Tasik Bera sedia sambut pelancong Revisit Pahang 2018

BERA 4 Sept. – Tasik Bera yang ditutup hampir lima tahun termasuklah dalam kempen Tahun Melawat Pahang 2017 akhirnya bersedia menerima kunjungan pelancong dalam dan luar negara dalam Kempen Revisit Pahang tahun hadapan.

Pegawai Daerah Bera, Datuk Razihan Azharudin berkata, pada masa ini usaha membaik pulih chalet dan infrastruktur di kawasan tasik berkenaan telah siap dilaksanakan.

“Kita akan menyerahkan pe­ngurusan chalet ini kepada pe­ngen­dali berpengalaman yang telah dipilih dalam masa terdekat bagi mereka menyediakan perkhidmatan terbaik.

“Dalam pada itu kita juga sedang menunggu permohonan peruntukan sekurang-kurang­nya RM3 juta bagi mewujudkan pelbagai tarikan yang menarik di kawasan ini,” katanya di sini, baru-baru ini.

Baru-baru ini Pengerusi Ja­wa­tankuasa Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan negeri, Datuk Seri Mohd. Sharkar Shamsudin berkata, berdasarkan sambutan memberangsangkan kempen Tahun Melawat Pahang 2017, kerajaan negeri akan melancarkan kempen Revisit Pahang 2018.

Katanya, kempen Tahun Melawat Pahang 2017 yang telah merekodkan 9.5 juta pelancong dalam tempoh enam bulan yang me­nyaksikan peningkatan pelancong di kebanyakan daerah bagaimanapun menyaksikan penurunan pelancong di daerah Bera.

Menurut Razihan, pada masa ini terdapat kira-kira 20 bilik chalet yang akan dikendalikan oleh sebuah operator pelancongan terkenal dalam dan luar negara.

Dalam pada itu, beliau berkata, bagi memastikan program pelancongan di situ mampu berdaya saing pihaknya akan menyediakan pelbagai tarikan baharu apabila menerima peruntukan yang dimohon kelak.

Katanya, antara usaha yang akan dilakukan termasuklah membina laluan kanopi, membaik pulih jeti dan mewujudkan produk-produk baharu seperti Taman Herba.

Sementara itu, beliau berkata, pembangunan tasik tersebut akan memberikan limpahan pendapatan kepada penduduk setempat yang akan turut terlibat dalam pelbagai aktiviti perniagaan dan pekerjaan.

“Kita akan memastikan penduduk setempat turut mendapat manfaat dan saya menyeru penduduk supaya mengambil kesem­patan merebut peluang yang ada,”ujarnya.

-utusan online.

Malaysia’s budget travel segment hit by tourism tax

While agents operating out of Singapore say they are barely seeing a dent in demand for Malaysia after a tourism tax recently kicked in, trade players in the destination are concerned the budget travel segment might take a hit.

Joe Lim, executive director of Singapore’s Konsortium Express & Tours, told TTG Asia: “The news had been discussed for some time before finally being implemented. Customers have accepted it and it’s not turning them off from visiting Malaysia.”

Lim added that the exchange rates for the Malaysia ringgit has also made the price difference “negligible”.

Some confusion may arise when budget hotels do not clarify that they are collecting the tax, senior sales and marcom manager of TACentre.com Philip Gejon said, leading guests to mistake it for room payment.

Aside from this minor hiccup, customers are “quite accepting” of the tax, especially as “hotels are not that expensive” even in capital city Kuala Lumpur, said Gejon.

However, trade players in Malaysia say this acceptance does not come easy for the more price-sensitive segments – including younger travellers from the region and backpackers from longhaul countries.

Ally Bhoonee, executive director, World Avenue, said the company’s student travel segment, who typically opt for budget hotels, has taken the biggest hit.

Raaj Navaratnaa, general manager at the Johor-based New Asia Holidays Tours & Travel, shared that he had a group of 30 youth from Singapore refuse to pay the tax as it was not included in the package price.

The high tax to rate ratio at budget hotels has PK Leong, president, Malaysia Budget Hotel Association, concerned that the association’s members would lose their competitive edge to unlicensed accommodation providers.

“A RM10 tourism tax (could be an) additional 20 per cent to (budget hotel) rate. That is very high. We had members saying that guests walked out upon hearing about the tax. Where do you think they will go? Airbnb operators will benefit because it is unregulated and not registered by the government,” he said.

