Three top tourism officials get posts in international organisations

PUTRAJAYA: Three top tourism officials in Malaysia have clinched several prominent appointments to various international tourism authorities.

In a recognition of his capability by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng was appointed as chairman of the UNWTO Commission for South East Asia and the Pacific in the 2012-2013 term. Ong was also appointed to chairmanship on the UNWTO program and budget committee, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Dato' Azizan Nordin has been appointed into the 12-men board of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) as well as chairman of the destination sub-committee for National and Provincial Tourist Offices Worldwide.

Also having received an international appointment recently was Malaysia Conventions and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) chief executive officer Zulkefli Shariff, who will be president of the Association of ASEAN Conventions and Visitors Bereau.

"This shows that Malaysia has been acknowledged as advanced nation in the tourism industry. "This is on top of our success in organising various events of international standards, such as Citrawarna 1Malaysia, Magic of the Night (a night floral boat parade), and the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism festival," Dr Ng said to thunderous applause at the ministry's monthly gathering here on Tuesday.

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

AirAsia launches ASEAN nerve centre to chart regional growth

AirAsia officially unveiled in Jakarta today its new regional nerve centre, AirAsia ASEAN, as part of a strategy to focus on regional growth.

With AirAsia group CEO, Tony Fernandes, and deputy group CEO, Kamarudin Meranun, based at the new office, AirAsia ASEAN will oversee the expansion blueprint for the carrier’s six subsidiary airlines – five anchored in ASEAN and one in Japan.

By focusing on regional growth, AirAsia will expand its market base to 600 million people and bring ASEAN closer – within four-hour flight radii – to mega populations in China and India, as well as in Japan and South Korea. “Shifting AirAsia’s emphasis to regional strategy is, we believe, not just good business, but also a move that will keep us ahead of the inevitable competition that is heading our way,” said Fernandes.

He added that establishing AirAsia ASEAN in Jakarta would also allow the airline to ride the wave of increasing regional integration due to the impending implementaion of ASEAN Open Skies and ASEAN Economic Community initiatives.

“One of the reasons for locating the office in Jakarta is to help us engage more closely with the ASEAN Secretariat, which is headquartered here. AirAsia ASEAN will help ensure that our voice, our concerns and appeals are heard much more clearly in the corridors of power with ASEAN,” he explained.

Quizzed by TTG Asia e-Daily on what the airline was expecting from ASEAN member governments, Fernandes said: “I hope that (our new office and growth strategy) will spur ASEAN governments into further integration. For example, in Europe there is one open sky, one aviation authority to regulate jobs...”

-TTG Asia.

Tiger Woods to play at US$6.1mil CIMB Classic

PUTRAJAYA: Tiger Woods has confirmed his participation at the US$6.1mil CIMB Classic to be played at The Mines Resort and Golf Club from Oct 25 to 28.

CIMB chief executive officer Datuk Seri Nazir Razak announced that from next year the CIMB Classic would be a full-fledged tour event with an increased prize money of US$7mil. Nazir said this at the launching of CIMB Golf Classic here on Monday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Najib welcomed the announcement and said he looked forward to playing with Woods, provided "there were no other big major event - sports or politics - happening at the same time." He was alluding to a remark by Nazir asking the prime minister to ensure that there be no other major event - sports or politics - happening at the same time as the CIMB Classic.

-thestar online.

MASwings comes up with irresistible Raya offer

KOTA KINABALU: MASwings is going further with its “Fantastic Deals” promotional campaign, offering up to 80% discounted fares for all local and international destinations for this Hari Raya season.



In a statement, the airline said it was offering “value for money fares” from today until Aug 15 over the Internet with a two-day advance purchase condition. These are for travel between Aug 8 and until the end of January next year. “MASwings is delighted to offer these deals as part of the on-going efforts to spread the spirit of ‘Wings Of Love’, especially during Ramadan,” said chief commercial officer Shauqi Ahmad.


One-way fares are from as low as RM99 from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Bintulu, Labuan and Tawau; RM109 to Mulu or Miri and RM129 to Sibu or Kuching. Those from Miri will also be enjoying one-way fares from as low as RM79 to Bintulu or Limbang as well as RM89 to Mulu, Sibu or Labuan. Special fares from as low as RM89 are also offered from Kuching to Sibu, RM99 to Miri and Mulu; and RM109 to Bintulu.


