Feast of Sabah’s cultural riches

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's rich culture was highlighted in a brilliant showcase of ethnic dances and music at Sabah Fest.

Held for the first time at the newly-completed Sabah Arts and Culture Department auditorium, the show featured a line-up of 300 dancers who captivated the crowd with their elegant moves. Themed “The Adventures of Ngarayang”, the festival depicted the era of barter trade along the ancient routes in the state's west coast through the journey of a young man called Ngarayang.

Dancing back in time: A depiction showing Ngarayang travelling to Beaufort district to see the Bisaya ethnic performing ‘Bubuh Dance’ during the performance at Sabah Arts and Culture Department auditorium in Kota Kinabalu.

Ngarayang, who was mischievous at times, managed to win over the people he met along his journey with his natural charm and flair for story-telling. Although his initial task was to distribute goods to the coastal communities of the west coast, Ngarayang, whose name means trader, found more than he bargained for. He charmed the crowds wherever he went with his tales of exotic cultures he encountered during his travels.

Ngarayang's adventure was presented through a performance by, among others, the Bonggi ethnic group with their Adat Bebalang and Tabadak dances, and the Dusun Kimaragang community with their Pinakang dance. Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin launched the cultural extravaganza with Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman and other state ministers also present.

-thestar online.

Society wants seven bird reserves in Malacca

MALACCA: The Malaysian Nature Society wants seven sites in Malacca to be recognised as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) following the arrival of migrating bird species which are vulnerable to global extinction.

The sites are Pengkalan bird sanctuary in Alor Gajah, Ayer Keroh Forest Reserve, Merlimau-Sg Rambai padi fields and marshland, Batang Tiga padi fields, Taman Melaka Raya-Pulau Melaka, Tiara Gold Resort and Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve. MNS Malacca/Negri Sembilan Bird Coordinator Ang Teck Hin, who disclosed this, said the Malacca government should immediately declare these sites as IBAs to enable better monitoring and conservation of these bird speciess.

“From my 15 years of observing birds, I found several sites with a captivating population of migratory and resident birds. This is nature's gift and must be protected,” he said in an interview. Ang cautioned that if these sites were encroached, it would lead to the birds abandoning the area. “The state government can engage the MNS bird consultation unit to provide expertise on how to protect these areas,” he added.

As of 2009, nearly 11,000 sites in some 200 countries have been identified as IBAs. There are 55 internationally recognised IBAs in Malaysia.

-thestar online.

Waterfront project to develop Kuantan as tourism site

KUANTAN: Kuantan has the potential to be developed as an industrial and tourism site, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. "I have directed the East Coast Economic Region to develop a waterfront project in Kuantan to attract more tourists," he said at a meet-the-PM event here Sunday.

Meanwhile, a heavy morning downpour failed to deter thousands of people from all walks of life from turning up for a public feast with the Prime Minister in Taman Gelora here. The programme, dubbed 'Santai Bersama PM', also saw the attendance of the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, several Mentris Besar, Cabinet Ministers and other dignitaries.

Most of them had stayed overnight in Kuantan in conjunction with the wives of Barisan Nasional representatives annual programme to give moral support to their spouses, who took part in several friendly games to foster closer ties.

Najib and Muhyiddin went on their rounds Sunday to meet the people despite the unfavourable weather and muddy ground, clad in caps and jackets. They also tried out various traditional dishes such as pulut rendang daging hitam and opor daging kerbau while Najib took time to play a game of Dam Aji assisted by Rosmah. In his speech, Najib said it was a nostalgic moment for him as Taman Gelora was built during his tenure as Pahang Mentri Besar back in 1982.

-thestar online.

Holiday on green

The Gayana Eco Resort maintains green practices without compromising on guest comfort. Sushma Veera finds out how

AS the boat approached Malohom Bay, I strain my eyes to get a good view of what is waiting ahead. Rows of thatched roof chalets, crimson sky, white sandy beaches and crystal blue water — it feels like I am entering a new world — a timeless, blissful tropical wonderland.