Alex Lee, CEO at Ping Anchorage Travel & Tours based in Terengganu, added: “In the long run, I foresee backpackers from longhaul destinations shortening their stay in Malaysia and neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Thailand benefiting from it.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia Tourism Awards 2016/2017 Now Open For Nominations!

PUTRAJAYA, 7 September 2017 – The Minister of Tourism and Culture, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, announced the call for nominations for the Malaysia Tourism Awards 2016/2017 today at his office in Putrajaya.

YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri said, “The support and commitment of the tourism trade players in Malaysia and our partners abroad have been instrumental in raising Malaysia’s tourism profile. It is to them that we pay tribute with the Malaysia Tourism Awards 2016/2017.”

“I take this opportunity to invite everyone to submit their nominations of deserving individuals and organisations in the respective categories of the Malaysia Tourism Awards 2016/2017. I look forward to receiving a good response from the public as it is a way to acknowledge and recognize those who have worked hard to uphold the standards of tourism in this country,” he added.

The prestigious Malaysia Tourism Awards is held once every two years; this is the 20th edition of the esteemed awards.

It recognises and honours local and international tourism industry players for outstanding and innovative products and services. It also acts as an incentive for participants to strive for the highest level of professionalism and quality in both products and services.

Members of the Malaysia and international travel trade as well as the media are invited to submit their nominations for any of the 14 award categories namely:

i. Best Local Tour Operator

a. Inbound Tour Operator

b. Domestic Tour Operator

ii. Best Foreign Tour Operator

a. Southeast Asia Market

b. South Asia and West Asia Market

c. East Asia and North Asia Market

d. Americas, Europe and Oceania Market

iii. Best Tourism Article

a. Printed Publication

i. Local Publication

ii. International Publication

b. Online

i. Local

ii. International

iv. Best Travel Documentary and TV Commercial on Malaysia

a. Documentary

b. TV Commercial

v. Best Tourist Attraction

a. Natural Attraction / Eco-Tourism / Agro-Tourism

b. Man-Made Attraction – Theme Park

c. Man-Made Attraction – Arts & Culture Attraction

vi. Most Innovative Tour Package

a. Off-the-Beaten Track

b. Special Interest

vii. Best Hotel Services

a. 5-star (city)

b. 5-star (resort)

c. 4-star (city)

d. 4-star (resort)

e. 3-star (city)

f. 3-star (resort)

g. NBOS Fresh Air resort

h. Boutique Hotel

viii. Best Tourist Guide

a. City Guide

b. Nature Guide

ix. Best Shopping Centre

a. Integrated Shopping Centre

b. Stand-Alone Shopping Centre

x. Best Homestay

xi. Best Spa

a. Best Spa Operator (Hotel/Resort)

b. Best Spa Operator (Individual premise)

xii. Innovative Restaurant

a. Malay

b. Chinese

c. Indian

d. Ethnic

e. International

xiii. Best Entertainment Spot

xiv. Best Airline

a. Domestic

b. International

c. Charter

Two new categories were introduced for this edition of the Malaysia Tourism Awards, namely, “Best Entertainment Spot” and “Best Airline” to acknowledge the private sector effort in accomplishing the Tourism NKEA objectives of establishing a “Dedicated Entertainment Zone (DEZ)” and enhancing connectivity from medium-haul markets to capitalize on the high-yield tourism market.

The “Best Travel Documentary on Malaysia” category has been revamped to “Best Travel Documentary and TV Commercial on Malaysia” while “Best Tourism Article” will focus on articles on Malaysia in both printed and online media by local and foreign writers.

The official Malaysia Tourism Awards form can be obtained from Tourism Malaysia offices and 22 Tourist Information Centres (TIC) in Malaysia. However, it is easily downloadable from the official websites of www.tourism.gov.my and www.motac.gov.my. Closing date is 30 September 2017.

Submissions can be made by the nominee through self-nomination, or by members of the tourism industry and the public. Nomination forms must be completed with nominee profiles as well as related supporting documents.

Entries should be addressed to:

The Judging Committee

Malaysia Tourism Awards 2016/2017 Secretariat,

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board,

4th Floor, No. 2 Tower 1,

Jalan P5/6,

Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Tel: 03-8891 8437 / 8421 / 8416 /8434

Fax: 03-8891 8499

Completed entries and enquiries can be emailed to apm2017@tourism.gov.my.

