KUALA LUMPUR: Islamic tourism is a huge market to tap, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. She urged all Islamic tourism stakeholders to play an active part in working together with the ministry and other agencies to ensure sustainable tourist arrivals.
“Collaboration and concerted efforts by all stakeholders such as travel and tour agencies, homestay operators, hotels, food industry members, transport companies, airlines and restaurant are the way forward for the success of Islamic tourism,” she said.
Dr Ng said Islamic tourism was not only for religious purposes but also about appreciating nature, culture, arts, leisure, health and recreation. “It has embraced broader definition from its root in Umrah performed at Mecca,” she said in her speech which was read by the ministry's acting director Datuk Azizan Noordin during the closing ceremony of the World Islamic Tourism Forum 2011 in Seri Pacific Hotel here yesterday. The inaugural two-day forum with the theme “Enhancing the Spirit of Global Understanding through Islamic Tourism” gathered around 250 participants comprising Islamic studies university students, embassies and companies who promote halal products and Islamic tourism.
Former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the event on Tuesday and delivered the keynote address to the participants. The event was organised by Global Islamic Tourism Organisation Malaysia and International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies Malaysia. It is supported by the Tourism Ministry and Malacca state government.
-thestar online.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Best Western adds Pangkor to portfolio
Best Western International has recently opened the Best Western Marina Island Resort Pangkor. Built at a cost of 45 million ringgit (US$14.8 million), the property is situated on Marina Island Pangkor - a man-made island in the northern state of Perak.
The resort features 170 hotel apartments, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a bar, a conference hall and meeting rooms, a waterfront shopping complex, an international cruise liner jetty, a yacht club and a marine sports club. A bridge connects Marina Island Pangkor to the mainland, and a five-minute boat ride provides access to nearby Pangkor Island.
-TTG Asia.
National carrier all set to fly Chelsea team
ENGLISH Premier League giants Chelsea will have the luxury of flying Malaysia Airlines for the club’s Asia Tour 2011. Malaysia Airlines is the official air charter carrier for Chelsea’s Asia Tour to Kuala Lumpur, Thailand and Hong Kong. Chelsea will be in Kuala Lumpur on July 21 and will meet Harimau Muda at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Their next stop will be Bangkok on July 24.
Chelsea will be in a tournament involving Chelsea, Aston Villa, Blackburn and Hong Kong champions from July 27 to 30 in Hong Kong. Malaysia Airlines managing director and chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Seri Azmil Zahruddin said they had consistently maintained their competitive edge as the preferred carrier for globally recognised teams.
All set: Malaysia Airlines vice-president of commercial strategy Datuk Dr Amin Khan (second from left) and Julian (second from right) posing for a snap-shot after the charter signing agreement. Looking on are Azmil (third from right) and FAM general secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad (third from left) — Bernama“Our travel arm, MASholidays, has also developed packages for fans in this region to see Chelsea in action. We will continue to develop such packages in our efforts to promote inbound sports tourism,” he added after a signing ceremony with Pro Eevents, the organisers of the Tour. Pro Events chief executive officer Julian Kam said they were proud to have formed a trusted relationship with Malaysia Airlines since setting up office in Kuala Lumpur 10 years ago.
“This time, they are bringing in Chelsea. The senior management, the new manager and his colleagues and the full first team squad will be flying with Malaysia Airlines throughout their tour in Asia,” added Julian.
-thestar online.
AirAsia offers flights from as low as RM3
PETALING JAYA: AirAsia will be offering special fares from as low as RM3 to selected domestic and regional destinations as part of its “A Big Thank You Sale” promotion. The sale will begin today at 12am and will be on until July 17 for the travel period between Feb 6 and June 20, 2012.
Destinations include Penang, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Sibu, Kuching, Bangkok, Hat Yai and Phuket. Also offered are flights via AirAsia's East Malaysian hub in Kota Kinabalu to Manila. Log on to www.airasia.com for more information.
-thestar online.
New check-in option for MAS passengers
PETALING JAYA: Effective Aug 1, domestic flight passengers on Malaysia Airlines (MAS) economy class can check-in themselves. They can do so as early as 48 hours before their flight’s departure.