Gayana Eco Resort is in a serene environment, caressed by fresh cool breezes. Nestled on the edge of Gaya Island, a lush coral reef island off the coast of Borneo, this eco-friendly resort offers a blend of mystical Mother Nature and luxurious civilisation. Merely 15 minutes from bustling Kota Kinabalu, the island is the largest of five located within the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

Like the resort villas, the reception counter is also built above water. We are served a cold tropical juice while we wait for our rooms to be ready, which doesn’t take too long.

There are 52 Water Villas perched above azure waters of a rare coral reef. The open decks mean you can listen to the sound of the waves lapping below.

With the sparkling waters of the South China Sea below you and the tropical jungle behind you, you’ll enjoy your stay at the villas, which are fully equipped with modern conveniences, including air conditioning, WiFi access and bathroom amenities.

In the mornings, wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy breakfast delivered to your villa by boat. In the evenings, be mesmerised by the stunning tropical sunset from the privacy of your own terrace.

With the full amenities in the water villas, you may be wondering what actually makes the Gayana Eco Resort & Spa green? According to its general manager Tomas Andersen, the resort practices green efforts in its daily management.

“Being a green resort does not mean compromising on guest satisfaction or its products and services. Besides efforts to return the giant clam back to the sea and reviving coral reefs, the resort also helps protect and conserve the surrounding environment. These include, but are not limited to, the preservation of the existing forest structure, treatment of discharged water and energy conservation,” he says.

He explains that these are also practised at its sister resort, Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa.


WATER TREATMENT

Grey water, which is water discharged after washing and showers, are treated by the anaerobic process with microbes before it is recycled for watering plants and toilet flushing. Meanwhile, black water (waste water from toilet flushing), is treated anaerobically before being released into the ground through seepage.


KITCHEN WASTE
 

Kitchen waste, especially fruit peels, are gathered and used for multiple purposes. After being put through a food processor, it is left as compost and used as plant fertiliser. Fruit peels are also used to feed earthworms which create worm casts, a good source of nutrients for plants. Fruit peels are also used to produce garbage enzyme through fermentation with sugars to be used as organic pesticide against garden pests. Plastic bottles are sent to a local recycling plant.


ENERGY-SAVING bulbs

The resort uses energy-saving light bulbs and is exploring the use of solar power for garden lighting. Gayana’s prime accommodation, the Palm Villas, uses solar-powered water heaters. A skeletal staff is retained on the island while the rest commute from the mainland so as to reduce energy and water usage as well as waste production on the island.


BOATS

Boats are used for the transfer of guests, employees and cargo between Kota Kinabalu and the resort. The four-stroke outboard boat engines used comply with the Euro2 emission standard measured by its standardised release of exhaust gases.


FARMED ORGANIC FISH

In general, the fish population around the world is declining due to overfishing. In response to this, the resort rears its own fish at an organic fish farm certified by the local Fisheries Department as having “Good Aquaculture Practices”.
The farm also supplies fish to other hotels and restaurants in the city.


BIOROCK TECHNOLOGY

The Biorock patented technology uses a small amount of electrical current that charges a metal structure. Coral fragments that have been stabilised at the Marine Ecology Research Centre are attached to it. The electrical structure assists the coral to grow at a faster rate than normal to rebuild the coral colony vital for a large population of marine life.


FOREST PRESERVATION

At the design stage of its sister resort — Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa — existing trees and boulders were considered. Villas and facilities were built amongst these as opposed to removing the trees for a desired layout. This way, the villas are tucked into a forest environment as well as scattered around the resort grounds. Certain villas have trees growing through them. Pockets of mangroves are left untouched to preserve the natural flora and fauna of the island.


GENERATOR SOUND MASKING

The generator of Bunga Raya Island Raya Island & Spa and Gayana are contained in purpose-built and certified sound-proof buildings to reduce sound pollution and maintain the tranquil environment of the resorts.

