The First World Islamic Tourism Conference

Islamic Tourism is increasingly becoming an important global trend, with a market of more than 50 Muslim majority countries with no less than 1.7 billion Muslims worldwide. About one-fifth or 350 million of Muslims live in non-Muslim majority countries such as India, China and the UK. Therefore, there is a need to develop more diverse and innovative strategies to tap the tremendous opportunities in attracting the Muslim traveller market.

As reported by Thomson Reuters, the global Muslim travel market is expected to generate USD$243 Billion revenues by the year 2021. In order to better cater to the Muslim market, the inaugural World Islamic Tourism Conference seeks to focus on issues that will enhance tourism stakeholders’ understanding of the myriad opportunities ever-growing number of Muslim travellers.

Featuring a list of renowned international speakers in the hospitality and tourism industry, the conference is an ideal platform to understand global developments in travel and tourism for the Muslim community, networking, and in the creation of targeted tourism development plans, products and strategies. The conference will provide a truly dynamic mix of professional hands-on insight, current industry information and resources from world.

OBJECTIVES

GENERAL

·         To understand the terminology or branding of Muslim Friendly Tourism

·         To identify the needs and expectations of the Muslim traveller market from various regions of the world

·         To address the vast opportunities and potentials of the Muslim traveller market

·         To strategically develop policies, facilities and services that is able to sustain the Muslim traveller market.

SPECIFIC

·         To discuss ways in providing and ensuring excellence in the tourism and hospitality services

·         To discuss potential public-private partnership and alliances for the success and sustainability of Muslim Friendly Tourism

·         To share knowledge on the current trends, potentials, threats and success stories from a variety of international Islamic tourism stakeholders.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

·         Government Officials

·         National Tourism Organisations

·         Travel and Tour Operators

·         Travel and Tourism Associations

·         Tourism Product Owners

·         Tour Guides

·         Hoteliers

·         Homestay Owners

·         Web/App Developers on Hospitality and Tourism

·         Tourism and Hospitality Entrepreneurs

·         Airline Companies

·         Mosque Representatives

·         Theme Park Operators

·         Restaurateurs

·         Academicians and Students

·         Transportation Providers

·         Other Relevant Institutions

·         NGOs

THE VENUE

Connected to Putra World Trade Centre and opposite the new Sunway Putra Mall, the Pacific Ballroom, Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur is approximately a 45 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. For easy accessibility, one may refer to directional road signs indicating “Putra World Trade Centre”.

Strategically located approximately ten minutes away from the ‘Golden Triangle’ which is known to be Kuala Lumpur’s business district where one will also find a number of prestigious shopping and entertainment complexes.

The Pacific Ballroom, Seri Pacific Kuala Lumpur Hotel is a true oasis in the heart of Malaysia’s capital.

·         10 minutes away from Golden Triangle

·         1 minute walk to Star Light Rail Transit (LRT) station

·         5 minutes walk to Komuter Train station

·         10 – 15 minutes drive to KL Sentral Station

·         45 minutes drive to Kuala Lumpur International Airport

·         One station from Star LRT station to connect to KL Inner City Monorail system

For the latest updates on the conference, please visit www.itc.gov.my or e-mail witc@itc.gov.my

EVENT BROCHURE AND REGISTRATION FORM:

The First World Islamic Tourism Conference Brochure

SPECIAL HOTEL ROOM RATES FOR WITC:

(i) Seri Pacific Hotel Special Room Rates for WITC

(ii) Sunway Putra Hotel Special Room Rates for WITC

-MOTAC.

Arrival from Sweden - The Music of ABBA @ KLCC, Kuala Lumpur ( 1 ~ 3 September 2017 )

Famed for classic hits like Mamma Mia, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, and Dancing Queen among others, it does not take long for one to recall the legendary and globally-renowned pop band ABBA.

Though the band members parted ways in 1982, ABBA has remained one of the most influenced music group, an iconic band of the 70s, thanks to its varied musical genres that managed to reach out to a wide range of audiences.

The music of ABBA is still relevant today and listen by fans over the world.
 


