlighten the campaign as one of the nation's leading in tourism, arts and culture. 

This is Malaysia's first time through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture launching a tourism promotion campaign using 300 drone operated by local creative agencies Dreamcatcher, 33.3 & Intel USA. Ambang 2020 @ Kuala Lumpur organized by three (3) ministries, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the Federal Territory Ministry (MFT) and the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (MoCM).

-MOTAC.

MOTAC: VMY 2020 promotion on schedule

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 29 -- The Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020) promotion is still progressing as normal following the schedule of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) through its agencies.

In fact, the promotion for VMY2020 had already started since January 2018, said MOTAC deputy Secretary General (Culture) Saraya Arbi.

She said a large scale VMY2020 promotion campaign had already been carried out abroad including in Bangkok, Thailand; Berlin, Germany and also in London, United Kingdom.

At the domestic level, Tourism Malaysia had also conducted several promotions such as in Sabah, Sarawak and peninsula Malaysia, she said.

‘’In addition, we also hold co-operations with several nations to bring in foreign tourists to Malaysia. This has been implemented via several chartered flights, such as recently, when, for the first time, we brought in tourists from Khazakstan,’’ she told reporters at a friendly gathering with handicraft entrepreneurs at the Johor Craft Festival at the Padang Angsana Mall, here today.

Saraya said the VMY2020 promotion would be escalated further from Dec 31 through ‘Ambang 2020’.

‘’We will have a skylight show using drones as a launching gimmick during the night of the eve of the new year,’’ she said.

In addition, a day later, (Jan 1) a large scale reception for tourists together with the state governments and Tourism Malaysia would be held at 22 entry gates to Malaysia.

‘’Next year too, we will implement over 100 major events to ensure that when the tourists arrive, we have products to be viewed. And at the same time, we will will have an attractive list such as the locations of the 20 best eating places packages, 20 honeymoon packages and others on our website,’’ she said.

Also present at the ceremony was MOTAC’s new Secretary General, Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat.

-bernama.
http://ebrochures.malaysia.travel/

Big Bike In The City to enliven VMY 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 -- In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020), Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysia Association Tour Agency (MATA) today introduced a new tourism product called Big Bike In the City.

This new exhilarating experience of riding superbikes will allow tourists to explore the various tourist attractions in the country, well-known for its vibrant melting pot of cultures.

Tourists can explore the land of surprising contradictions from the bustling metropolis to its peaceful laid back countryside through this alternative mode of transport.

Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Datuk Mohmed Razip Hasan said the product was introduced as part of efforts to achieve the target of 30 million tourist arrivals and generate RM100 billion in revenue next year.

“Only two days left before the VMY2020 and this event will greatly help promote Malaysia. For VMY2020, we have started the campaign much earlier, namely in July and it shows our seriousness.

“...throughout the campaign, we have received full support from non-governmental organisations, associations and service providers,” he told a press conference after the launching ceremony.

Meanwhile, MATA President Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said the Big Bike In The City was a testimony of the good collaboration between the association and Tourism Malaysia.

“We are obliged to assist the government in promoting the VMY2020 and this is also the main purpose of our establishment. We will facilitate our members in efforts to engage with stakeholders, in particular, the government,” he said.

At the launching ceremony, about 70 superbikes under the Nomad Motorcycle Adventure agency took part in a city tour that passed through several locations starting at the Love @ MaTic, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Dataran Merdeka, the National Monument, Istana Negara, Batu Caves and KLCC.

-bernama.
https://www.tourism.gov.my/campaigns/view/visit-truly-asia-malaysia-2020

Discounted city travel passes now available

www.myrapid.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: The largest operator of public transport in Klang Valley, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, will be selling discounted unlimited use travel passes at its facilities beginning today.

Available at all MRT, LRT, BRT and monorail stations, the MyCity pass will allow unlimited use of the Prasarana-operated rail and BRT network for either one day or three days.

When the MyCity pass was soft-launched in April, they were selling for RM25 (one day) and RM55 (three days), with the cost including the price of the Touch n Go-based card, which is set at RM5, and another RM5 as a minimum stored value on the card itself.

The discounted MyCity pass now costs RM20 and RM35 respectively – significant savings for those intending to use the trains (excluding KTM Komuter) extensively as they explore the city.

Existing holders of TnG cards will save even more, as they only need to pay RM10 and RM25 respectively, whether purchasing MyCity for the first time or for renewals.

The MyCity pass is Prasarana’s contribution to Visit Malaysia 2020, other than boosting public transport use in Klang Valley as it is open to all regardless of nationality.

The discounted MyCity pass will be available until Dec 31,2020.

According to the Prasarana group’s chief operating officer, Muhammad Nizam Alias, Prasarana decided to introduce the one day and three day passes in response to requests from customers, especially international travellers and customers outside of Klang Valley.

“Our regular customers have the privilege of unlimited travel with the use of the My100 pass for 30-day unlimited travels.

“On the other hand, these new passes provide immense convenience to non-Malaysians and non-regular users who need to move about extensively within a short period of time, ” he said in a recent statement.