The awards ceremony is tentatively scheduled for January 2018 in Kuala Lumpur.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Gourmet Tour of Malaysia with Chef Norman Musa

-Malaysian Chef Norman Musa facebook.

Malaysian trade suffers teething pains from tourism tax rollout

Barely a week into the implementation of the unpopular tourism tax in Malaysia, travel agents and hoteliers in the country say they are now burdened with the hassle of tax collection and additional costs incurred in the teething stages.

Diethelm Travel Malaysia’s managing director, Manfred Kurz, said the company has had clients from Europe and the US complain when asked to pay the tax at hotels as they thought this was already included in the package price.

And while Diethelm’s overseas agency partners had attempted to pay the tax on behalf of clients, hotels insisted that the tax be paid by guests at the point of check-out, according to Kurz.

“Now clients pay the hotels and then get reimbursed by their travel agents back home, but this form of transaction is a hassle. Our fear is that our tour operator partners will be reluctant to promote Malaysia in future if this hassle continues and nothing is done to improve the current system.”

Ally Bhoonee, executive director, World Avenues, added: “We’ve had to pay a staff double to be on standby at the office and handle complaints from clients who refused to pay the tax during the recent long weekend and public holidays from September 1 to 4.”

Bhoonee explained that the company sees the additional service necessary in order to retain regular agency clients.

There is also the problem of costs incurred by tour operators who had committed to contractual hotel rates before the tax was announced.

Although the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents said those affected may apply for an exemption with the government, the association is still concerned about members who have to pay large sums while awaiting exemption or refunds.

“We are of the view that the intention of the tax is meant to benefit all stakeholders eventually, and those initially affected by its introduction should be given speedy assistance by the government”, concluded Tan.

Applications for exemption are to be submitted to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, before being forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for evaluation and approval on a case-by-case basis.

-TTG Asia.

Tourists get their fill of nasi kandar

Must-try dishes: Hungry customers queuing up at Line Clear

Nasi Kandar Restaurant in Penang Road. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star.

GEORGE TOWN: Many domestic tourists were out in full force after missing out on their nasi kandar dishes in Penang on Friday.

The famous Line Clear Nasi Kandar Restaurant in Penang Road was busy with people lining up for their rice, fried chicken, prawns, fish head and sotong.

On Friday, almost all the nasi kandar restaurants were closed for Hari Raya Haji, depriving fans from other states of their favourite dishes.

Courier company manager Wan Suhaimi Mohd Nor, 35, said he extended his holiday by ano-ther day to taste his all-time favourite ayam goreng at Line Clear. “I was supposed to head back to Sitiawan on Friday but I did not want to miss the nasi kandar here,” said Wan Suhaimi.

Systems analyst Redzuan Abu Bakar, 30, and his family were seen tucking into sotong and beef. “I will never miss the food at Line Clear whenever I travel to Penang from Batu Gajah, Perak. “My wife and kids love the food here and our short holiday would be incomplete without setting foot into Line Clear,” said Redzuan.

Most of the nasi kandar restaurants in town were open yesterday except for a few that will remain closed until Sunday.

A check by The Star showed that traffic was slow-moving in most tourism spots.

Traffic jams were reported at roads leading to the George Town heritage enclave, Tanjung Tokong, Batu Ferringhi and Kek Lok Si Temple.

-thestar online.

Mr Big Concert Live in Malaysia @ Mega Star Arena, Kuala Lumpur ( 14 October 2017 )

(Kuala Lumpur, August 28) - American hard rock supergroup Mr Big is making their way to Malaysia! Organized by Plan 7 Production, Mr Big Live in Malaysia 2017 will be rocking Mega Star Arena, Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, 14 October at 8pm!

The concert is in support of their latest album “Defying Gravity”, which was fully recorded in only 6 days. Fans can expect a night of nostalgia while rocking out to classic hits along with surprise gems from their recent releases.

Formed in 1988, Mr Big immediately made their mark in history. Best known for their classic chart topper "To Be With You" that led to major international success and multi-platinum record sales, Mr Big have remained active and popular throughout decades of changing music trends.