-NST Online.

www.gayana-eco-resort.com

Use online promotions to attract more tourists to Malaysia, says Ng

KUALA LUMPUR: Social media has become a key tool in telling the world about Malaysia's tourist attractions, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. “If promotions are not done over the social media, you are quite a dinosaur,” Dr Ng said at a press conference on the Malaysian International Tourism Bloggers Conference & Awards (MITBCA 2012).

The event, which is organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Malaysia Social Media Chambers, will see a gathering of tourism bloggers and industry players here on May 8 and 9. Dr Ng said the inaugural Malaysia International Tourism Bloggers Awards would also be held in conjunction with the conference. Sixteen awards will be presented in categories such as lifestyle, duty-free shopping, travel, food, music, entertainment, destination blogs, micro blogger and tourism blog of the year.

On another matter, Dr Ng rapped those who criticised the RM1.8mil spent by the ministry to set up its Facebook account. “The RM1.8mil was used to run six campaigns,” she said, adding that although Facebook was free, money was needed for the gifts and prizes given away during the campaigns.

TV host and personality Jojo Struys and cookery show host and chef Anis Nabilah, who are avid bloggers, will be among those speaking at the conference. Details can be obtained from http://www.mitbca.com.

-thestar online.

Airphil Express expands to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur

Airphil Express, the budget arm of Philippine Airlines, is adding Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to its regional network, which is currently limited to Hong Kong.

Starting May 17, the LCC will begin thrice-weekly services from Clark International Airport to Singapore. This will be followed by thrice-weekly flights from Manila to Kuala Lumpur from June 21. Both routes will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft.

Airphil Express is also set to grow its Hong Kong connections. The airline will launch four-weekly flights from Clark to Hong Kong starting May 17. This comes after its recent doubling of Cebu-Hong Kong services from two to four times a week.

-TTG Asia.

MAS, AirAsia to announce decision to unwind share swap deal today

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia Bhd will forge ahead with their collaboration agreement by signing several MoUs to potentially set up joint ventures (JVs) for joint procurement, pilot training and aircraft maintenance and repair, reliable sources said. This is expected to be announced today, alongside a decision to unwind the share swap agreement between the two airlines. These were some of the areas identified under the comprehensive collaboration framework (CCF) inked last August, which also saw the exchange of shares that led to Khazanah Nasional Bhd taking a 10% stake in AirAsia and Tune Air Sdn Bhd a 20.5% in MAS.

Under the CCF, MAS would concentrate on being a full-service premium carrier, while AirAsia would remain a regional low-cost airline and AirAsia X a medium- to long-haul low-cost airline. This follows a string of abandoned proposals by MAS, including the ending of talks with Australian carrier Qantas to create a premium airline and discussions for a new short haul premium carrier. The unwinding of the share swap also means that AirAsia chief Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and his partner Datuk Kamarudin Meranun will probably give up their board seats on MAS.

However, their collaboration remains intact on the basis that there is no reason why both airlines can't get into mutually beneficial collaborative agreements, which could save both airlines' money and reduce outflows of money from the country. Both airlines had initially agreed to cooperate on areas such as aircraft purchasing, engineering, ground support services, cargo services, catering and training.

Sources told StarBiz they will announce today plans to establish a JV company to explore the potential of oursourcing their procurement activities to save on costly items including fuel and aircraft parts. The second proposed JV will look into collaborating on pilot training and infrastructure, and the third on component, maintainence support and repair services. Fernandes had previously said in September that the CCF could help create the largest hub in Asia for pilot training and maintenance, repair and overhaul services, giving Malaysia an edge over Singapore.

Quoting people with knowledge of the matter, Reuters also reported yesterday that shares of MAS will be suspended from trading today due to a “pending corporate announcement”. Besides ending the long-standing and at times bitter rivalry between MAS and AirAsia, the original intent of the share swap was to strengthen both carriers in anticipation of the 2015 enforcement of Asean's open-skies policy, by which time all domestic air-travel restrictions in the 10-nation region would be lifted, paving the way for full competition.