“With the switch over to self check-in kiosks, our customers will have yet another option at the airport in addition to the MH Mo- bile check-in, MH Web check-in and MH Buddy check-in through Face-book,” said MAS director of operations Capt Mohamed Azha-ruddin Osman in a statement yesterday. The manned check-in counters will be phased out gradually.
Malaysia Airports Berhad will be repositioning 22 existing check-in kiosks to the front of the counters at rows A to F. MAS staff will be there to help passengers after which they will be shown to baggage drop-off points. Passengers are reminded to have their 13-digit e-ticket number for self check-in.
-thestar online.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Tuning in to Asia: Artistes from the region to take part in Music Fest
KOTA KINABALU: Performers from all over Asia would converge in Sabah to give their very best in the Music Fest 2011 at the breathtaking Simpang Mengayau, famously known as ‘The Tip of Borneo’, in Sabah’s northern most district of Kudat. Scheduled over two days starting July 16, the Music Fest, which attracted about 2,000 spectators last year, would feature “Sing Out Asia” for the first time with a combination Asia’s finest singers and musicians.
Among the Sing Out Asia artistes to perform are N’jami, a Japanese group that blends folk songs using instruments made of out corals and shells, Indonesian trio Lala, Imel and Marko, Thai soul and R&B artiste Art Thomya, Julianne and Nino from the Philippines, Lang from Laos and Japanese guitarist Yoshiro. Also to make an appearance at the evening music gala are highly acclaimed finger plucking guitarist Roger Wang, Sabah’s only full orchestra Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra and singer cum songwriter Amir Yussof.
Presented by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), the event is organised by its wholly owned subsidiary company Sri Pelancongan Sabah (SPS) Sdn Bhd. STB chairman Tengku Datuk Zainal Adlin expects the turnout to be higher this time around with the presence of Sing Out Asia, which is a non-profit organisation that originated from Japan. Its objectives are to bring together the youth of Asia and help them understand the importance of friendship and understanding within countries in this region.
“This augurs well for the music scene in Sabah,” Tengku Zainal said adding the Rungus people, one of Sabah’s largest ethnic group and the dominant community in Kudat, would be presenting their culture and dances during intervals at the music fest. He said the event will be held over two days now due to the overwhelming response last year, adding that it will be a musical experience like no other.
Distancing the event from the likes of Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival, SPS general manager Sitti Damsal said the Music Fest in Kudat is totally a different outfit altogether. “This is a niche market and I think we are the only ones who dare to hold such an event at the Tip of Borneo,” she said adding that the event is a value-for-money outing. The STB intends to bring the ultimate musical experience using nature, with the sunset and vast ocean in the background, and beautiful outdoors, serenaded by up-tempo yet soft music.
-thestar online.
Among the Sing Out Asia artistes to perform are N’jami, a Japanese group that blends folk songs using instruments made of out corals and shells, Indonesian trio Lala, Imel and Marko, Thai soul and R&B artiste Art Thomya, Julianne and Nino from the Philippines, Lang from Laos and Japanese guitarist Yoshiro. Also to make an appearance at the evening music gala are highly acclaimed finger plucking guitarist Roger Wang, Sabah’s only full orchestra Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra and singer cum songwriter Amir Yussof.
Presented by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), the event is organised by its wholly owned subsidiary company Sri Pelancongan Sabah (SPS) Sdn Bhd. STB chairman Tengku Datuk Zainal Adlin expects the turnout to be higher this time around with the presence of Sing Out Asia, which is a non-profit organisation that originated from Japan. Its objectives are to bring together the youth of Asia and help them understand the importance of friendship and understanding within countries in this region.
“This augurs well for the music scene in Sabah,” Tengku Zainal said adding the Rungus people, one of Sabah’s largest ethnic group and the dominant community in Kudat, would be presenting their culture and dances during intervals at the music fest. He said the event will be held over two days now due to the overwhelming response last year, adding that it will be a musical experience like no other.
Distancing the event from the likes of Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival, SPS general manager Sitti Damsal said the Music Fest in Kudat is totally a different outfit altogether. “This is a niche market and I think we are the only ones who dare to hold such an event at the Tip of Borneo,” she said adding that the event is a value-for-money outing. The STB intends to bring the ultimate musical experience using nature, with the sunset and vast ocean in the background, and beautiful outdoors, serenaded by up-tempo yet soft music.
