Too good to be true — but it is

Nature’s wonders: The tower karst hills at The Haven is a rare geological feature only found in a few sites in South-East Asia.

Seeing is believing. Guests are in for a pleasant surprise upon entering The Haven – a world class luxury resort in a little town called Tambun near Ipoh city.

It’s only been a year but The Haven has already welcomed international citizens from over 50 countries to the world class luxury resort. The five-star development received a five-star certification from the Tourism and Culture Ministry.

Having placed Ipoh on the global map, The Haven will be the catalyst for tourism growth in the northern state of Perak.

Tremendous value

Surprised at how The Haven is “undervalued” for its complete facilities and top-notch service, guest Evelyn Ho from Renosis Industries Pte Ltd describes the rates as “a steal” when compared to her accommodation in Sentosa, Singapore. A stay at The Haven’s three-bedroom suite costs S$300 (RM899) per night – cheaper compared to the S$1,200 (RM3,596) she had forked out for a one-bedroom suite in Sentosa. While both she said were fine luxurious resort residences of equal standing, The Haven was clearly a more economical choice.

Peter Chan, CEO of The Haven, agrees.

“Most resorts in Asia command rates of over US$600 (RM2,513) per room per night. Also, the selling price of The Haven is truly undervalued considering the demand and potential.” The Haven is now going for about RM700 per sq ft as a condotel. It has the potential to command over RM3,000 per sq ft especially with it’s five-star rating.

A multiple award winner

The Haven has received high accolades and multiple awards, both local and international, in multiple categories. It has been recognised as a green and eco-friendly development, top in design and quality luxury residences and best hotel. Last month, The Haven was awarded the most prestigious property award yet – FIABCI’s “Malaysia Property Award for Best High Rise Development 2015” – and will represent the country in the global arena at the FIABCI International Prix d’ Excellence Awards to be held in Panama. The Haven will be competing with developments valued at US$2,000 per sq ft and above.

In October, The Haven won two other prestigious awards in Hong Kong – The Global winner for World Luxury Hotel Award (All-inclusive family category) and Asia winner in the Best Scenic Environment Category. While in London, it won the best Global Luxurious Retreat Hotel Award in all three geographical categories – Malaysia, Asia and Global.

Something for everyone: The highlight at The Haven’s stay is the balcony view of the 280 million-year-old limestone structure known as Rockhaven.

Ipoh, an underrated goldmine

Chan feels that Ipoh has been underrated for too long. The city has excellent infrastructure and facilities including connectivity, hospitals, restaurants and interesting locations.

The green limestone setting of hills belonging to the Neolithic period are over 200 million years old but they are not fully appreciated.

“Indeed, The Haven can boast of its 14-storey outcrop that sits strategically at the side of an ever-flowing natural lake that is over 280 million years old,” Chan says.

A great wellness retreat

The Haven is starting to be recognised as a wellness destination. The clear crisp air from the pristine environment away from the bustling city crowd makes it popular as a wellness location.

“We made sure to be in sync with the environment by ensuring that only natural ingredients are used in our food. Our food is as natural as it gets with no additives or MSG. We believe that we offer the best food in Ipoh with a mix of local, Asian, Western and Middle Eastern cuisines. It has taken us a year to achieve this distinction,” Chan says.

Continuous support from all

Who could have envisaged that a hotel development in Ipoh could achieve world recognition? The Haven has indeed put Ipoh on the world map, pioneering the concept of luxury family vacations for three generations. Here, children, their parents and grandparents can all come together. The Haven has also become a catalyst for a confidence revival in Ipoh as it highlights the state’s natural assets, limestone hills and home-grown uniqueness.

“This will surely be a boost for Ipoh. Ipoh is now set to be among growing world-class-tourist destinations as the city flourishes in providing top-notch hotel services and facilities. We have been adjudged over hundreds of top world-class establishments from all over the world and are now giving Ipoh the confidence it deserves,” Chan says.

The Dec 1 copy of the local paper, Ipoh Echo, writes: “The Haven has already fought, and won, half the battle. The rest is up to those in power and ordinary Ipoh folk to make good use of this foothold to achieve bigger successes. How does the state authorities leverage on this achievement to propel Ipoh further in the eyes of the world?”