MAS, which is undergoing its fourth turnaround attempt since the wide asset unbundling brokered by Bina Fikir Sdn Bhd in 2002, posted a record RM2.52bil net loss in its financial year 2011, weighed down by an uptick in fuel prices as well as non-cash provisions and impairments. The latest turnaround plan, which was unveiled in December, outlined an aggressive 12% capacity cut - the largest in its history - and targets to achieve some RM1.18bil to RM1.51bil in cost savings and additional income to make the airline profitable by 2013. The plan also aims to narrow MAS' losses to a base case RM165mil net loss this year.

The airline's next hurdle is to raise enough money to pay for the 23 aircraft it has ordered, for which the capital expenditure is RM6bil this year and RM3.5bil next year. Its cash in hand is only RM1.1bil. MAS has about 30 days left to come up with a plan to boost cash reserves and funding capacity, and it has not ruled out the possibility of a cash call or selling of non-core assets to raise cash.
-thestar online.

Tourism to give Malaysia a boost

The tourism sector has been recognised by the government as a major source of revenue and a catalyst for the Malaysian economic renaissance.

In 2011, tourist arrivals increased by 137,128 to 24,714,324 compared to 24,577,196 in 2010, while receipts increased by RM1.8bil to RM58.3bil compared to RM56.5bil the previous year. In addition, the sector contributed a total of RM37.4bil to the Gross National Income (GNI) of the country. Among the top ten tourist markets for 2011 were Singapore (13,372,647), Indonesia (2,134,381), China (1,250,536), Australia (558,411), United Kingdom (403,940), and Japan (386,974).

Malaysia has premised itself as a diverse tourist attraction that offers world class attractions such as culture & heritage, ecotourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE), shopping, international events and health tourism, which affords visitors from all over the world a plethora of choices to enjoy. Realising this potential, the Government, through various initiatives under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) has mapped out a set of deliverables for the Tourism Ministry in order to stimulate sustainable tourism as the nation races to achieve its high-income status by 2020.

Under the Ministerial Key Results Area (MKRA), the Tourism Minister has been tasked and held responsible for delivering targeted outcomes set. The establishment of the MKRAs itself is a transformational change in the way Government delivery is executed. It is a more transparent and engaging process, one which focuses on Ministerial responsibility and delivery. The MKRAs and its attendant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are about identifying priorities and setting targets for individual Ministers and their respective Ministries.

The Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said: “There is still untapped potential within the tourism sector that can provide a viable growth platform for the country. “We have set targets via the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 of achieving 36 million tourist arrivals and RM168bil receipts by the year 2020.” One of the most successful programmes that have been identified by the Ministry is the Homestay programme which surpassed its target of 23% of occupancy rate and achieved a rate of 32%.

The Homestay programme was conceived to increase the participation of the rural population in the tourism sector. In addition, homestay programme participants procured an additional income of RM15.7mil against the RM14mil target set for the year. Ng said: “Participants of the homestay programme have been able to earn a substantial income and the activity has helped to generate more economic activities at the local level for the people. “The focus of the homestay programme is not merely about accommodation but also showcases Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage lifestyle in a unique and interesting manner.”

The country’s renowned and modern malls are also earning themselves accolades. The international shopping attractions have also earned a place in the hearts of the international tourist community, as evidenced by the growth in shopping spend for the year 2011. This was apparent by the Ministry working closely with the private sector to achieve a 30% rate in shopping expenditure against the 29% set under its KPI, resulting in a significant boost to the nation’s economic landscape.

“Promoting Malaysia as a shopping haven will further solidify the position of our country as a preferred destination to visit, shop, dine and relax,” she said. Also, to further propagate shopping spend, efforts will be intensified to promote Malaysia as a duty-free shopping destination.

The growth of the tourism sector has also opened up new employment opportunities across diverse industries such as retail, food and beverage, accommodation, transport and handicrafts. In 2001 alone, a total of 55,565 jobs were created. For 2012, the Ministry’s target is stretched to 90,542 jobs.