This September, AC Music Entertainment will bring you the international hit tribute musical Arrival from Sweden – The Music of ABBA. Arrival from Sweden, is a renowned ABBA tribute band, celebrates all ABBA greatest hits and previously unreleased song included “Just a Notion”, directly from Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of ABBA. This tribute show debuted in 1995 and already been seen by over million people, globally.

Fans of the band in Malaysia will get to relive the golden days with the favorite hits like Money Money Money, SOS and even Super Trouper soon! Reminisce the days of the 70s as you enjoy Arrival from Sweden – The Music of ABBA. 



For the early bird promotion, AC Music Entertainment offers 10% special discount on all categories ticket except Diamond seat, and a free limited edition t-shirt to each ticket holder whom purchase the tickets for category VIP, Cat 1 & Cat 2. The promotion is valid from now until 11:59PM, 9th June 2017.

Ticketing Info


Ticket Launch: 26th May 2017

Show Date: 1st September – 3rd September, 2017

Show Time: 8:30PM

Venue: Plenary Hall, KLCC

Ticket Price:


Diamond: RM1,000 (Please contact organizer at 03-2181 4333)

VIP: RM 588

Cat 1: RM 418

Cat 2: RM 338

Cat 3: RM 138

Cat 4: RM 88

*All ticket prices are subject to RM4 processing fee.

-www.ticketcharge.com.my

First ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards now open for entries

Learning in the forest

The inaugural ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards (ASTA) is welcoming entries from tourism operators in South-east Asia.

Launched as part of ASEAN’s Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025, ASTA aims to boost the profile of sustainable tourism businesses in South-east Asia, promote responsible tourism in the region, combat seasonality and rebalance tourist flows towards best practice tourism experiences.

The biennial awards will take place every two years with a dedicated theme decided jointly by ASEAN NTOs.

With nature-based tourism as its theme this year, the award will recognise two winners from each ASEAN member country, representing urban and rural sectors respectively.

The 20 winners will be highlighted on their NTO’s website and www.aseatourism.travel and receive exposure as a national best practice operator during press conferences and trade shows such as ATF, TRAVEX, ITB and WTM.

The awards ceremony will take place during the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Chiang Mai in January 2018.

Applications close on August 15, 2017.

-TTG Asia.

Pembinaan jalan penghubung di Pulau Redang dipercepatkan

AHMAD RAZIF ABDUL RAHMAN

KUALA TERENGGANU 5 Jun - Usaha ke arah pembinaan jalan menghubungkan pantai Pasir Panjang yang menjadi lokasi tumpuan pelancongan seluruh dunia dengan perkampungan penduduk di Pulau Redang akan dipercepatkan.

Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman menyedari soal itu perlu diberi penekanan kerana pelancong umumnya tertumpu di kawasan-kawasan pantai dan penempatan penduduk setempat pula bagaikan terasing.

“Keadaan itu dilihat sebagai satu kerugian kerana manfaat daripada industri pelancongan untuk menjana dan mempelbagaikan kegiatan ekonomi penduduk setempat belum meluas,” ujarnya.

Beliau berkata demikian dalam Majlis Berbuka Puasa Bersama Penduduk di Masjid Kampung Baru, Pulau Redang, petang semalam sempena lawatan kerja.

Yang turut hadir, Setiausaha Kerajaan negeri, Datuk Wan Nawawi Wan Ismail; Ahli Parlimen Setiu, Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh dan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Batu Rakit, Bazlan Abd. Rahman.

Cadangan pembinaan jalan yang dianggarkan sepanjang lebih 3 kilometer mula dicetuskan oleh pihak kerajaan tiga tahun lalu bagi memudahkan pelancongan melawat perkampungan.

Ini seiring dengan cadangan agar perkampungan dijadikan aset pelancongan dengan penduduknya dibimbing agar mesra pelancong di samping menawarkan pelbagai produk-produk unik dan menarik.

Ini termasuk penyediaan makanan tradisional dan cenderamata, perkhidmatan inap desa manakala persekitaran sentiasa dipantau dari segi kebersihan dan keindahan.

Sehubungan itu juga Ahmad Razif berkata, kerajaan negeri bercadang mewujudkan pasar malam khusus di pulau itu dengan penglibatan penduduk setempat agar mereka mendapat pengalaman.