The ringgit’s slide in the currency market has indeed made this development a bargain buy and a bargain stay. The Haven believes in supporting the economy more substantially with the current currency drop. The Haven’s new promotions aim to cater to value-conscious travellers looking for luxury, quality and peace of mind.

The development can thus be expected to be a great foreign exchange spinner for the nation and a great benefit to the state in terms of employment, stature and image. The Haven has indeed made its mark nationally and internationally, bringing optimism and enthusiasm to the property market.

-thestar online.

http://thehavenresorts.com/

Homestay Banghuris tawar keaslian budaya, kehidupan penduduk

Keaslian persekitaran dan kehidupan seharian penduduk yang berjaya dipersembahkan Homestay Banghuris, Sepang menjadikan ia pilihan pelancong dari dalam dan luar negara.

Penyelaras Homestay Banghuris, Basir Wangiman berkata, sehingga kini homestay yang terletak kira-kira 60 kilometer (km) dari Kuala Lumpur dan 35 km dari Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) menerima kedatangan hampir 12,000 pelancong tempatan dan luar negara dalam masa setahun.

“Paling ramai dari Jepun iaitu 6,000 orang, mereka datang untuk mempelajari cara hidup orang kampung,” katanya kepada S2 baru-baru ini.

Katanya, kelestarian Homestay Banghuris hasil daripada peruntukan daripada Kementerian Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah seperti pembinaan dewan serbaguna yang membawa manfaat kepada ribuan penduduk.

“Antara kejayaan yang telah dikecapi oleh Homestay Banghuris ialah memenangi Anugerah Ilham Desa pada 2002, johan keseluruhan Anugerah Ilham Desa pada 2005 serta dianugerahkan Desa Lestari pada 2014 sekali gus memperoleh geran sebanyak RM1.2 juta untuk tujuan pembangunan,” katanya.

Mengulas mengenai keunikan di Homestay Banghuris, Basir berkata, cara hidup, budaya dan tradisi yang diamalkan penduduk berjaya menambat hati pengunjung.

“Banyak aktiviti diadakan seperti kebudayaan, mengenali makanan tempatan, perusahaan desa, kebun buah-buahan, aktiviti sukan dan reakreasi, melawat kebun buluh, melawat ladang getah serta melawat ladang kopi.

“Para tetamu berpeluang untuk melihat serta mempelajari tarian dan muzik tradisional seperti lagu-lagu rakyat, persembahan cempuling, tarian masyarakat Melayu, Arab, Cina mahupun India. Selain itu, para tetamu berpeluang menghadiri majlis perkahwinan jika ada penduduk kampung melangsungkan perkahwinan,” katanya.

Basir menjelaskan, kejayaan Homestay Banghuris banyak dipengaruhi usaha yang dilakukan Institut Kemajuan Desa (Infra) dalam memajukan sesebuah kawasan luar bandar.

Katanya, perkara itu jelas terbukti apabila latihan dan kursus yang diberikan oleh Infra telah membantu memajukan Homestay Banghuris, Sepang hasil penggabungan tiga buah kampung iaitu Bukit Bangkong, Hulu Chuchuh dan Hulu Teris sejak 10 tahun lalu.

Jelasnya, penubuhan Homestay Banghuris adalah hasil usaha penduduk kampung setelah mendapat khidmat nasihat, latihan dan kursus daripada Infra dan melalui itu juga kegemilangannya dapat dikekalkan.

Basir yang juga Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung Persekutuan (JKKKP) Kampung Hulu Cuchuh berkata, dia telah menghantar lebih 100 orang penduduk kampung untuk mengikuti segala latihan dan kursus yang dianjurkan oleh Infra untuk kelestarian Homestay Banghuris.

Katanya, tanpa khidmat nasihat, latihan dan kursus yang dijalankan oleh Infra, kemungkinan besar Homestay Banghuris tidak akan mencapai kejayaan seperti sekarang iaitu menerima kedatangan hampir 12,000 pelancong tempatan dan luar negara dalam masa setahun.

“Infra menjalankan pelbagai latihan dan kursus kepada masyarakat kampung seperti program kelestarian kampung, program penjanaan ekonomi kampung dan juga aspek kebersihan. Segala latihan yang diterima kami laksanakan di Homestay Banghuris.

