A boon to sports tourism

(From left) Xterra Malaysia Special Edition 2018 ambassador Mohd Razif Mohd Salleh, Azura, JS Concert productions chief executive officer Susan Tan, Mirza, Whittaker and race director Liew Wei Yong after the launch of the event.

Endurance racers can look forward to the Xterra Malaysia Special Edition 2018 which will feature its first duathlon in Malaysia.

Taking place in Desaru Coast, Johor, from Sept 28 to 30, the integrated destination resort will provide a scenic coastal landscape for local and international participants.

The special-edition format in the world premiere series of multisport competitions has two categories, duathlon and trail running.

Race organiser Tough Gorilla managing director Azura Zainol Abidin said 1,200 participants were expected to join the event.

“We are also targeting participants from Singapore, Indonesia, China, Vietnam and Thailand.

“It is an honour to organise such events and we would like to thank our partners for having the confidence and trust in us to organise this event,” she said after the launch of Xterra Malaysia Special Edition 2018.

Participants of the duathlon will have to endure a 5km run, 30km of mountain biking and a 5km run to complete the race.

For the trail run, avid runners can participate in the 11km or 21km categories, while athletes travelling with their families can try out the 5km route for a lighter off-road challenge.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, who was also present at the launch, said such events also promote sports tourism in the country.

“The competition that focuses on health, sports and teamwork in Desaru Coast will help promote the place as a tourist attraction.

“We hope the organisers can achieve, with the targeted participants, to not only bring more tourists to Malaysia, but also attract more events of a similar theme to boost sports tourism,” he said.

Integrated Theme Parks and Attractions chief executive officer and Themed Attractions Resorts and Hotels Sdn Bhd chief commercial officer Philip Whittaker said they were excited to host the series’ first duathlon.

“We are looking forward to hosting all the local and international sportsmen and sportswomen who will be joining the race,” he said.

Xterra Malaysia Special Edition 2018 is supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Malaysia Major Events, Johor Tourism and Johor Sports Council.

Desaru Coast is the venue sponsor which has one of the world’s largest water parks – Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, two golf courses, retail village and conference centre.

It also hosts three international hotel brands under its wing, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast.

-thestar online.

Kelantan: A Living Heritage @ George Town, Penang ( 4 & 5 August 2018 )

George Town Festival proudly presents the festival opening show KELANTAN: A Living Heritage – a show celebrating Kelantan, an ancient and traditional cultural stronghold, sometimes known as the ‘Cradle of Malay Culture’. With KELANTAN, GTF will celebrate and honour its unique and ethereal tapestry woven through its captivating art forms.

The spectacle of KELANTAN will feature Rebana Ubi, the gigantic traditional drums, Asyik, a royal court dance, a taste of Mak Yong, a contemporary dance piece Dikir, choreographed by Raziman Sarbini and Dikir Barat, the lively and mesmerising display of a group singing in moving trance, Wayang Kulit, a type of traditional shadow puppet, and the splendour of Songket.

The show will feature New York-based dancer and choreographer Raziman Sarbini with dancers from ASK Dance Company, prima donna of Mak Yong, Zamzuriah Zahari, award winning Dikir Barat group Sunang Detaga Arjunasukma with Tukang Karut Muslih Sang Saka and Kamal Sabran, the celebrated specialist in experimental music and founder of Space Gambus Experiment. The performance is created in collaboration with the ASK Dance Company, the National Arts Culture And Heritage Academy (ASWARA), and the National Department For Culture And Arts (JKKN).

Get ready for a spellbinding experience with KELANTAN.

More information is coming soon!

More info: https://www.georgetownfestival.com/programmes/kelantan-a-living-heritage

Duration:
75 minutes (no intermission)

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

Alibaba holds Malaysia Week campaign in Hangzhou

HANGZHOU: China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba is showcasing its continued commitment to Malaysia – its first e-world trade platform (eWTP) outside China – with a “Malaysia Week” campaign.