“Mereka yang berminat untuk menceburi perniagaan ini akan diminta menghadiri kursus asas perniagaan di bawah seliaan Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan Terengganu,” katanya.

Menteri Besar yakin usaha itu pasti dapat menarik minat pengunjung pelbagai resort di Pasir Panjang ke kawasan-kawasan perkampungan yang akan turut menghidupkan suasana malam.

-utusan online.

Comedy Central Asia: Stand-Up, Asia! @ HGH Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur ( 13 ~ 14 July 2017 )

Ring the alarms. Stock up on rations. Bolt your doors. Prepare yourself.
'Cause the Asians are out, and they are ready to take over.... the Stand Up Comedy Stage!

Wait no longer as Comedy Central's, Stand-Up, Asia! comes back in its second season harder, faster and stronger with an incredible line up like none other, LIVE in Kuala Lumpur this July.

TWO big comedy nights, 16 of the hottest, funniest and boldest Asian comedians  - eight hilarious comedians each night, promising a whole load of laughter. It will be one heck of a show.

Get hooked on these Asian comedians whilst they school you on how unexpected life can be as they twist and turn what it means to be Asian on its head!

THURSDAY (13 JULY 2017)

Danny Cho (US / Korea)
Garron Chiu (Hong Kong)
Imran Yusuf (UK)
Jason Leong (Malaysia)
Paul Ogata (US / Japan)
Rishi Budhrani (Singapore)
Sharul Channa (Singapore)
Walter Hong (US / Korea) 

FRIDAY (14 JULY 2017)

Alex Calleja (Philippines)
Ben Quinlan (Hong Kong)
Dilruk Jayasinha (Sir Lanka / Australia)
Eliot Chang (US)
GB Labrador (Philippines)
Keren Bala Devan (Malaysia)
Papa CJ (India)
Shamaine Othman (Malaysia)

- www.ticketpro.com.my

MASwings offering fares as low as RM111 for its ‘Cuti Cuti Raya Specials’

KOTA KINABALU: MASwings is offering fares as low as RM111 via its "Cuti Cuti Raya Specials" for destinations within Sabah and Sarawak with lucky draws for tickets for the Sarawak rainforest music festival.

Tickets are available for flights on the airlines' ATR service routes from Sunday to June 30 for travel between Jun 7 and July 31.

MASwings said the special promotions were for local communities, especially those celebrating the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, to take the opportunity to plan their travels.

The promotion offers travellers from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan with fares from as low as RM111 all-in one-way, and from RM121 to Lahad Datu, Miri, Sandakan, Tawau and Mulu.

The all-inclusive offer also starts at RM141 to Bintulu and Sibu; RM161 to Kuching from Kota Kinabalu.

For those travelling from Kuching, fares are as low as RM111 to Sibu and RM121 to Bintulu.

“One way fares from Kuching to popular destinations such as Miri and Mulu are also being offered from as low as RM141 and to Kota Kinabalu from RM161,” the company said.

Passengers from Miri can travel on an all-inclusive one-way fares to Labuan, Limbang, Mulu and Bintulu for RM111 and to Sibu for RM121.

Offers for other destinations such as from Sandakan to Tawau and from Bintulu to Sibu are also available from as low as RM111.

MASwings international flight from Tawau to Tarakan, Indonesia is offered at RM167 all-in-one-way and for return flight, from IDR651,000.

The company said that on selected ATR flights in June, passengers have a chance to win complimentary tickets for the July 14-16 Rainforest World Music Festival sponsored by Sarawak Tourism Board.

More information on destinations, fares and flight schedules are available on MASwings’ website www.maswings.com.my.

-thestar online.

Shila Amzah “My Journey” Concert in Malaysia 2017 @ Resorts World Genting, Malaysia ( 26 August 2017 )

NurShahila binti Amir Amzah, better known as Shila Amzah, is a Malaysian singer-songwriter, record producer, businesswoman and actress. Shila released her second pop studio album in 2005, Sha-Hila. Her single “Patah Seribu” was awarded Pop Song of the Year and Song of The Year at the 19th Malaysian Music Awards.