Sementara itu katanya, kawasan Homestay Banghuris sememangnya terkenal dengan perusahaan desa membuat kuih tradisional dan makanan ringan seperti kerepek kentang, ubi kayu, pisang serta makanan sejuk beku yang dijadikan jualan komersial untuk menjana ekonomi penduduk.

“Terdapat dua pakej yang disediakan di Homestay Banghuris iaitu pakej dua hari satu malam dengan harga daripada RM150 seorang dan juga pakej tiga hari dua malam dengan harga daripada RM250 seorang, kedua-dua pakej tersebut termasuk sarapan pagi, makan tengah hari dan makan malam.

“Kami merancang untuk memperluas dan memperindahkan lagi suasana di Homestay Banghuris, dengan geran yang diperoleh sebanyak RM1.2 juta banyak pembangunan dapat dilaksanakan termasuk menambah lagi jumlah inap desa yang ketika ini berjumlah 100 buah,” katanya.

-Utusan Online.
http://www.go2homestay.com/homestay-banghuris/

Envoy Promotes Malaysia's Uniqueness To Attract Tourists From Chile

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- A programme to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination to attract visitors from Chile and Latin America has been introduced by the Malaysian Embassy in Santiago, Chile.

Malaysian Ambassador to Chile Datuk Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya said the programme, themed 'To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia', was attended by about 40 tourist agencies last Wednesday.

He said Malaysia only received about 3,000 tourists from Chile every year.

"Geographical factor, long distance and no direct flight to Malaysia are among the things that contributed to the low number besides the lack of information on Malaysia," he said in a statement here today.

"Many who attended did not not know much about Malaysia and only heard about it from conversations about our country," said Mohamad Rameez.
-bernama.
http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my 

Entry list Sepang 12 Hours now Finalized

Just nine days before the start of the 2016 edition of the Sepang 12 Hours, the entry list for the Asian endurance classic has become even more attractive. All teams have now completed their line-up, and some last-minute entries will lift the race to an even higher level.

Each of the three categories in GT3 has seen a new name added to the already impressive list of drivers for the Sepang 12 Hours. On the Pro class #17 Belgian Audi Club Team WRT Audi R8 LMS Laurens Vanthoor and Stéphane Ortelli will get the company of Stuart Leonard. The Brit, winner of the Pro-Am category at the Silverstone round in this year’s Blancpain Endurance Series, will be driving the Audi for the first time.

In the Am class experienced drivers Romain Brandela and Gerald Tan will join Georges Cabannes and Jean-Paul Buffin on the #42 Sport Garage Ferrari, while one of the best GT-drivers in the world will be competing in the Pro-Am class: Alvaro Parente will join Hiroshi Hamaguchi, Andrew Watson and Andrea Caldarelli on the #55 FFF Racing Team by ACM McLaren. Parente already raced for the squad during the recent FIA GT World Cup, finishing seventh in Macau.
The GTC category sees some teams completing their line-ups as well. KL-born Australian youngster Mitchell Gilbert and South African Matthew Swanepoel will drive the #69 Team Fydis Aylezo Lamborghini in the company of Zen Low, while Malaysian Gilbert Ang completes the line-up on the #87 GDL Team Asia Porsche.

Australian fans will be happy to know that Fox Sports Australia has recently confirmed that it will broadcast the race live. An excellent opportunity to keep an eye out for the Australian teams at the start, outsiders for at least a class win. In GT3 AMAC Motorsport brings the only Porsche to Sepang, with team owner Andrew MacPherson being joined by the successful and experienced duo Warren Luff and Jamie Onslow. And in the Touring Class, the Jim Hunter Motorsport Subaru will certainly give the competition a run for their money.

Meanwhile, the final preparations for the 2016 Sepang 12 Hours are in full swing. The Sepang International Circuit is ready to welcome some of the best GT drivers in the world. Fans can join the action through worldwide live TV coverage, and a livestream of the race is also available on the official websites www.sepang12hours.com and www.blancpain-gt-series.com.
Track action starts on Thursday December 10th, with both free practice sessions. On Friday there is a final free practice session, followed by the qualifying session and the top-15 shootout. The start of the Sepang 12 Hours will be given on Saturday at noon, with the finish at midnight.