-thestar online.
A million Firefly seats from as low as RM9
PETALING JAYA: Firefly is having its Mega Sales Campaign with fares as low as RM9. The airline is offering a million seats to travellers for the travel period between Aug 6 this year and Oct 27 next year. “This is the first time we are offering a mega sale of this nature and for such a long travel period,” said Firefly marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez.
The offer is applicable to the airline's entire network and soon-to-commence new routes, including from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan and from Johor Baru to Surabaya. Fernandez said the fares were as low as RM9 one-way, all-in. “Our jet operations that began early this year have increased our seat capacity by almost 50%. “As a result, we are now able to offer a million seats,” she said in a statement yesterday. “We may be low in fares but high in service.
“We offer aerobridge facilities for our jet customers' safety and convenience and also have our highly fuel efficient ATR 72-500 aircrafts fly from city airports.” The booking period for the campaign is between next Monday and Tuesday. For more information and to book tickets, log on to Firefly's website at www.fireflyz.com.my.
-thestar online.
The offer is applicable to the airline's entire network and soon-to-commence new routes, including from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan and from Johor Baru to Surabaya. Fernandez said the fares were as low as RM9 one-way, all-in. “Our jet operations that began early this year have increased our seat capacity by almost 50%. “As a result, we are now able to offer a million seats,” she said in a statement yesterday. “We may be low in fares but high in service.
“We offer aerobridge facilities for our jet customers' safety and convenience and also have our highly fuel efficient ATR 72-500 aircrafts fly from city airports.” The booking period for the campaign is between next Monday and Tuesday. For more information and to book tickets, log on to Firefly's website at www.fireflyz.com.my.
-thestar online.
Yen Yen: Get tourists to shop more
KUALA LUMPUR: The private sector should work with the Tourism Ministry to organise sales promotions to increase shopping expenditure of foreign tourists, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. She said the ministry hoped to increase shopping expenditure of tourists by 10% by the year 2020.
Of the RM56.5bil spent last year by 24.6 million foreign tourists, only 25% was shopping expenditure. Dr Ng said the Government had helped to upgrade the Bukit Bintang area by getting all the malls connected for easy shopping and allowing many items to be marked duty-free. “We also created more sales festivals like MegaSales and organised annual international events such as the International Shoe Festival and the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival,” she told reporters after launching the 8th Malaysia International Jeweller Fair (MIJF) 2011 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here yesterday.
MIJF organiser Elite Expo Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Johnson Lim said over 100 jewellery companies from 16 countries including Turkey, Japan, Indonesia and the UAE would exhibit more than 100,000 pieces of exquisite and spectacular jewellery collections. “We hope to get 18,000 visitors from traders and consumers for this four-day event,” he said, adding that visitors could get discounts due to the tax exemption policy that was implemented on Jan 1,” he said. MIJF 2011 will be held from July 7 to 10. The opening hours are from 11am to 7pm and admission is free.
-thestar online.
Of the RM56.5bil spent last year by 24.6 million foreign tourists, only 25% was shopping expenditure. Dr Ng said the Government had helped to upgrade the Bukit Bintang area by getting all the malls connected for easy shopping and allowing many items to be marked duty-free. “We also created more sales festivals like MegaSales and organised annual international events such as the International Shoe Festival and the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival,” she told reporters after launching the 8th Malaysia International Jeweller Fair (MIJF) 2011 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here yesterday.
MIJF organiser Elite Expo Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Johnson Lim said over 100 jewellery companies from 16 countries including Turkey, Japan, Indonesia and the UAE would exhibit more than 100,000 pieces of exquisite and spectacular jewellery collections. “We hope to get 18,000 visitors from traders and consumers for this four-day event,” he said, adding that visitors could get discounts due to the tax exemption policy that was implemented on Jan 1,” he said. MIJF 2011 will be held from July 7 to 10. The opening hours are from 11am to 7pm and admission is free.
-thestar online.
PM launches Klang Valley MRT project
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Friday launched the much-awaited Klang Valley MY Rapid Transit (MRT) project, to be completed in 2016. He said the 51km Sungai Buloh-Kajang line was the answer to the public's need for an efficient public transport system. The project was not only crucial in ensuring the smooth movement of passengers but also a catalyst for the country's economic growth, Najib added.