Moving forward in 2012, the Ministry is pushing itself to ensure that the sector drives transformation in both the social and economic landscape. There are plans to increase room supply of up to 3,000 rooms with new 4 and 5 star hotels coming into the market. The spa industry will also be given a boost with the addition of 300 new local spa therapists under a training programme at two national Centres of Excellence (COEs). With more concentrated efforts in capacity building and rating of the spa industry, it is set to contribute RM0.4bil to the GNI of the country.

In the coming year, the Ministry’s KPIs also include boosting revenues through enhanced packaging and clustering of international sporting events such as F1 Grand Prix, Moto GP, Le Tour de Langkawi, Monsoon Cup and Autobacs Super Japan. The hosting of international events is expected to generate revenue of RM900mil in 2012.

Recognising that business tourism is a dynamic developing sphere in the world today, the Ministry is revving up efforts to make Malaysia a prime choice for international world conferences. It is targeted to achieve 45 conference events in 2012 with an economic impact of RM17.6bil. Ng said, “Economic diversification and niche tourism activities will characterize the way we move forward for the tourism industry.

“We will enhance our promotion and marketing campaigns through our global brand “Malaysia Truly Asia’ celebrating diversity to energize the tourism industry and provide the enabling framework to attract and increase tourist arrivals.” She added, “the tourism sector’s immense potential has yet to be fully tapped as further growth can come from innovative tourism products such as the 1Malaysia International Shoe Festival, Malaysia International Night Floral Parade, 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism, Fabulous Food 1Malaysia, Parks & Gardens Tourism, Helicopter Tourism, Bicycle and Motorbike Tourism.

“We have to constantly develop more tourist-friendly products and services to meet the needs and preferences of tourists and must continue to promote Malaysia through our warm Malaysian Hospitality,” she said.

-thestar online.

Jazz festival intends to grow a new audience with the help of corporations

The KL International Jazz Festival 2012 (KLIJF), which makes its debut at the Plenary Hall, KL Convention Centre from May 19-20, is rolling out a unique opportunity for corporations to get involved in sponsoring students and giving them the opportunity to experience the festival.

“Outside the regular jazz fans, we definitely want the new generation of music fans to have contact and be exposed to this far-reaching, all-encompassing music genre. We want to cultivate a fresh interest in jazz in Kuala Lumpur and the many diverse forms that the genre represents,” said KLIJF chairman Maizon Omar at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur recently.

“It’s not just a festival, it is a long-term project to engage the music community in Kuala Lumpur and be a platform to raise the capital’s profile on the international stage,” she added. The Genius Package, which is part of the festival’s outreach programme, is a novel way for corporations to allign themselves with the KLIJF and the music genre itself.

The right chord: (From left) Arts, Culture and Sports Department director Idzaw Raja Ismail, Rodin, Maizon and artistic director Jeremy Monteiro at the countdown session to the inaugural festival.

“We urge companies to come in and sponsor students. We have tailored the Genius Package as an ‘incentive scheme’ for top students in music schools and beyond. A corporation can identify a particular college or university, and be a patron in getting the students to KLIJF. As a first time event, the KLIJF does not have the luxury of big sponsorships, but we have done our best to keep ticket prices affordable as well as not compromising on the quality of the acts in the festival,” said Rodin JS Kumar, the festival’s managing director.

Featuring a host of international and regional acts, the jazz festival is geared up to reignite Kuala Lumpur’s love affair with the music genre and also attract a new generation of jazz fans. Headlined by British acid jazz outfit Incognito on May 19 and legendary American jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal on May 20, the festival supported by City Hall is not short on the major jazz notables.