Practical Information Sepang 12Hours

Provisional Timetable (UTC +8)

Thursday, December 10th
Free Practice 1 : 17:50 - 19:50
Free Practice 2 : 20:15 - 22:15

Friday, December 11th
Free Practice 3 : 11:00 - 12:30
Qualifying : 15:00 - 16:30
Top 15 Shootout : 17:00 – 17:15

Saturday, December 12th
Race Start Sepang 12Hours at 12:00

Sunday, December 13th
Race Finish Sepang 12Hours at 00:00


------

Website : www.sepang12hours.com
Press Images & Results
Livetiming & livestreaming

Social Media :
Facebook : Sepang 12Hours
Twitter : @Sepang12H #sepang12h

_____

About 2015 Sepang 12 Hours

Date : December 10 - 13, 2015

The SRO Motorsport Group in partnership with the Sepang International Circuit are co-organizing and co-promoting the Sepang 12 Hours.

The following classes are eligible to race:
• GT3
• GTC
• GT4 & Sports Production
• Touring Production
• Invitation class

SRO is bringing its wealth of race organisation experience to the Sepang 12 hours, especially its know-how in GT endurance. The race includes the established Touring Production class which is an integral part of the Sepang 12 Hours.

-sepangcircuit.com

DBKL Intensifies Programmes To Lure More Tourist To KL

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) is intensifying efforts and organising more programmes to increase the number of tourist arrivals to the city after seeing a 20 per cent drop earlier this year.

City Mayor Datuk Mhd Amin Abd Aziz said DBKL had to work hard in implementing its programmes and promotional campaigns, as well as improving the image of the city.

"As at yesterday, there was a drop of about 20 per cent in the number of tourist arrivals, as well in hotel reservations in the city. So, we have to be able to offer more and think of amazing things that can lure tourists to come because having beautiful and unique skyscrapers can no longer do the trick.

"I have met with several associations of hotels, airlines and travel agencies and most of them agreed that the number of tourist arrivals to the city is on the decline," he told a press conference on Kuala Lumpur Fruit Fiesta 2015 here Friday.

He said despite the global economic slowdown, it was hoped that the efforts taken by the DBKL would be able to boost the national tourism industry.

Meanwhile, he said approximately 5,000 local and foreign visitors were expected to flock the Kuala Lumpur Fruit Fiesta 2015, which to be held for the first time at Taman Dusun Bandar (Urban Orchard Park) in Jalan Bellamy here on Dec 11 and 12.

He said there were about 2,000 trees of various fruits in the orchard.

"Visitors will have the chance to enjoy various types of fruits for free during the 'happy hour', that is from 10 am till noon or from 2 pm to 4 pm," he said, adding that the programme also had vast potential to be turned into eco-tourism product.

Other activities lined up for the two-day fiesta, themed 'A Celebration of Taste' were environmental education programme, garden clinic and fruit sales.
-bernama.

Chicago Live In Malaysia 2016 ( 18 January 2016 )

Chicago Live in Malaysia 2016 is Joint Organizer by Mega Ultimate and Marhaen Productions will be held at Mega Star Arena on 18th January 2016 (Monday), 8.30pm.

Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago. The group had a steady stream of hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Chicago is one of the longest-running and most successful rock group, and one of the world’s best-selling groups of all time, and, Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six decades.

Second only to The Beach Boys in Billboard singles and albums chart success among American bands, Chicago is one of the longest-running and most successful rock groups in history, as well as one of the most commercially successful - with 50 hit songs in the U.S. alone, 18 gold records, a Grammy, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - Chicago have maintained the unflagging devotion of millions of devoted fans throughout their 37-year career. Begun with the goal of incorporating the diverse musical range of their hometown Chicago, and incorporating the big-band aesthetic that included horns which had been virtually left behind in the world of rock and roll, Chicago went on to create a sound that remains unparalleled in rock music.

Chicago’s album, Chicago Transit Authority, was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2014, and that year, the band performed on the Grammy stage for the first time. Lifetime achievements include a Grammy Award, multiple American Music Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Chicago street dedicated in their honor, and keys to and proclamations from an impressive list of US cities.
Chicago record sales top the 100,000,000 mark, and include 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and 5 Gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 36 albums have been certified platinum, and the band has a total of 47 gold and platinum awards.