The current and original Mr Big line-up comprises frontman Eric Martin, Billy Sheehan on the bass, Paul Gilbert on guitars and drummer Pat Torpey.

The band went through a breakup in 2002, but after overwhelming requests from fans, got back together in 2009 and have continued rocking the music scene ever since. To date, Mr Big has released a total of nine studio albums.

By combining trademark "shredding" musicianship with awesome vocal harmonies, Mr Big has produced a number of hit songs across a wide array of rock genres – be it ballads, heavy metal, or blues rock, such as “Alive and Kicking” and "Just Take My Heart". Their musical features have touched fans all over the world.

Tickets to Mr Big Concert Live in Malaysia 2017 are priced at RM568 (VVIP), RM468 (VIP), RM368 (PS1) and RM188 (PS2). All tickets are numbered seating, except for PS2 which is free seating. Ticket prices are inclusive of 6% GST but exclusive of RM4 processing fee.

Tickets are available via TicketCharge at www.ticketcharge.com.my or call +603 9222 8811. VVIP tickets are exclusively available via the organizer Plan 7 Production at +6012 974 1011 or visit www.facebook.com/Plan7Production/.

Mr Big Live in Malaysia 2017 is organized by Plan 7 Production, Mega Ultimate as the Event Management, Mega Star Arena as Official Venue, Double Tree Hotel as Official Hotel and Astro Circle as Loyalty Partner, Mega Music World as Special Thanks.

- www.ticketcharge.com.my

It’s raining tourists in Penang

Icy treat: Locals and tourists queuing up at the famous Lebuh Keng Kwee cendol stall.

GEORGE TOWN: Visitors have been thronging their favourite Penang attractions, thanks to the long weekend.

Locals and out-of-state visitors made a beeline to Penang Hill, the beaches, murals around the city and the butterfly park.

However, as it was Hari Raya Haji yesterday, many tourists interviewed were a little glum because they missed out on the famous Penang nasi kandar, since nearly all of them were closed for the festivity.

Scores of visitors were at Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm in Teluk Bahang on National Day to admire the assembly of insects, reptiles and amphibians.

Visiting for the third time was eight-year-old Penangite Goh Jia Wen with her parents Kwan Hwa and Cheah Hoey Yee, both 40. “Jia Wen loves to play with butterflies, and she can learn a lot about them and other insects in Entopia,” Cheah said.

Businessman Tan Jin Han, 41, brought his family from Kuala Lumpur on a three-day trip to Penang. “My sons were excited to be in Entopia. This is their first time here,” he said.

Physician Dr Hun Zi Ling, 26, brought her boyfriend Dr Low Khar Weoi, 29, to the menagerie too and both were spotted facing their fears by cradling a giant millipede with their bare hands.

The windy afternoon saw a hive of activity along the Batu Ferringhi beach. Tourists were seen parasailing, as well as enjoying rides on water scooters and banana boat.

The George Town World Heritage enclave was busy as always with tourists hunting for murals on foot or by bicycle.

A check at Armenian Street saw a sea of visitors taking turns to pose for photos with the famous Children on Bicycle mural.

As for the hawkers in Penang, it was another bountiful holiday weekend as the out-of-towners lined up for food.

Tour buses were seen queueing in long stretches leading up to the Penang Hill railway station and Kek Lok Si Temple in Air itam.

M. Narehn from Segamat, Johor, was at Penang Hill station with 43 family members and friends who were on the last day of a three-day visit to Penang. “We have tried all the hawker food but missed out on nasi kandar as it is Hari Raya Haji,” said the 24-year-old.

Penang Hill Corporation general manager L.L. Cheok said about 5,000 visitors were heading up to the hill at noon yesterday and he expected the number to increase. “We expect even bigger crowds over the next few days until Monday.”

Factory manager Eunice Chia, 42, from Kuantan, Pahang, was on the hill with her sister, Gladys, 38. “It’s been 10 years since I last visited the hill and Kek Lok Si Temple too. The temple looks magnificent now.”

At the edge of the George Town World Heritage Site, there was the familiar long queue of people waiting for the Lebuh Keng Kwee cendol.

Traffic snarls were evident along Penang Road, Jalan Air Itam leading up to Kek Lok Si as well as Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi.

-thestar online.

5,000 hotels have started collecting tourism tax

PETALING JAYA: Some 5,000 hotels around the country have started implementing the tourism tax for foreigners.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) president Sam Cheah Swee Hee said hotel operators started the collection of tourism tax yesterday.