"Investment into the project will flow back to the economy. The direct contribution from construction activities to the gross national income is expected to be in the range of RM3bil to RM4bil annually, beginning this year to 2020," Najib said at the launch. He said the Gross National Income (GNI) contribution would also provide job opportunities to some 130,000 people, directly or indirectly, throughout the construction period.
There will be 31 stops along the Sungai Buloh-Kajang line - Sungai Buloh, Kg Baru Sungai Buloh, Kota Damansara, Taman Industri Sg Buloh, PJU5, Dataran Sunway, The Curve, One Utama, TTDI, Seksyen 16, Pusat Bandar Damansara, Semantan, KL Sentral, Pasar Seni, Warisan Merdeka, Bukit Bintang Sentral, Pasar Rakyat, Cochrane, Maluri, Taman Bukit Ria, Taman Bukit Mewah, Leisure Mall 23. Plaza Phoenix, Taman Suntex, Taman Cuepacs, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, Balakong, Taman Koperasi, Saujana Impian, Bandar Kajang and Kajang.
-thestar online.
"Investment into the project will flow back to the economy. The direct contribution from construction activities to the gross national income is expected to be in the range of RM3bil to RM4bil annually, beginning this year to 2020," Najib said at the launch. He said the Gross National Income (GNI) contribution would also provide job opportunities to some 130,000 people, directly or indirectly, throughout the construction period.
There will be 31 stops along the Sungai Buloh-Kajang line - Sungai Buloh, Kg Baru Sungai Buloh, Kota Damansara, Taman Industri Sg Buloh, PJU5, Dataran Sunway, The Curve, One Utama, TTDI, Seksyen 16, Pusat Bandar Damansara, Semantan, KL Sentral, Pasar Seni, Warisan Merdeka, Bukit Bintang Sentral, Pasar Rakyat, Cochrane, Maluri, Taman Bukit Ria, Taman Bukit Mewah, Leisure Mall 23. Plaza Phoenix, Taman Suntex, Taman Cuepacs, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, Balakong, Taman Koperasi, Saujana Impian, Bandar Kajang and Kajang.
-thestar online.
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Caterham Cars to enter F1
LONDON: British sportscar maker Caterham Cars will enter F1 at its home Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend when its name will appear on the F1 cars of new partner Team Lotus. The move, which elevates Caterham into the pinnacle of world motorsport and provides a global springboard for its cars to be marketed in new and previously unreachable territories, comes 50 years after Innes Ireland gave Team Lotus its first F1 victory in the United States Grand Prix. Following its purchase by a holding company, part-owned by Malaysian entrepreneur Tan Sri Tony Fernandes in April, Caterham will be emblazoned on the sidepods of the two Team Lotus F1 cars, driven by Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli.
Caterham Cars was founded in the 1960s by Graham Nearn to act as a dealership for the Lotus Seven designed by Colin Chapman, who himself went into F1 in 1954. Caterham acquired the rights to build the Seven in 1973. Over the years, the Seven has evolved into a supercar and the Caterham brand has developed as an independent brand. "In terms of global visibility for the Caterham brand, you don't get much better than Formula One. Caterham has a long and distinguished history in grassroots motorsport but this puts the firm in front of a truly global audience to sit alongside major car brands including Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes Benz,” said Caterham Cars managing director Ansar Ali.
The purchase of Caterham has already seen a rebranding of the Caterham Team AirAsia GP2 team. Caterham Team AirAsia shares the Team Lotus facilities in Hingham, UK and provides a stepping stone for drivers, engineers, mechanics and all support staff to move into F1. Earlier this year, Caterham launched its first new model for 15 years – the SP/300.R, a prototype racing car.
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Caterham Cars was founded in the 1960s by Graham Nearn to act as a dealership for the Lotus Seven designed by Colin Chapman, who himself went into F1 in 1954. Caterham acquired the rights to build the Seven in 1973. Over the years, the Seven has evolved into a supercar and the Caterham brand has developed as an independent brand. "In terms of global visibility for the Caterham brand, you don't get much better than Formula One. Caterham has a long and distinguished history in grassroots motorsport but this puts the firm in front of a truly global audience to sit alongside major car brands including Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes Benz,” said Caterham Cars managing director Ansar Ali.