“This initiative is also part of our contribution to Malaysia’s tourism industry as travelling on our integrated rail and BRT network will allow one to reach plenty of places of interests, eateries, and shopping outlets, ” Nizam added.

Meanwhile, Prasarana is also supporting the Ambang 2020 countdown at Dataran Merdeka here on New Year’s Eve by extending its network operation hours, though no further fare discounts, other than for existing concession holders, will be available.

The exact hours will be announced by this week, with more information expected at myrapid.com.my soon.

-thestar online.

https://www.myrapid.com.my/traveling-with-us/deals-promotions/mycity-1-day-3-day-passes

Ambang 2020 + Launching of Visit Malaysia 2020 @ Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur ( 31 December 2019 )

-Tourism Malaysia.

Arts' industry player in Kelantan suggested to wear traditional costume on weekends

KOTA BHARU, Dec 21 -- The art industry players in the state are recommended to adorn themselves in traditional costumes every weekend to enliven the Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020) campaign.

Eastern Region Tourism Malaysia director Hafiz Hazin said the wearing of traditional costumes could entice tourists to get to know more about the state's culture and history.

"We plan to encourage the art fraternity to wear Kelantan traditional clothing every Friday and Saturday as part of the promotion of the state's custom as well as to support the Visit Malaysia Year 2020," he said during the Sang Tawal's Trace-History Learning In Traditional Costumes programme at Kota Bharu tourism zone here today.

The one-day programme officiated by Kelantan State Museum Corporation director Arifin Hussin was participated by 200 participants from the various branches of arts and culture including Kelantan Busana Association, Silat Association, Pendikir Association, Top (gasing) Association, Keruk and Rebana Ubi Association and Horse Riding Association.

Hafiz said the programme would boost the promotion of the museum in the Kota Bharu Tourism Zone to domestic and international tourists, particularly in welcoming them to the state.

"We hope with this activity it can promote and encourage domestic and international tourists to get to know the tourists' zone here as the must-visit place to learn about the state's culture," he said.

He said his department was also planning to provide Kelantan traditional costume renting service as one of the ways for the arts fraternity in the state to earn more income.

Meanwhile, Ariffin, who was reading the State Unity, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Md Anizam Abdul Rahman's speech, said that the state's government highly encouraged the organising of various programmes and activities to boost tourists arrivals to Kelantan.

"The programme carried out today, initiated by the Eastern Region Tourism Malaysia director and all organisers, is a unique programme, and I am confident that it will have a significant effect to civilization in Kelantan, indirectly spreading added value and positive impact to society as a whole.

"I hope with this kind of programmes, it could spur Kelantan and the country's economy in line with the current economic growth and indirectly help in achieving the tourist's arrival target next year," he said.

-bernama.

Sambutan Di 21 Pintu-pintu Masuk Utama Sempena Visit Malaysia 2020

imej: Tourism Malaysia

17 Disember 2019: Satu mesyuarat penyelarasan sambutan di 21 pintu-pintu masuk utama sempena Visit Malaysia 2020 telah diadakan di Putrajaya.

Taklimat mengenai sambutan tersebut telah disampaikan oleh Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd Ghapar, Ketua Sekretariat Visit Malaysia 2020 kepada wakil-wakil dari Jabatan Imigresen, Jabatan Kastam, PDRM, Malaysia Airports Holdings, MAQIS, AOC, Istana Budaya, Kraftangan Malaysia, Pejabat-pejabat MOTAC Negeri, Pejabat Wilayah & Penyelian TIC Tourism Malaysia dan Bahagian-bahagian Tourism Malaysia.

Sambutan di pintu-pintu masuk utama diadakan pada 1 Januari 2020 akan diketuai oleh Menteri Pelancongan, Seni & Budaya; Ketua Menteri; Ahli Parlimen; ADUN; Exco Pelancongan; dan disertai oleh pegawai-pegawai dari kerajaan negeri, MOTAC, Tourism Malaysia dan Jabatan-jabatan yang berkenaan.

Persembahan kesenian dan kebudayaan juga dipertunjukan oleh Istana Budaya, JKKN serta badan-badan kesenian dan kebudayaan dari negeri-negeri.

Dato’ Dr. Ammar telah meminta kerjasama semua pihak dalam memastikan acara sambutan di 21 pintu-pintu masuk utama sempena Visit Malaysia 2020 berjalan lancar. Beliau juga menyarankan supaya rakyat Malaysia bersama-sama menjayakan Visit Malaysia 2020.

Selain Visit Malaysia 2020, rakyat Malaysia dan semua pihak juga disarankan bersama mempromosikan kempen-kempen pelancongan lain yang diadakan pada tahun 2020 seperti berikut:-

-  Visit Johor Year 2020

-  Visit Sepang Year 2020

-  Experience Penang Year 2020

-  Visit Kelantan Year 2020

-  Malaysia Year of Healthcare Travel 2020

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-Pelancongan Kini.