“Not all hotel operators are ready. We will do it manually until the system is ready,” he said when contacted.

Cheah said hoteliers will submit their collection to the Customs and Excise Department by next month.

The Customs and Excise Department is taking a friendly approach to encourage hotels and lodging operators to register for the tourism tax, said Department director-general Datuk Seri Subromaniam Tholasy.

“We will not be harsh as the announcement of the tax came a little late,” he said when contacted.

The Government had announced early last month that the tourism tax was to be enforced from yesterday.

Only foreign tourists will be charged a flat rate of RM10 per night per room while local tourists and permanent residents would be exempted from paying the tax.

Subromaniam said the department will try to contact hotel operators who have yet to register, rather than using a harsh approach. As of now, Subromaniam said the number of registered accommodation providers was at 5,000, out of the estimated 10,000 establishments nationwide.

“We are giving hotel operators another month. We expect all to register with us by the end of September,” he added.

Bernama reported that hoteliers must display the newly introduced Tourism Tax rate separately from the room rates with the implementation of the tax.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (Sarawak Chapter) honorary secretary-general John Teo Peng Yew said hotel and resort operators need to adhere to the new ruling following a meeting with the Finance Ministry and the Customs Department recently.

“No exemption for long stay, complimentary stay such as timeshare or loyalty programme and such tax shall be free of GST,” he said in a statement here.

-thestar online.

Percussion Paradise - HANDS 20th Anniversary Concert @ Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre ( 30 September 2017 )

Renowned in the drumming and percussion circle, Hands Percussion Malaysia shares its 20th anniversary celebration of different and creative art forms with the community through a collaboration with Sisu Percussion from Norway, Tan Su Yin and Moto Guo from Malaysia.

Starting out with the traditional shigu and festive drums, Hands Percussion’s repertoire has expanded to include the gamelan, gendang, and kompang in stylized movements mixed with Western percussion. In partnership with SISU and their Malaysian guest artists, Percussion Paradise is a not-to-be-missed, invigorating performance that promises to awaken all your senses.

-AirAsia RedTix.
https://airasiaredtix.com/percussion_paradise_2017

Najib Launches Diversecity 2017 Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival ( 31 August ~ 1 October 2017 )

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today launched the third edition of DiverseCity 2017 Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival (DiverseCity) at Nu Sentral here.

The five-week event, from today until Oct 1 at multiple venues in Kuala Lumpur will showcase a line-up of numerous cultural performances featuring international stars from ASEAN countries and several other countries.

Before officiating the event, Najib and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor spent more than an hour watching various cultural performances such as the Zapin performance by the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) and a performance by 'Che Malambo', a 12-man dance sensation from Argentina.

Capping off the launch was the completion of an artwork on stage by eminent artist, Yeoh Jin Leng (he), who will be exhibiting a selection of works complemented by photographs taken by the late Sultan of Terengganu, Almarhum Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah in the festival.

DiverseCity is a non-profit organisation and receives funding from the government, box office sales as well as sponsorship and donation from corporations, individuals and charitable foundations.

Launched in 2015, the KL International Arts Festival is building a reputation as a major annual international celebration of the arts. Held in the third quarter of the year, the festival features artistes across a variety of genres in more than a dozen venues throughout Kuala Lumpur. Festival performances are also complemented by educational workshops and activities.

Earlier, festival director Datin Sunita Rajakumar in her speech, said from Aug 31 to Oct 1, acclaimed and up-and-coming artistes from Malaysia and around the world would gather in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the arts through music, dance, theatre, visual arts and literature.

"We have curated this year's programme to provide a little something for everyone as the festival aims to bring communities together to celebrate the arts of all its diversity. It is my hope that the programmes this year will not just entertain but also inspire and connect all who attend the events," she said.

A highlight of the music performances is the 'Konsert Panggung 50 Anniversari' to be staged in the lush gardens of the Taman Botani Perdana which starts at 9pm on Sept 30.

The concert will feature local and ASEAN artistes who will take the audience on a musical journey through the ages, performing old hits set to new arrangements, and backed by the Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) Orchestra and dancers, added Rajakumar.

She said the public could obtain more information on the festival via its website at http://www.diversecity.my/

-Bernama.