The purchase of Caterham has already seen a rebranding of the Caterham Team AirAsia GP2 team. Caterham Team AirAsia shares the Team Lotus facilities in Hingham, UK and provides a stepping stone for drivers, engineers, mechanics and all support staff to move into F1. Earlier this year, Caterham launched its first new model for 15 years – the SP/300.R, a prototype racing car.
-thestar online.
Inspired by charming Mount Kinabalu
KOTA KINABALU: A Japanese free-climber had made it a point to visit Sabah regularly because of his love affair with Mount Kinabalu. Yuri Hirayama loves everything about the moutain – from its outstanding view, the challenge of climbing Malaysia’s highest peak and the people who call it their home. Recently the 42-year-old international free-climber had immortalised his stamp on the majestic and mysterious rock formation on Sabah’s Crocker Range by creating four climbing routes there.
Majestic mountain: Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Tengku Zainal Adlin (left) and Yuji showing the Mount Kinabalu picture during a press conference in Kota Kinabalu.Hirayama was recently here to promote the routes: ‘Mista Misty’, ‘Sunset Cafe’ (both located on Donkey’s West Ear) and Kouhian do Sunduvanand Poingion Tawan (both on Oyayubi peak at Mount Kinabalu) – with the Sabah Tourism Board. “Mista Misty was named as such because the route we took was always shrouded in mist while Sunset Café derived its name from the sun rays that followed us throughout the route and it’s very romantic,” Hirayama said.
Speaking about how he was inspired to name the other routes, Hirayama said he learned them from local porters who called themKouhian do Sunduvan which translates as ‘return of the spirit’ and Poingion Tawan (living in the sky) which folk names the Dusun language. “I spent a lot of time with them during my trip here and learned so much about the Dusun culture and traditions. “I was told that the mountain is a place where the spirits of the dead return to, hence, the names Kouhian do Sunduvan and Poingion Tawanwere penned” he said.
Despite a mishap that nearly cost his life while climbing the mountain recently, Hirayama said he is determined to return to Mount Kinabalu every year. “Mount Kinabalu is very beautiful. “It is like a picture and exudes a different character everytime,”said Hirayama. Free-climbing is a rock climbing discipline in which the climber uses only his or her hands, feet and other parts of the body to ascend. A safety climbing harness and ropes are used as a form of climbing protection to prevent falls.
-thestar online.
Monday, 4 July 2011
Gifts on landing at KLIA
The number 287 turned out to be a lucky number for Fatima Ali Azhar when she was picked as the 287 millionth passenger to arrive at the KL International Airport (KLIA). The Pakistan national was in KLIA on transit with her daughter while on their journey to Karachi, Pakistan.
“I was still in a daze after an eight-hour flight from Melbourne, Australia. KLIA is a very beautiful airport, I like it that the airport cares for the comfort of passengers by providing chairs for us to stretch our legs. “The massage chairs are my favourite,” said the 48-year-old housewife. The lucky pick was in conjunction with KLIA’s 13th anniversary.
Nice surprise: Malaysia Airlines staff members Roszaiha Mohd Yatim (left) and Mohd Nasir Buyong (right) with the lucky passengers Benbella (second from left), Fatima (centre) and Weide.Two other lucky passengers — Benbella Marzahan from Kedah who was the 95 millionth domestic passenger and Rewse Weide from the Netherlands, the 193 millionth international passenger — were picked as well. They took home a KLIA tie/scarf, key chains, ERL tickets, a wallet, nano mobile charger, leather toiletries pouch and handbag hanger.
In his speech, Malaysia Airports chairman Aris Othman said that KLIA’s service was acknowledged in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2011 for Best Airport Immigration Service. It was the second consecutive time the airport has won the award. “For the first quarter of 2011, KLIA recorded a 6.6% growth, registering 4.7 million passengers compared with 4.4 million passengers during the same period in 2010,” he said.
-thestar online.
Mega multi-billion ringgit development project for Desaru
JOHOR BARU: The Government's investment arm, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, will unveil a multi-billion ringgit development plan for Desaru this year. Sources told StarBiz Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to launch the project in Desaru either in the third or fourth quarter.