For international routes, the fares start from as low as RM99 and RM139 per way to Brunei from Kota Kinabalu and Kuching respectively, RM109 from Kuching to Pontianak and RM129 from Tawau to Tarakan. These are for one-way economy class travel on MASwings and are inclusive of airport tax, fuel surcharge and insurance.


A complete list of destinations and fares is available at www.maswings.com.my.
-thestar online.

Johor Premium Outlets - 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival

-www.premiumoutlets.com.my

Legoland M'sia sees RM100m revenue in first year

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 5, 2012): Legoland Malaysia, which is slated to open on Sept 15, expects to generate more than RM100 million in revenue in its first year of operations, said its general manager Siegfried Boerst. "This would come from all the attractions in the park, restaurants as well as retail outlets," he told SunBiz recently.

"We should see operational profit from the first year, but to recover our (full) investments will depend on the long-term development of the park, which usually takes about 15 to 20 years," he said. Thus, Boerst said it would be a challenge for Legoland Malaysia to recover its capital investments in less than 15 years due to its high set-up costs and as it wants to keep its entry passes affordable.

Despite this, he said Legoland Malaysia will continue to invest every year in its theme park so that visitors will return and to offer them a "larger experience" in terms of attractions in the future. Over one million people are projected to visit the 30.76ha outdoor theme park in Nusajaya, Johor, annually over the first four years of its opening. Legoland Malaysia is the first Legoland in Asia and sixth in the world. It features seven themed areas with more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions.

There will also be a Legoland Malaysia Water Theme Park and Legoland Hotel that are expected to open in the second half of 2013 and in 2014, respectively. The cost of the theme park and waterpark is RM720 million, while that of the hotel is RM190 million. Boerst said in the initial years, one-third of the theme park's visitors are expected to come from Johor and Singapore; one-third from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other states and the rest to comprise international tourists.

"With the (opening of the) hotel and the water theme park, we hope to grow the international market as we want to make Iskandar Malaysia and the southern Malaysia region into an international tourist destination," he said, adding that there are not many international first-class theme parks in Asia yet compared with Europe and the US, which signifies huge potential for operating theme parks here. "Asians value their family and children so they're always looking for (theme park) alternatives. Moreover, Asian families still have many children, more so than the European families. That's why Asia is such an important market for us, as well as for Merlin Entertainments, of which Legoland theme parks form part. "We see good growth potential in Asia, and we're convinced if we can offer a first-class experience it will be attractive for Asians to visit," he added.

On plans to open new Legoland theme parks, Boerst said it is looking at Asia but not Southeast Asia. "We're looking at South Korea or Japan and we should have at least a Legoland in Asia between 2015 and 2020," he said. Legoland parks are based on the popular Lego construction toy range. Other Legoland theme parks are in Denmark, the UK, Germany, and Florida and California in the US.

- www.thesundaily.my

Thomas Anders & Modern Talking band Live in Malaysia 2012

For those that grew up in the 80s and early 90s, we have a special treat for you! Resorts World Genting is proud to present Thomas Anders and the ever popular German Europop group, Modern Talking, performing live here in Malaysia. They will be coming to town to bring you their famous hits like "You're My Heart, You're My Soul", "You Can Win If You Want", "Cheri, Cheri Lady", "Brother Louie", "Atlantis Is Calling (S.O.S. for Love)" and "Geronimo's Cadillac". Their songs were so popular that they constantly graced the radio channels and topped record sales throughout the country.

Here’s you chance to relive your youth, a time when you were always surrounded by your close friends with constant outings and parties, and those good old days at your high school or college. They will only be here for an evening only, so don’t miss out and get your tickets early.

-www.rwgenting.com

Legoland Malaysia - Vimeo Twin Towers @ Miniland

Please watch a video of the PETRONAS Towers being completed in LEGOLAND Malaysia Miniland.

https://vimeo.com/46081293

-www.legoland.com.my

MAS to offer more flights for Aidilfitri

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is offering another 3,584 seats for its Kuala Lumpur-Kota Baru and Kuala Lumpur-Alor Setar routes for the coming Hari Raya celebrations.