The band is now in their 48th consecutive year of touring, without missing a single concert date! Some of Chicago’s hits : Make Me Smile, Hard to Say I’m Sorry, You’re the Inspirations, I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love, If You Leave Me Now, and more.

The band will be playing for the 2nd time in Malaysia on Monday, 18th of January, 8:30pm at the Mega Star Arena, one night only concert experience. It is going to be a nostalgic night full of some of Chicago’s greatest hits.

Chicago Live in Malaysia 2016 is joint organized by Mega Ultimate and Marhaen Productions, Mega Star Arena as Official Venue, Lite FM as Official Radio Station, Melody FM and Sinar FM as Supporting Radio Station, Double Tree Hotel as Official Hotel.

Tickets go on sale this 4th of December, Friday, please log on to www.ticketcharge.com.my or visit ticketcharge outlets to purchase tickets.

For more information on ticket selling, please contact:
TicketCharge Hotline： 03-92228811 (Working day Mon-Fri 9am-6pm) or visit www.ticketcharge.com.my 
Mega Ultimate Hotline： 011-23510456 (Working day Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or visit Mega Ultimate Facebook (www.facebook.com/megaultimate) or Mega Ultimate website (www.megaultimate.com.my)

-www.ticketcharge.com.my

Malaysia lancar standard pelancongan Islam pertama dunia

Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (tengah) meneliti buku panduan Muslim Friendly Hospitality Services - Requirements sambil diperhatikan Fadilah Baharin dan Zulkifly Md. Said selepas melancarkan program tersebut di Kuala Lumpur, semalam. BERNAMA 

KUALA LUMPUR 2 Dis. – Jabatan Standard Malaysia dengan kerjasama Islamic Tourism Centre hari ini melancarkan satu standard baharu melibatkan pelancongan Islam yang pertama di dunia, bertujuan menjadi garis panduan penggiat industri mengendalikan pelanggan mereka yang beragama Islam.

Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan, Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin berkata, standard yang diberi nama ‘MS2610:2015 - Muslim Friendly Hospitality Servi­ces - Requirements’ itu berperanan memelihara dan melindungi sistem serta integriti produk perkhidmatan dan pelancongan Islam negara.

“Bagi pengusaha hotel, pengendali pelancongan dan pemandu pelancong, dokumen ini akan memberikan bimbingan dan penjelasan untuk perkhidmatan terbaik kepada pelanggan yang beragama Islam.

“Dalam usaha Malaysia untuk terus menerajui dan berkembang maju dalam sektor pelancongan Islam secara global, kita perlu membina asas yang kukuh iaitu dengan wujudnya standard ini,” katanya dalam sidang akhbar Islamic Tourism Masterclass: Muslim Friendly Hospitality Services Standard, di sini hari ini.

Yang turut hadir Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Standard Malaysia, Datuk Fadilah Baharin dan Ketua Pengarah Pusat Pelancongan Islam, Zulkifly Md. Said.

Tambah Ermieyati, melihat kepada pasaran pelancongan Islam seluruh dunia yang semakin pesat membangun, penggiat industri dalam negara harus merebut peluang perniagaan yang berpotensi tinggi dalam sektor tersebut.

“Terdapat satu kajian yang men­catatkan bahawa nilai pasaran glo­bal bagi pelancongan Islam tahun 2014 berada pada AS$142 bilion (RM600 bilion) dan nilai itu tidak termasuk haji dan umrah.

“Kelebihan Malaysia yang sentiasa mendapat pengiktirafan sebagai peneraju pelancongan Islam harus digunakan penggiat industri negara sebagai batu loncatan untuk merebut peluang di peringkat global,” katanya.

Dalam pada itu, Fadilah berkata, bagi hotel yang ingin mendapatkan persijilan standard tersebut, permohonan boleh dibuat di Islamic Tourism Centre.

-Utusan Online.

GOASEAN Presents Range Of Malaysian-produced Travel Programmes At ATF & Market In Singapore

SINGAPORE, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- GOASEAN, the world's first ASEAN-centric multi-platform travel channel will present its new range of Malaysian-produced and original concept travel programmes that promote leisure destinations in Southeast Asia at the renowned Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) in Singapore.

This is the first time GOASEAN will be premiering its original content at ATF since its broadcast launch in Malaysia and Brunei in June this year, it said in a statement.