Launched yesterday, the week-long campaign featured the “must-see, must-eat and must-experience” of Malaysian products and tourism services on alibaba.com, Tmall and Alitrip.

Tmall president Jet Jing said Alibaba has been working with the Malaysian Government and business community for the past year to develop and improve cross-border trade infrastructure in Malaysia.

“Through innovations in logistics, payment, customs clearance and big data, Malaysian small businesses can now enjoy the convenience of global e-commerce trading, which in the past was only available to big multinational corporations.

“By making globalisation more inclusive, small businesses and young people will benefit tremendously in the near future,” he said at the launch here.

Malaysia Week was organised by Alibaba Group in cooperation with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), International Trade and Industry Ministry, Matrade, SME Corp, Malaysia Investment Development Authority, Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association.

The launch came amid growing concerns over Malaysia-China relations following the Government’s move to review several China-linked mega projects.

Alibaba group founder and executive chairman Jack Ma, who was in Kuala Lumpur last month to launch Alibaba’s office, had expressed his confidence in the bilateral ties after a meeting with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

MDEC chief operating officer Datuk Ng Wan Peng, in her speech at the start of the campaign, said Malaysia Week was a bridge linking Malaysia to the world.

“Leveraging on the long-term partnership with Alibaba, Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will benefit immensely as they will now be able to reach farther and wider through access to new markets.

“We are confident this partnership with Alibaba will go a long way as Alibaba’s eWTP and Malaysia’s Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) have a common vision, which is to help SMEs grow and revolutionise Malaysia’s e-commerce,” she said.

As of March this year, there were 2,651 Malaysian merchants on alibaba.com, an increase of 34% since last November when the DFTZ went live.

More than 50 Malaysian brands are expected to be featured on Tmall as part of Malaysia Week.

-thestar online.

Taman Negara Mulu menarik diterokai

PEMANDANGAN Pinnacles yang cukup memukau

ANDA menggemari aktiviti lasak dan mencari destinasi untuk diterokai, Taman Negara Mulu yang terletak di Miri, Sarawak merupakan lokasi sesuai untuk dikunjungi.

Kawasan gunung batu kapur yang diiktiraf sebagai salah satu Warisan Dunia itu menyediakan pakej lengkap bagi pengemar aktiviti lasak seperti mendaki gunung, mengembara dan meneroka gua yang mempunyai saluran serta kebuk terbesar di dunia.

Taman Negara Mulu juga dilihat sesuai bagi warga bandar ‘melarikan diri’ daripada suasana kesibukan kota metropolitan untuk menikmati keindahan alam semula jadi.

Baru-baru ini, penulis yang merupakan seorang penggemar aktiviti lasak berkesempatan meneroka sendiri keunikan dan keindahan biodiversiti yang terdapat di Taman Negara Mulu.

Dalam siri kembara itu, penulis sempat menjelajah Gua Rusa atau lebih dikenali Deer Cave yang mempunyai saluran gua terbesar di dunia.

Untuk tiba ke gua tersebut, pengunjung perlu menyusuri laluan papan (plank walk) sejauh tiga kilometer (km).

Suatu masa dahulu, sungai bawah tanah mengalir di kawasan gua itu, sekali gus mencetuskan proses penghakisan dan pelarutan batu kapur sehingga mewujudkan saluran terbesar berkenaan.

Gua ini mempunyai kawasan keluasan dua km panjang serta 90 meter tinggi dan lebar, manakala kebuk utamanya mempunyai lebar 174 meter dan tinggi 122 meter.

Nama Gua Rusa atau Gua Payau dalam bahasa Penan dan Berawan diberikan kepada gua terbabit kerana ia pernah menjadi tempat berteduh kepada haiwan liar itu, suatu ketika dahulu.

Satu lagi keistimewaan gua tersebut ialah berdekatan pintu masuknya terbentuk formasi berupa wajah bekas Presiden Amerika Syarikat, Abraham Lincoln.

Difahamkan, terdapat jutaan kelawar daripada kira-kira 12 spe­sies mendiami gua tersebut iaitu terbesar direkodkan di dunia.