From Aug 16 to 18, two extra flights will be offered daily for the Kuala Lumpur-Kota Baru route, while the existing scheduled flight will be upgraded. MAS will also operate an additional flight between the Kuala Lumpur-Alor Setar route on Aug 18.

These are in addition to the five extra flights for the Kuala Lumpur-Kota Baru and four additional flights for the Kuala Lumpur-Alor Setar routes that were announced by the national carrier two weeks ago. MAS will also increase its capacity for the Kota Baru-Kuala Lumpur route from Aug 24 to Aug 26.

An extra B737 flight will operate on this route while another flight will be upgraded on Aug 24 to offer more capacity. On Aug 27, the airline will fly two additional flights on this route.

In a statement yesterday, MAS said it would further increase capacity if there was demand. Bookings can be done through MAS' website www.malaysiaairlines.com, MHmobile at flymas.mobi, MH Buddy on MAS Facebook, MAS nationwide ticket offices, 24-hour toll-free Call Centre at 1300 88 3000 and all appointed travel agents.

-thestar online.

Malaysia My Second Home Programme

Top 10 Participating Countries By Year

-www.mm2h.gov.my

Malaysia eyes bigger slice of Indonesian market

Encouraged by positive growth in Indonesia arrivals in recent years, Tourism Malaysia Jakarta (TMJ) has outlined several measures to boost this segment by seven per cent in 2012. 

TMJ’s newly appointed director, Nor Aznan Sulaiman, said: “TMJ enjoys a good relationship with the travel industry in Jakarta, and we would like to conduct more joint promotions with (Indonesian) travel (experts), airlines and media to introduce Malaysia’s new products to customers.”

According to Sulaiman, there were 2.1 million Indonesian visitors to Malaysia last year, contributing RM4.2 billion (US$1.3 billion) in tourism revenue. “Arrivals from Indonesia exceeded two million (pax) over each of the past three years,” he said. Sulaiman was optimistic that this year’s arrivals figure would easily surpass TMJ’s target, as numbers from January-May 2012 had already registered a year-on-year increase of 19.3 per cent.

  

He noted that travel between Indonesia and Malaysia was becoming more convenient, catalysed by increased seat capacity on Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air and Mandala Airlines. Currently, there are 507 connections with 83,434 seats per week between Malaysia and Indonesia.

-TTG Asia.

AirAsia X to boost KL-Kathmandu flights

AirAsia X is planning to raise the flight frequency on its Kathmandu-Kuala Lumpur route from the current two flights per week to three times weekly, effective September 15. Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X, said the additional flight frequency was in response to encouraging customer demand.

“AirAsia X is responding to the strong and growing travel demand to and from Kathmandu. Since we launched sales, demand has been positive. The added frequency will provide our guests better travel and flight options,” he said.

Launched in July, the Kuala Lumpur-Kathmandu service was initially introduced for sale via selected travel consultants in Malaysia and Kathmandu. AirAsia X decided to open the route for online bookings on July 10.
-TTG Asia.

Genting International Magic Festival 2012

The magic is back at Genting with Superstars of Magic 2 as 8 new magicians are set to dazzle you with their spectacular acts. Prepare to be amazed once again as they perform their grand illusions so fast, your mind will tell you they’re real. Don’t miss these renowned award-winning magicians as they set out to amaze you with their stunning and extravagant performance once again at Resorts World Genting.

Presenting the grand illusionists that will astonish you: “The World’s Greatest Escape Artist” – Dean Gunnarson, “The Great Illusionists” – JC Sum and ‘Magic Babe’ Ning, the “World’s Best Variety Act” – Charlie Frye & Co., “Europe’s Best Pickpocket Artist” - Christian Lindemann, “Stage Comedy Magician of the Year” – Chipper Lowell, “France’s Card Manipulation Champion” – Nestor Hato, the “World’s Best Quick Change Act” – Sos and Victoria Petrosyan, and “The World’s Youngest Manipulation Artists” – Sos and Tigran Junior.

Don’t miss out on this chance to witness in person an amazing magical experience. Grab your show tickets now and see if you can tell how they did it.

- www.rwgenting.com

MyCEB's ambassador programme generates leads

The Kesatria 1Malaysia programme initiated by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) in January has identified 14 new business event leads, which together are expected to attract 30,000 international delegates and RM351 million (US$122 million) in tourism revenue for the country.