The company aims to tap into the demand for travel entertainment by globe-trotters through its fresh content, and is confident of gaining the interest of content buyers and sellers that congregate at the celebrated ATF.

The new shows have already garnered strong interests from distributors, content and channel providers during other international trade shows.

GOASEAN also recently showcased the new programmes at its inaugural Upfronts 2016 in Malaysia, receiving favourable feedback from the media and guests.

A brainchild of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to commemorate Malaysia's position as the Chair of ASEAN in 2015, Malaysia is spearheading the GOASEAN initiative to promote travel and spur economic growth within the region.
-bernama.
http://www.goasean.com/ 

Tourism Malaysia To Promote Shopping Complexes In Malaysia To Attract Tourists

photo: SHOP Malaysia facebook

GEORGE TOWN, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia will promote shopping complexes in Malaysia to Brunei, Vietnam and China to attract tourists to come and shop here.

Head of Shopping Malaysia secretariat (Domestic Promotion), Baizuri Baharum said the initiative followed a strong shopping trend among tourists over the past two years, since apart from accommodation, shopping accounted for the second highest expenditure.

"In October we launched a pilot project to promote shopping complexes in the country to Indonesia through road shows in hotels, shopping complexes and through travel agents in their country.

"The feedback we received was very encouraging and according to 15 shopping complexes, including KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Jakel and Bukit Jambul, the number of tourists shopping at their places had increased," she told reporters after launching a 1Malaysia Year End Sale at Plaza Gurney, here today.

She said about 20 shopping complexes were currently participating in the promotion and the number is expected to increase next year.

"Apart from promotions in Asian countries like Brunei, Vietnam and China, we also have plans to carry out such promotions in Australia and New Zealand," said Baizuri.

According to Baizuri, as of July this year, the amount spent by tourists for shopping had surpassed the amount spent for accommodation and the ministry remains confident of achieving the RM22.7 billion target.

"From the RM33.8 billion revenue recorded by the Tourism sector in the mid-year, spending for shopping was 29.6 percent or RM10 billion. Our target for 2015 is RM22.7 billion or RM1,016 for every tourist. As of June, we have been able to achieve 50 percent of the target," she said.
-bernama.

MITA TOURISM FAIR 2016 #GoDomestic Galak Percutian Dalam Negara

image: MITA Tourism Fair facebook

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 November 2015 -  MITA Tourism Fair 2016 adalah acara julung-julung kalinya diadakan bermula dari 29 - 31 Januari 2016 yang akan menyaksikan penyertaan besar-besaran daripada lebih 140 penggiat industri yang akan mempamerkan keunikan Malaysia kepada 20,000 pengunjung yang dijangka melawat Pusat Konvensyen Kuala Lumpur (KLCC).

Meliputi ruang Dewan 6 sebesar 2,700 kaki persegi, KLCC akan membuka pintu utamanya kepada orang awam secara percuma seawal 9 pagi sehingga 9 malam setiap hari.

Dengan pelancaran kempen #GoDomestic oleh MITA, pengunjung dari luar dan dalam negara bukan sahaja dapat menikmati percutian hebat di destinasi-destinasi tempatan kegemaran mereka malah dapat mengenali negara ini dengan lebih dekat lagi melalui aktiviti-aktiviti yang disediakan di sepanjang tahun 2016.

Pameran MITA 2016 kali ini akan menjadi sebuah platform bagi 400 ahli-ahli MITA untuk menjual tiket penerbangan dan pakej percutian tempatan pada harga yang amat berpatutan di musim lengang (off-peak). 

Selain itu, mereka akan berpeluang memperkenalkan produk-produk yang baru serta perkhidmatan yang ingin mereka ketengahkan. Pada masa yang sama, ejen-ejen pelancongan yang turut terlibat akan dijanjikan insentif pada kadar yang bersesuaian. 

Sebelum ini, sudah ada beberapa kempen pelancongan domestik seperti Kenali Malaysia, Cuti-cuti Malaysia, Zoom Malaysia dan yang terkini “CC1M Dekat Je!”. Semua kempen-kempen ini diperkenalkan dengan satu objektif iaitu memastikan industri pelancongan tempatan negara terus berkembang pesat bukan sahaja dengan kemasukkan pengunjung dari luar tetapi juga menggalakkan penduduk tempatan untuk bercuti di negara sendiri.