Following her international debut in Shanghai, China, Shila eventually emerged as the winner of Asian Wave, the hit Chinese reality singing talent show. Her success in the China market earned her the Kembara Award (International Music Breakthrough Award) at the Malaysian Music Awards, making her the youngest honoree.

After that, Shila continued her career in the mandopop industry by breaking out to Hong Kong in 2015 where she released some new singles, conducted an international press conference and established her second record label and global management company, Shilala (HK) Limited. Her success on international stages has gained her honorific titles such as Asia’s Sweetheart, Princess of Music, and National Treasure of Malaysia.

- www.ticketcharge.com.my

AirAsia Free Seats promotion starts tomorrow

PETALING JAYA: Need to satisfy your wanderlust? Look no further, because AirAsia will be giving away up to three million promotional seats in its Free Seats campaign.

The promotion is available from June 5 to June 11 for travel between Jan 15 and Aug 28, 2018.

Fares will be as low as RM0 to des­­tinations such as Johor Baru, Pe­­nang and Surat Thani from Kuala Lumpur; Singapore and Langkawi from Penang; and Te­­reng­ganu from Johor Baru.

Other than that, AirAsia X guests can also fly from Kuala Lumpur to Perth and Chongqing for fares as low as RM199.

Those travelling on AirAsia X will also be able to enjoy its award-winning Premium Flatbed from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, Shanghai, Osaka, Busan, Auckland, Gold Coast, and many more destinations from only RM899.

AirAsia BIG Members and BIG Prepaid MasterCard members will enjoy priority access and will be able to make bookings on airasia.com and the AirAsia mobile app or redeem flights via airasiabig.com from today.

Other partners will also be able to access the promotion 24 hours earlier. BIG Prepaid cardholders can do so on airasia.com, AirAsiaGo and AirAsia Expedia on their respective websites, while account holders with Citibank in Malaysia will re­ceive an exclusive link from the bank. The first 100 daily bookings with AirAsia-Citi Card will get a RM50 AirAsia Electronic Gift Voucher (eGV).

“Free Seats is the best time to lock down travel plans for next year,” said AirAsia Group chief commer­cial officer Siegtraund Teh.

“With so many fantastic destinations on offer, it’s perfect for a long break or even just a quick weekend getaway,” she said in a statement.

-thestar online.

SVARA ASEAN @ George Town Festival ( 28 ~ 29 July 2017 )

Imagine a show that is not everything that you know of, but is everything that you are. The shows are familiar yet intriguing, the music lively yet soothing, their outfit design dates back for generations yet remains contemporary on stage today. It is a stage where all the voices of Southeast Asia converge, this is Svara ASEAN.

GTF opens with Svara ASEAN, a celebration of the artistic pride in the region, home of our tradition and culture.

Accompanied the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, recognised in 2009 by UNESCO as Artists for Peace”, comes with a performance of a wide repertoire of music genre.

They will be joined by flute maestro Gus Teja with his band, who performed internationally and has three albums released. The concert will also feature Malaysians Sean Ghaz and Adibah Noor. From Thailand we present Anchee.

-AirAsia RedTix.

i-City to have own lifestyle retail mall

Grand design: Dylan with a model of Central i-City Mall where more than 3,000 residences, including the newest Hill10 Residence, will be linked to the first floor of the lifestyle retail haven.

PETALING JAYA: The fast developing i-City in Shah Alam will have its own lifestyle retail mall – Central i-City Mall – which will introduce Thailand’s retail experience to the growing local retail market.

Set for opening in October 2018, the mall, which has allotted 940,000 sq ft for rent, will showcase many interesting brands that are not available in the country.

I-Bhd, the developer of i-City, is collaborating with Thailand’s CPN Group to introduce the unique Thai retail landscape to Malaysian shoppers.

In addition, I-Bhd aims to offer a new retail landscape and innovative retail experiences for shoppers given that Thai mall concepts have captivated many visitors.

CPN Ventures Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Anthony Dylan said the Asian Economic Community (AEC) and Malaysia’s bustling tourism industry will create a strong business proposition for the mall.