The project will be undertaken by Khazanah's wholly-owned subsidiary Desaru Development Corp Sdn Bhd (DDC) which it acquired in 2010, inclusive of the latter's 1,618ha. In the pipeline for the development is the building of two international class hotels to be managed by two of the world's renowned hotel management companies and a world-class golf course.
The 1.7km single-plane cable-styled bridge across Sungai Johor.There will also be a theme park incorporating tropical, eco-adventure and water features and a convention centre to cater to the meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition segment. “The Prime Minster will also declare Desaru as the leisure and tourism region for Johor at the unveiling of the development plan,'' said sources.
Khazanah's objective is to turn Desaru, on the eastern coast of Johor, into what Nusa Dua in Bali is now. Nusa Dua is known as an enclave for large international resorts in southeastern Bali. Work on phase one of the development project will take place at the sites of the Desaru Resort Golden Beach Hotel, Desaru Holiday Chalet and Desaru Golf and Country Club.
A check by StarBiz to the three said properties recently showed that they have ceased operations and entrances to the premises were cordoned and parts of the structures have been pulled down. Sources said there were even suggestions made by certain parties in Johor to the Government to include Desaru as part of Iskandar Malaysia economic region since Khazanah took over DDC.
Khazanah is developing Iskandar Malaysia's Nusajaya, one of the five flagship development zones in the country's first economic region via its controlled entity UEM Land Holdings Bhd. “However, the Government feels Khazanah should focus on the leisure and tourism sector in its development agenda for Desaru instead of multiple sectors,'' said the sources. Sources said Khazanah's role is to attract local and foreign investors to Desaru and they can either undertake the projects privately or on a joint-basis with Khazanah.
Sources said the development of Desaru would also complement the US$20bil integrated downstream oil and gas complex in Pengerang by Petronas in Johor's southeast region. Dubbed Rapid or Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development, the project is aimed at building something larger than Kertih. Workers in the oil and gas-related industry at Rapid, including expatriates and their family, would need to unwind and Desaru, just a short distance away from Pengerang, is the perfect place for them to do so.
The opening of the last 27km stretch of the 77km Senai-Pasir Gudang-Desaru Expressway early this month also reduces travelling time from Johor Baru to Desaru from two hours to about 45 minutes. The RM1.4bil expressway links Senai to Desaru in the eastern part of Johor and connects to Pasir Gudang at the Tanjung Langsat industrial area via the Pasir Gudang interchange. The last stretch includes the 1.7km single-plane cable-styled bridge across Sungai Johor, one of the longest of its kind in the world with a 500m span.
-thestar online.
Saturday, 2 July 2011
Rally seen to cause 1.2bn-ringgit loss for Malaysia tourism
Malaysia's tourism minister, Dr Ng Yen Yen, said in a press conference that the industry stands to lose up to 1.2 billion ringgit (US$399 million) in income because of the July 9 Bersih 2.0 (Walk for Democracy) rally in Kuala Lumpur. The police is expecting thousands to participate in the rally for a free and fair general election in Malaysia.
“The tourism industry is highly sensitive to such matters like rallies and street demonstrations that can disrupt travel plans,” she said. “Tourist arrivals last July was 2.2 million, with revenue of six billion ringgit, so if we lose just 20 per cent of that, it would be 1.2 billion ringgit. Furthermore, July is also our peak season for Middle Eastern visitors who come on holiday here.”
Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association president Paul Paw said that the China National Tourist Office had sent representatives to assess the situation, as over 100 travel agents were scheduled for a conference, road show and business exchange on July 10. This is part of a three-country visit that will also take them to Singapore and Indonesia. “They are very concerned with news of the upcoming rally and are hesitant if it’s safe for their visit. We are expecting just half of the group to arrive as planned,” he told TTG Asia e-Daily. He added that his company, China Express Tours and Travels, stands to lose one million ringgit if the entire group cancelled their trip.
Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners executive director Shaharudin Saaid said that over 30 three- to five-star hotels in central Kuala Lumpur would be affected. “The tourism industry is fragile and the slightest change or disruption affects us first,” added Red Fury Tours and Travels managing director Frankie S.K. Lee. “Should the rally go on as planned on July 9, we would definitely feel the impact in the aftermath, especially if the situation descends into chaos.”