"Dengan sokongan berterusan dari rakan seindustri, pihak media serta orang ramai, pada tahun 2014, Malaysia telah mencatatkan jumlah pelancong domestik sebanyak 60.7 juta iaitu  peningkatan sebanyak 11.6% berbanding 54.4 juta pada tahun 2013.Pada tahun ini kita mensasarkan peningkatan sebanyak 5% iaitu 63.7 juta orang,” jelas Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia, Dato’ Mirza Mohammad Taiyab.

Ini jelas membuktikan bahawa Kementerian Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Malaysia sentiasa mempelopori serta memperjuangkan pertumbuhan sektor pelancongan dengan kejayaannya sebagai penjana pertukaran matawang asing kedua terbesar dan komponen ekonomi keenam terbesar di Malaysia bagi tahun 2013. 

Demi menyahut seruan serta memastikan matlamat Kementerian Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Malaysia tercapai, MITA terus menggembleng tenaga dalam mewujudkan kesedaran dan menggalakkan kerjasama antara penggiat industri supaya aktiviti pelancongan dalam negara sentiasa terpelihara dan terangsang.

“Pihak kami akan sentiasa bersama-sama membantu Kerajaan melakarkan pelan pembangunan pelancongan negara dengan mewujudkan kerjasama serta mengekalkan hubungan dengan pelbagai negara dan badan-badan pelancongan antarabangsa," kata Timbalan Pengerusi MITA, Uzaidi Udanis.

"Destinasi tempatan adalah satu produk negara yang mempunyai kisahnya yang unik dan tersendiri. Ia perlu dikongsikan bersama dengan semua justeru membawanya ke satu tahap yang boleh dibanggakan," tambah Uzaidi. 

Pameran MITA yang juga merupakan sebuah perhimpunan tahunan yang dihoskan oleh para penggiat industri, wakil dari badan-badan pelancongan asing dan ejen-ejen pelancongan, akan menjanjikan kemeriahan tiga hari yang dipenuhi dengan aktiviti hiburan, sesi cabutan bertuah serta peluang untuk memenangi bermacam-macam hadiah yang menarik.

(Nota: MITA atau Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association ditubuhkan pada tahun 2005 sebagai sebuah badan bukan berasaskan keuntungan. Dengan sokongan Kementerian Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Malaysia, MITA berusaha untuk bersama-sama menjayakan kempen berasaskan pelancangon domestik yang diperkenalkan oleh Kementerian Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Malaysia bagi tahun 2016. Untuk maklumat lanjut tentang MITA Tourism Fair, e-mel mitatourismfair@gmail.com atau telefon 015-4872 1320 serta layari laman web rasmi MITA iaitu www.mitalamalaysia.com. Untuk mendapatkan berita serta gambar terkini yang akan dimuat-naik setiap hari bermula hari ini, #GoDomestic.)

-Tourism Malaysia.

PORT FEST 2015 @ Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh ( 5 & 6 December 2015 )

-Port Festival 2015 facebook.

Call For Hotel Operators In Perak To Provide Shuttle Service

IPOH, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Hotel operators in Perak, especially in the city, should consider providing shuttle service to enable their patrons to go sightseeing or visit popular tourist destinations in the state.

State Tourism, Arts, Culture, Communication and Multimedia Committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi said the shuttle service would definitely help in overcoming transportation issues faced by local and foreign tourists.

"Hotel operators should really consider providing shuttle service as public transportation, such as buses and taxis are limited and quite time-consuming, hence making it difficult for their patrons to go sightseeing," she told reporters after opening the new 12-storey Cititel Express Hotel here today.

She said hotel operators statewide should also be prepared to offer better services and alternatives to their potential customers as more local and foreign tourists were expected to flock the state with the opening of the Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) Theme Park in May next year.

At a separate event, Nolee Ashilin announced that the Koloni Karyawan Amanjaya (Port) would organise its 2015 Festival at Dataran Ipoh starting Saturday in conjunction with its fourth anniversary.

Among the activities lined up for the two-day festival were antique bicycle show and contest, performance by street musicians and hip-hoppers, as well as photography, caricature, cartoon and animation demonstrations and exhibition.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir is expected to launch the festival, she added.
-bernama