The programme aims to spur leaders of key industry sectors, who had previously hosted large-scale international events in Malaysia, to voluntarily assist in identifying and encouraging other potential hosts to bid for and stage international conventions in Malaysia.

With the assistance of its appointed Kesatrias, or knights in Bahasa Malaysia, MyCEB has also organised a series of presentations at universities and research institutions to guide potential hosts on how to bid for and stage international congresses. The presentations provide case studies on the benefits a local host stands to gain from organising a global congress, as well as outlines support services offered by MyCEB.

MyCEB CEO, Zulkefli Sharif, said: “Having Kesatrias present the case studies will offer so much more inspiration to potential local hosts.”

There are currently 17 appointed Kesatrias, and according to Zulkefli, the bureau is in the process of growing the pool to represent all key economic growth sectors including agriculture, business services and education. 

-TTG Asia.

www.myceb.com.my

AirAsia Japan's Inaugural Flights to Sapporo & Fukuoka!

An exciting day for us as AirAsia Japan paints Japan skies RED with its inaugural flights to Fukuoka and Sapporo today!

The inaugural flight to Fukuoka (JW8541) took off at sharp 0700hrs local time, where the dream has taken off with an almost full flight! What incredible support and love!

In conjunction with this historic occasion, AirAsia Japan is holding a special celebratory campaign. Fly from as low as 100yen one way between Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa and Tokyo. The special promo starts 0001hrs (GMT+9) on 2nd August 2012 for the travel period from 28 August – 27 October 2012. The exclusive fares are available online at www.airasia.com.

A dream come true for all of us at AirAsia! Check out the photos from the press conference held in Narita Airport today!



-http://www.facebook.com/AirAsia

Seri Chenang Langkawi set for August debut

Langkawi will welcome its newest boutique resort, Seri Chenang Resort & Spa Langkawi, on August 9.

Perched alongside the Kuala Chenang River next to popular Chenang Beach, the resort is nestled amid lush tropical foliage and offers views of the surrounding paddy fields, mountain and sea.

The property will feature six villas of different sizes – ranging from 113m² to 393m² – built to replicate traditional Malay houses. Facilities at the resort will include a Kayangan Spa, an infinity swimming pool, a gym and an art gallery.

To mark its launch, Seri Chenang has introduced an opening promotion of 50 per cent off rack rates for stays during the month of August.

-TTG Asia.

photo: pelancongankini

Budget airline walks away with four trophies

AarAsia walked away with four awards at the KLIA 2011 Awards presentation held at the Gateway Ballroom, Pan Pacific KLIA recently.


AirAsia was voted the best airline of the year, low-cost airline of the year and Indonesian Air Asia as the foreign airline of the year and foreign airline of the year by sector (Southeast Asia). It was a befitting moment as Aireen Omar who assumed her new post as AirAsia group chief executive officer for Malaysian operations effective July 1, received the awards from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) Tan Sri Dr Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah who was also at his first official event as the new chairman of the organisation.

The annual KLIA Awards recognises MAHB partners who continuously push the boundaries of excellence in pursuit of their vision. “The awards offer recognition to different categories of airlines and service providers at KLIA.

All smiles: A representative from MASkargo receiving an award from Dr Wan Abdul Aziz. Looking on are Bashir (second from left) and MAHB senior manager for Operations, Datuk Azmi Murad (right).

“The winners are chosen based on their 2011 performance in sectors such as passenger movement, growth factor, sales performance, international recognition as well as their service performance. “Incidentally, the award ceremony was also a unique event since it coincided with Malaysia’s 100th year in the aviation industry,’’ said MAHB managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad. He added that Malaysia’s aviation industry had undergone rapid growth and has become an important air transport hub for Southeast Asia and beyond.

First introduced in 2006, the KLIA Awards is Malaysia’s one and only aviation award and pays tribute to the best performers in the aviation industry. This year Malaysia Airports lined up 18 awards for airlines and service providers operating at KLIA.

Standing proud: The recipients of the KLIA 2011 awards.

The award was further expanded with the inclusion of another category to honour the agencies with the most improved score in the Airport Service Quality elements. Dr Wan Abdul Aziz paid tribute to the aviation industry’s role and commended MAHB on its efforts to value and reward its business partners. “I hope the awards will further motivate the KLIA community to continue being the best in what they do,’’ he added.