-TTG Asia.
Friday, 1 July 2011
Lion Air starts Kuala Lumpur flights
LION AIR began daily flights on its Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta route on June 29. The budget airline is using its new Boeing 737-900ER that can seat 215 for the route. Starting rates are from as low as 139 ringgit (US$46) one-way, including airport tax and fuel surcharge. Lion Air president Rusdi Kirana said the Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta route has strong potential and that the airline has high expectations of excellent loads.
“Lion Air may be operating as a low fare airline, but we are pleased to be flying from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s main terminal, which will be an added comfort for passengers, as aerobridge services allow for easier access,” he said. “Fares are inclusive of 20kg of check-in baggage and up to 7kg of hand luggage. Seats are also assigned at the check-in counters or reserved through our Internet check in service.”
With 475 daily departures in Indonesia via 150 routes to 61 destinations, Rusdi said that its Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta route would conveniently connect passengers with any of its domestic flights in Indonesia.
-TTG Asia.
“Lion Air may be operating as a low fare airline, but we are pleased to be flying from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s main terminal, which will be an added comfort for passengers, as aerobridge services allow for easier access,” he said. “Fares are inclusive of 20kg of check-in baggage and up to 7kg of hand luggage. Seats are also assigned at the check-in counters or reserved through our Internet check in service.”
With 475 daily departures in Indonesia via 150 routes to 61 destinations, Rusdi said that its Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta route would conveniently connect passengers with any of its domestic flights in Indonesia.
-TTG Asia.
Four-man team clinches WAITGC title by 34 strokes
A Team from India dominated the fourth qualifying round of the World Amateur Inter-team golf championship (WAITGC) in Kuching, Sarawak recently. The foursome of Amit Luthra, Advait Luthra, Amish Jaitha and Suman Puri chalked up scores of 226 and 234 in the first and second rounds respectively at the Damai Golf and Country Club.
At the second venue, the Sarawak Club Golf Resort, the team managed a combined total of 233 strokes in the third round, They then garnered a combined total of 230 in the final round for a four-round joint total of 923. Amish also won the best individual gross title with a four-day total of 18-over 306. Amit said they played well although the courses were tough. “The course we played on the first two rounds was quite hilly but the greens were quick and true. We have already had five wins in this circuit, including the grand finals last year in Sabah,’’ said Amit.
Team Barracudas, from Malaysia, with the quartet of Mohd Johari Mat Aris, Haizal Arifin Ismail, Mohd Zaid Osman and Azman Khalid finished second on 957 while Young Achievers from India were third with a combined total of 961.
-thestar online.
At the second venue, the Sarawak Club Golf Resort, the team managed a combined total of 233 strokes in the third round, They then garnered a combined total of 230 in the final round for a four-round joint total of 923. Amish also won the best individual gross title with a four-day total of 18-over 306. Amit said they played well although the courses were tough. “The course we played on the first two rounds was quite hilly but the greens were quick and true. We have already had five wins in this circuit, including the grand finals last year in Sabah,’’ said Amit.
Team Barracudas, from Malaysia, with the quartet of Mohd Johari Mat Aris, Haizal Arifin Ismail, Mohd Zaid Osman and Azman Khalid finished second on 957 while Young Achievers from India were third with a combined total of 961.
-thestar online.
Travel fair offers honeymoon deals
THE 36th Malaysian Association of Travel and Tours (MATTA) fair promises a better shopping experience for its visitors this August. Contrary to the norm, where only three halls were utilised to promote various travel and tour related packages, special features have been added to cater to specific shoppers. Couples looking for wedding packages including honeymoon deals can head straight to the mezzanine floor where about 80 booths will be set up specially for their convenience.
Organising chairman John Tan said it saves time and the hassle of walking through all the hallways looking for their preferred choice. “There will be 1,012 booths where 70% has already been taken up. “We are still the best venue to shop for the best bargains in travel and tour packages under one roof, and will continue to strive to make every visitor’s experience here worthwhile,” he said during the booth balloting at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) yesterday.
“We are also more careful in selecting our exhibitors too,” he added. Tan also said over 60 booths promoting only travel related products such as luggage, travel insurance and winter clothing will be stationed at the Tun Dr Ismail hall. Entrance to this hall is free.