Berjarak kira-kira 100 meter dari Gua Rusa, pengunjung akan menemui satu lagi gua lain iaitu Gua Lang yang lebih kecil, tetapi mempunyai formasi batu yang menarik.

Sekiranya cuaca baik, antara pukul 5 hingga 6.30 petang, pengunjung akan dapat menyaksikan kira-kira tiga juta kelawar keluar dari gua tersebut untuk mencari makanan.

Selain itu, mendaki Gunung Mulu dengan ketinggian 2,377 meter menjadi satu kemestian kepada pendaki dari seluruh negara. Jarak laluan mendaki adalah 24 km sehala dan memerlukan masa tiga hingga empat hari untuk perjalanan pergi dan balik.

Bukan itu sahaja, puncak Pinnacles yang mempunyai ketinggian 1,200 meter turut menjadi lokasi yang wajib dijejaki pendaki. Masa perjalanan untuk naik dan turun mengambil masa kira-kira 10 jam.

Sebenarnya, terdapat banyak lagi tempat menarik di Taman Negara Mulu yang pastinya mampu menambat hati pengunjung untuk datang kembali selepas kunjungan pertama.

Pengemar aktiviti lasak yang berminat berkunjung ke Taman Negara Mulu perlu menaiki penerbangan MASwings sama ada dari Miri ke Mulu atau Kuching ke Mulu.

Untuk keterangan lanjut, bolehlah hubungi Taman Negara Mulu di talian 085-792300 atau melayari laman web www.mulunationalpark.com.

-utusan online.

Tourism Ministry ready to revise 'Visit Malaysia 2020' logo

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is ready to revise the design of the Visit Malaysia 2020 logo if required, says its minister Mohammadin Ketapi.

“People say the logo was criticised, but to me, it’s not like that as everyone has his or her own perspective.

“In fact, we have a long time before 2020 to improve on or touch up the existing design if necessary,” he said during a press conference held in conjunction with the flagging-off ceremony of the 2018 Lady Bikers Tourism Ride here, today.

Also present were his deputy Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah and Johor State Women and Tourism Development Committee chairman Liow Cai Tun.

The Visit Malaysia 2020 logo launched in Chiang Mai, Thailand,  by former tourism and culture minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz in conjunction with Asean Tourism earlier this year, drew flak from netizens for its seemingly ‘poor design’.

Among the complaints were that the logo looked ‘unprofessional’ and ‘very ordinary’.

Mohamed Nazri however, stood by the design, saying it was created by in-house staff.

The Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign aims to attract more than 36 million tourists to the country, generating revenue of up to RM168 billion.

Mohammadin said he was willing to continue with the policies and plans laid out by his predecessor if they were indeed of benefit to the people and country.

In the meantime, the Silam MP said he was open to meeting and discussing with any party including bikers, to promote tourism and culture in the country.

“For me, it’s a good move towards improving the domestic tourism industry, and the discussions may also touch on the incentives that the ministry can provide to the group,” he said.

On the 2018 Lady Bikers Tourism Ride featuring 108 women superbikers travelling from Putrajaya to Johor, Mohammadin said it was a smart and well-received programme.

He said the three-day event organised by the Johor state government which also sees the bikers visiting 14 tourist locations could also promote local tourism in a fast, inexpensive and effective manner, as participants were sure to share photos of their escapade on social media.

-Bernama.
http://www.malaysia.travel

Projector Band - Konsert Sudah Kutahu 2018 @ Quill City Mall, Kuala Lumpur ( 28 July 2018 )

PROJECTOR BAND is popularly known for its "rock band" genre which is established on December 25, 2013 at Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor. They are consisted of 5 young people: Iskandar (Is) as a vocalist, Razif (Angah) as a lead guitarist, Isnaidi (Edi) as a second guitarist, Ahmad Khusairi (Mat) as a bass guitarist and Syafiq (Apit) as a drummer.