Over the course of two days, jazz favourites and newcomers will share the same stage at Plenary Hall. Names like acclaimed Japanese pianist Hiromi Uehara alongside Anthony Jackson and Steve Smith will generate keen live interest in terms of technical accomplishment and emotional heft. Elsewhere, you can count on Everette Harp, Ernie Watts, Jeremy Monteiro Quartet, Meg Okura and The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble, Jeremy Tordjman Group, Michael Veerapen Quartet with Junji Delfino and the Carl Allen Quartet to light up KLIJF.

Tickets for the festival range from RM238 to RM598 per day, or RM398 to RM998 for a two-day package. They are available at www.ticketpro.com.my. For details on the Genius Package, visit www.klinternationaljazz.com. Hotline: 03-5637-7742/1539.

-thestar online.

"Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia Sunday Bike Ride @ Raub"

PUTRAJAYA, 30 APRIL 2012: Tourism Malaysia akan menganjurkan acara Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Sunday Bike Ride @ Raub di Taman Tasik Raub, Pahang pada Ahad, 6 Mei 2012 untuk menyemarakkan lagi aktiviti berbasikal di sekitar Raub.

Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Sunday Bike Ride @ Raub ini merupakan acara susulan kepada majlis "Pelancaran Pakej Berbasikal Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia sempena Kayuhan Sihat 1 Malaysia" yang telah diadakan di Raub pada 1 April 2012 yang lalu.

Antara objektif utama acara ini adalah:-

·      Mempromosi dan memberi publisiti kepada pembangunan produk pelancongan dan meningkatkan aktiviti pelancongan di sekitar  daerah Raub.

·      Memberi pulangan dan menjana pendapatan bagi para penduduk tempatan melalui hasil aktiviti pelancongan.

·      Memberi sokongan ke atas usaha Persekutuan Kebangsaan Berbasikal Malaysia, Kerajaan Negeri dan persatuan-persatuan berbasikal di Malaysia dalam menganjurkan pelbagai acara berbasikal di Malaysia.

Acara ini akan dirasmikan oleh Menteri Pelancongan Malaysia, YB Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen yang juga akan berbasikal sejauh 15km bersama lebih kurang 500 orang peserta. Laluan berbasikal akan bermula dari Taman Tasik Raub dan melalui Jalan Lipis – Sempalit – Taman Amalina Lestari– Simpang Kalang – Bulatan Bukit Koman – Kampung Bukit Koman – Taman Mutiara 1- JPJ – Jalan Cheroh – Bandar Raub  sebelum kembali semula ke Taman Tasik Raub.

Selain itu, YB Dato' Sri Ng Yen Yen akan turut menyerahkan sebanyak sepuluh buah basikal kepada Polis Diraja Malaysia Raub sebagai tanda sokongan kepada Unit Ronda Berbasikal PDRM Raub. YB Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen dalam ucapannya berkata "Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Sunday Bike Ride @ Raub" akan diadakan pada setiap hari Ahad minggu pertama setiap bulan.

Beliau berkata bahawa aktiviti bulanan ini yang melibatkan kayuhan sejauh 7km di sekitar bandar Raub adalah terbuka kepada para pelajar sekolah, kelab berbasikal, penduduk sekitar daerah Raub dan juga penduduk dari daerah lain seperti Bentong, Temerloh, Kuantan dan Kuala Lumpur. "Kita mahu menjadikan aktiviti berbasikal di daerah Raub sebagai satu produk pelancongan yang dapat mendekatkan para pelancong asing dan domestik kepada keindahan alam semula jadi dan penduduk kampung di sekitar Raub. Aktiviti berbasikal ini bukan sahaja baik untuk kesihatan tetapi juga untuk penjagaan alam sekitar." sambungnya lagi.

Selaras dengan dasar kerajaan, aktiviti ini juga dapat memupuk semangat bersukan dan gaya hidup sihat di kalangan warga Malaysia dan menjadikan program berbasikal di hujung minggu ini sebagai salah satu aktiviti riadah bersama keluarga mahupun rakan-rakan. Tambahan lagi trend pelancongan berbasikal kini sedang berkembang dengan pesatnya di serata dunia. Tourism Malaysia sedang bekerjasama dengan pelbagai pihak berkuasa tempatan, Kelab Berbasikal Reborn Raub dan juga para penduduk setempat untuk melaksanakan perasmian program berbasikal "Cuti-Cuti 1 Malaysia Sunday Bike Ride @ Raub".