Hall 1 and 2 will have booths promoting international travel and tours, while Hall 3 will feature travel packages from domestic and other Asean countries. “Like the previous years, more than RM25,000 worth of travel vouchers are up for grabs. Those with a minimum of RM500 purchase of international travel are entitled to one lucky draw entry. “So, if the price is RM2,000, you can have four entries and be in the running to win a RM20,000 travel voucher.
“For those purchasing domestic travel packages, a minimum of RM200 will qualify for one lucky draw entry to win a RM5,000 travel voucher.
MATTA fair will take place on Aug 12 to 14 at PWTC from 10am to 9pm. It is open to public with an entry fee of RM3 and free for those below 12 years old. EON Bank MATTA cardholders will enjoy free entry, meal vouchers and a lounge area to relax. For details, call 03-9222 1155, e-mail micem@matta.org.my or visit www.mattafair.org.my
-thestar online.
Organising chairman John Tan said it saves time and the hassle of walking through all the hallways looking for their preferred choice. “There will be 1,012 booths where 70% has already been taken up. “We are still the best venue to shop for the best bargains in travel and tour packages under one roof, and will continue to strive to make every visitor’s experience here worthwhile,” he said during the booth balloting at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) yesterday.
“We are also more careful in selecting our exhibitors too,” he added. Tan also said over 60 booths promoting only travel related products such as luggage, travel insurance and winter clothing will be stationed at the Tun Dr Ismail hall. Entrance to this hall is free.
Hall 1 and 2 will have booths promoting international travel and tours, while Hall 3 will feature travel packages from domestic and other Asean countries. “Like the previous years, more than RM25,000 worth of travel vouchers are up for grabs. Those with a minimum of RM500 purchase of international travel are entitled to one lucky draw entry. “So, if the price is RM2,000, you can have four entries and be in the running to win a RM20,000 travel voucher.
“For those purchasing domestic travel packages, a minimum of RM200 will qualify for one lucky draw entry to win a RM5,000 travel voucher.
MATTA fair will take place on Aug 12 to 14 at PWTC from 10am to 9pm. It is open to public with an entry fee of RM3 and free for those below 12 years old. EON Bank MATTA cardholders will enjoy free entry, meal vouchers and a lounge area to relax. For details, call 03-9222 1155, e-mail micem@matta.org.my or visit www.mattafair.org.my
-thestar online.
MAS for medical tourism
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will promote medical tourism packages in collaboration with local hospitals. “We are expecting more than 200,000 passengers coming to Malaysia as medical tourists next year,” said MAS senior general manager (network and revenue management) Dr Amin Khan. He said medical tourism had become popular due to the competitive pricing by Malaysian healthcare providers.
“It is essential that we begin partnering with hospitals to take advantage of this growing trend,” said Dr Amin, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tropicana Medical Centre (TMC) and MAS Holidays. He added that medical tourists were currently coming from Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Bangladesh and the number was expected to increase by 16% year on year over the next three years.
TMC Life Sciences group chief executive officer Francis Lim said medical tourism also benefited locals as it helped hospitals generate revenue to reinvest in better medical facilities and equip-ment. “For now MAS packages only provide health screening, but we may encourage them to introduce more medical services if there is a demand,” Lim said. He added that medical tourism was most popular in the field of health screening, cosmetic surgery and follow-up treatment.
Lim said the increase in the number of patients would not be a strain on the hospital's resources as the centre was still new and not using its full capacity yet.
-thestar online.
“It is essential that we begin partnering with hospitals to take advantage of this growing trend,” said Dr Amin, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tropicana Medical Centre (TMC) and MAS Holidays. He added that medical tourists were currently coming from Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Bangladesh and the number was expected to increase by 16% year on year over the next three years.
TMC Life Sciences group chief executive officer Francis Lim said medical tourism also benefited locals as it helped hospitals generate revenue to reinvest in better medical facilities and equip-ment. “For now MAS packages only provide health screening, but we may encourage them to introduce more medical services if there is a demand,” Lim said. He added that medical tourism was most popular in the field of health screening, cosmetic surgery and follow-up treatment.
Lim said the increase in the number of patients would not be a strain on the hospital's resources as the centre was still new and not using its full capacity yet.
-thestar online.
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