Bashir, meanwhile, said KLIA experienced a 10.7% growth in passenger movements last year compared to 2010, recording a total of 37.7mil passengers in tandem with the growth of the tourism sector in the country.
He added that preliminary numbers up to June this year recorded a total volume of 32.5mil passengers with KLIA alone indicating a growth of 4.8% in passenger movements for the first half of the year compared to the same period last year.

“We welcomed three new airlines in 2011 — Air Koryo, Lion Air and Transaero Airlines — and another three — Bangkok Airways, Mandala Airways and Airphil Express — until June this year. “2012 has been a good year for KLIA as their staff was acknowledged for excellence when it won the Beast Airport Staff Asia Award in the Skytrax 2012 World Airport Awards, the most prestigious accolades for the world airport industry,’’ added Bashir.

He said KLIA also improved its place in the world’s top 10 airports with an 8th place finish, one spot better than last year. Currently KLIA is host to 59 international airlines offering connections to more than 100 international destinations worldwide. Bashir added that if all MAHB partners were committed as they have always been, KLIA can continue to rise among the best in the world. Local artiste Jaclyn Victor entertained the guests with a selection of songs before the award presentation ceremony.

The Award Winners:

Airline of the year (Air Asia); Low-Cost Airline of the year (Air Asia); Foreign Airline of the Year (Indonesia Air Asia); Promising new foreign airline of the year (Lion Air); Foreign airline of the year by sector – South East Asia (Indonesia Air Asia), North East Asia (China Southern Airlines), Europe (KLM Royal Dutch Airlines), South Asia (Sri Lankan Airlines), Middle East (Qatar Airways); Airline of the year- Cargo (MASkargo); Foreign Airline of the year-cargo (Korean Air); F&B outlet of the year-overall (McDonald’s-LCCT Outlet); F&B outlet of the year-highest percentage of growth in sales (Kafe 15 – Contact Pier Domestic Pier); Retail outlet of the year-overall (Perfumes & Cosmetics –Satellite Building Outlet); Retail outlet of the year- highest percentage of growth in sales (Fotopro-Main Terminal Building Outlet); Service Excellence Award – Airport Service Quality highest score (Sinar Jernih Sdn Bhd); Service Excellence Award – Airport Service Quality most improved score – (Perkhidmatan Arah sdn Bhd) and the Chairman’s Award (Royal Malaysian Customs KLIA).
-thestar online.

TAR invests RM115mil in theme park in Nusajaya

PETALING JAYA: Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd (TAR), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, has invested RM115mil into its Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park in Nusajaya, Johor. The 90%-completed theme park is expected to attract 500,000 visitors in its first year of operations.

Based on the RM60 all-access ticket price, the company is confident of achieving at least RM30mil in sales, according to managing director and chief executive Tunku Datuk Ahmad Burhanuddin. Ahmad said 45% of the theme park visitors would be foreigners. The four-level theme park on 80,000 sq ft is expected to open its doors in November. It is aimed at raising the profile of Nusajaya as a tourist destination.

TAR, which is also a major stakeholder in Legoland, saw synergy between Puteri Harbour and the latter. “We don't see Legoland cannibalising the theme park'business. In fact, we see them supplementing and complementing each other,” he said, Ahmad believed that Legoland and the upcoming theme park would encourage visitors to stay longer in Nusajaya thus increase tourist spendings. “When people come to Malaysia, they want a variety of things to do.

We are coming out with the products to service them and add to the things they can do,” he said. Ahmad said the theme park would be providing 200 jobs and have a multiplier-effect on hotels and suppliers in the area. TAR has partnered with Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia in its marketing effortsto attract tourists from China, India and the Middle East.

The Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park will have three major attractions, the local cartoon-inspired diner Lat's Place, the first Sanrio Hello Kitty Town outside of Japan and The Little Big Club featuring cartoon characters like Bob the Builder and Barney. Lat's Place will be designed in a Malaysian village setting, coupled with animation for patrons to interact with.

TAR, which is the operational and management company for Khazanah, has other projects including the Ocean Quest Marine Park and Ocean Splash Water Park in Desaru Coast.
-thestar online.