Kayuhan Sihat Warga Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia di Putrajaya

Sebuah program berbasikal untuk warga Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia (KPL) telah dilancarkan di sini hari ini. YB Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen telah mengetuai seramai lebih kurang 50 penunggang basikal yang merupakan warga KPL untuk berkayuh dari perkarangan KPL sehingga ke Taman Empangan.

Program ini diadakan bertujuan untuk mempromosikan aktiviti berbasikal sebagai produk pelancongan serta menggalakkan amalan gaya hidup sihat di kalangan warga KPL. Aktiviti mingguan ini akan diadakan pada setiap hari Rabu.

-Tourism Malaysia.

129 Tourism Players To Promote Malaysia In ATM Dubai

PUTRAJAYA, 30 April 2012: A 129-member tourism trade delegation from Malaysia is participating in the largest trade and consumer travel show in the Gulf region, the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The highly-anticipated annual event is taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in UAE from 30 April to 3 May 2012.

Malaysia’s participation in ATM for the 19^th time this year is a clear demonstration of the country’s commitment and efforts in attracting more tourists, particularly from West Asia, to its shores. Leading the Malaysian delegation to ATM is Tourism Malaysia’s Director for International Marketing Division (South Asia/ West Asia/ Africa), Mr. Zulkifly Md Said.

This year’s delegation comprises 76 government and private sector organisations, which include 43 hotels, 22 travel & tour operators, 7 State Governments, and 4 tourism product operators. A cocktail reception for the buyers, travel agents and media will be held on 1 May, 4.00pm, at the Malaysia Pavilion (booth AS2640).

Other programmes in Dubai include courtesy calls to heads of airlines, as well as several interviews with Arab media. Among the focus of the Malaysian delegation at ATM this year are the promotion of the states in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as the states of Sabah and Sarawak.   

Besides participating in ATM, some of the Malaysian delegates are expected to join Tourism Malaysia in its sales mission to Riyadh and Jeddah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 4 to 8 May. The sales mission aims to further strengthen Malaysia’s presence in the market. A gala dinner is scheduled to be held at both destinations to give guests a glimpse of the tourism attractions in Malaysia. Besides that, courtesy calls and meetings with tourism players will also be carried out.

The ATM is indeed an ideal platform for the Malaysian delegation to network and form strategic alliances with travel trade buyers from the Gulf region. At the same time, it will help strengthen the presence of Malaysia in the region.

BACKGROUND

1.         Malaysia recorded 24.7 million tourist arrivals last year with a 0.6 per cent growth compared to the previous year (2010).

2.         The West Asian market registered 358,994 tourist arrivals with a growth of 12.1 percent compared to 2010.

COUNTRY	Tourist arrivals  2011	Tourist arrivals  2010	Growth in %
West Asia	358,994	320,373	12.1

 (Source: Immigration Dept & Research Division, Tourism Malaysia).

3.         The promotion in West Asia is focused on travel packages coupled with quality services and products. Key products promoted to the West Asian market include leisure holidays such as beaches and islands, shopping, dining, eco-tourism and business tourism packages. The special interest promotions include education tourism, medical & health tourism, honeymoon, spa and the Malaysia My Second Home programme.

4.         In terms of medical and health tourism, Malaysia is among the most popular destinations for health tourists from West Asia. It is fast emerging as a value-for-money destination with world-class health and state-of-the-art medical facilities, as Malaysia has over 200 international-standard hospitals and clinics.

5.         Similarly, the favourable exchange rate has also contributed to the growth in education tourism, thus making Malaysia a centre of research and educational excellence. Twinning programmes with foreign universities have made it affordable for students from West Asia to pursue their tertiary education in Malaysia. 

-Tourism Malaysia.