“We will bring in some significant tenants from Thailand that have not expanded outside their home country before,” he added.

Among the mall’s main attractions are its unique retailers and its cosy ambience. It will have 3,000 parking bays and is located close to the Padang Jawa KTM station.

i-City is an ultrapolis development where the commercial, residential and recreation elements are integrated.

The community here would enjoy the ease of having a multitude of amenities within one location.

Dylan said more than 3,000 residences in i-City, including Hill10 residences above DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, will be linked to the first floor of Central i-City Mall, heralding a new lifestyle haven.

To showcase I-Bhd’s tech-furbished residences such as Hill10 Residence, 8Kia Peng, Parisien Tower, Hyde, Liberty Tower and i-Suite, the three-day StarProperty.my Fair (i-City Edition) will be held from June 10 to 12 at the I-Gallery at i-City.

I-Bhd has completed more than 1,000 properties, encompassing various commercial and residential units, with plans to hand over another 3,000 units of mainly residences in the next 12 months.

The projects featured at the fair have set a benchmark for technologically-incorporated homes.

Participants at the fair stand a chance to win a home at the Petaling Jaya Midtown development located at Section 13 here, worth RM557,800, by taking part in the StarProperty.my Win A Home (WAH) contest.

The fair will also feature renowned speakers on property investments and smart home technology.

There will also be a lucky draw for purchasers during the fair, including two return air tickets on economy class to Tokyo, Paris and London.

During the fair, all purchasers will be entitled to free sale and purchase agreements and loan legal fees. Visit fair.starproperty.my for more information.

-thestar online.

Legoland offers discounts to mark 5th anniversary celebrations

Legoland Malaysia Resort divisional director Kurt Stocks, (second from right) with Coca-Cola Bottling Investment Group Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei commercial director Gareth McGeown at the ceremony to mark the renewal of a five-year partnership between the theme park and the Coca Cola company. Pix by Zain Ahmed

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Legoland Malaysia Resort’s 5th anniversary celebration this September will see a special promotion offered to those seeking to visit Malaysia’s 1st international theme park.

The special promotion will be in the form of a RM88 discount for the purchase of up to four One-Day combo tickets.

The voucher can be redeemed by purchasing either a four- or 12-unit pack of Coca-Cola drinks including Coca- Cola Zero Sugar, Coca-Cola Light, Fanta, Sprite, Heaven and Earth tea range and Minute Maid Pulpy juice drinks.

Purchases of the soft drinks have to be made at participating retailers such as Giant, Aeon and Aeon Big outlets nationwide.

The discount voucher is valid for redemption at the park entrance for the next six months.

The promotion was launched today in conjunction with a ceremony to mark the renewal of a five-year partnership between the theme park and the Coca Cola company.

Legoland Malaysia Resort divisional director Kurt Stocks and Coca-Cola Bottling Investment Group Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei commercial director Gareth McGeown launched the promotion.

"We have renewed our partnership with Coca-Cola as we believe the beverage brand and Legoland can complement each other in many positive ways, especially for Legoland Malaysia Resort visitors," he said.

Stocks said that Coca-Cola will always be close to the heart of Legoland Malaysia Resort.

He said the soft drink brand's commitment with the theme park since its opening five years ago will continue the good outcome for both brand and consumers.

McGeown said that he attributed the close partnership between the two entities with yearly engagements on out-park and in-park promotions, vouchers on tickets discount and corporate social responsibility initiatives such as the joint recycling campaign held in 2014.

-nst online.

A Musical Journey In Anime @ Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Kuala Lumpur ( 2 ~ 4 September 2017 )

Fri 2 Sep 2016 8:30pm


Sat 3 Sep 2016 3:00pm & 8:30pm


Sun 4 Sep 2016 3:00pm

Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra


Naohisa Furusawa, conductor

Acclaimed Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi has composed over a hundred film scores including famous collaborations with Studio Ghibli films directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The soundtracks from movies such as Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro and other orchestral works written for Japanese television are an amazing fusion of Japanese classical, Western classical, minimalist and electronic styles.

RM240 RM190 RM160 RM120

- http://dfp.com.my/