At the beginning of their appearance, PROJECTOR BAND has produced a single ‘SUDAH KU TAHU’ which was inspired by Razif, a lead guitarist in this band. Their first song has spread throughout all social media and became a great phenomenon in the local music industry. The song was chosen to be a finalist in Anugerah Juara Lagu ke-31 and won the second runner up that night. Following that, they also were recognized by Anugerah Industri Muzik-22 as the winner in top most-viewed video category in Youtube.

PROJECTOR BAND yang lebih dikenali dengan genre “band rock” ditubuhkan pada 25 Disember 2013 bertempat di Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor dan dianggotai oleh 5 orang anak muda yang terdiri daripada Iskandar (Is) sebagai vokalis, Razif (Angah) sebagai gitar utama, Isnaidi (Edi) sebagai gitar kedua, Ahmad Khusairi (Mat) sebagai gitar bass dan Syafiq (Apit) sebagai pemain drum.

Pada awal kemunculan mereka, PROJECTOR BAND telah menghasilkan sebuah single yang bertajuk SUDAH KU TAHU yang diilhamkan oleh Razif, pemain gitar utama dalam band ini. Lagu pertama mereka telah menjadi viral di media sosial dan menjadi fenomena yang besar dalam industri muzik tempatan. Lagu ini juga telah berjaya ke Anugerah Juara Lagu ke-31 dan memenangi tempat ke-3 pada malam tersebut. Mereka juga berjaya dalam merangkul anugerah tontonan muzik video paling tertinggi di Youtube.

- ticketcharge.com.my
http://premier.ticketcharge.com.my/shows/show.aspx?sh=PROJT18

Alibaba launches 'Malaysia Week' amid concerns over China-Malaysia relations

HANGZHOU: Tech giant Alibaba Group has officially launched its “Malaysia Week”, which it said is aimed at boosting opportunities for Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in China.

The Malaysia Week campaign, which kicked off Friday (July 6) here, will showcase an array of “must-see”, “must-eat” and “must-experience” Malaysian products and tourism across Alibaba's platforms till July 12.

It aims to attract Chinese consumers to buy Malaysian products through its online marketplaces.

The initiative also combines online and offline activities specifically designed to promote and increase opportunities for Malaysian businesses to reach Chinese consumers, and to meet the growing demand for high quality foreign products.

The initiative is part of Alibaba's continued commitment to Malaysia, its first electronic world trade platform (eWTP) hub outside of China, the company said.

This comes amid growing concerns over China-Malaysia relations following the Pakatan Harapan Government's move to review several China-linked mega projects.

On Thursday (July 5), the Finance Ministry issued a suspension notice through MoF Inc for all contracts related to the China-linked Multi-Product Pipeline (MPP), the Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP), and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) projects.

Its minister Lim Guan Eng said in a statement that the MPP and TSGP projects, with a total construction cost of RM9.4bil, were awarded to China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau on Nov 1, 2016.

Meanwhile, the ECRL project was awarded to China Communications Construction Co Ltd as the main contractor.

During his visit to Malaysia to officiate Alibaba's office in Kuala Lumpur last month, group founder and executive chairman Jack Ma had expressed his confidence in Malaysia.

In a statement Friday (July 6), Alibaba said more than 50 Malaysian brands are participating in the Malaysia Week campaign and will be featured on Tmall, China's largest third-party platform for brands and retailers, during the week-long promotion.

Chinese travellers can also access special promotions on Malaysia's travel and tourism products and services on Alitrip.

More than 30 Malaysian tourism merchants will host special offers on the Alitrip platform for travel products and services, including tour and hotel packages, local attractions and events, as well as shopping and dining vouchers.

As of March this year, there were 2,651 Malaysian merchants on Alibaba.com, 34% more than the 1,971 last November when the Digital Free Trade Zone went live.

Malaysia Week is organised by the Alibaba Group in cooperation with Malaysian agencies such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Matrade, SME Corp, Malaysia Investment Development Authority (Mida), Tourism Malaysia in both Malaysia and China, and the Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association.

-thestar online.

New tourism minister from Sabah stokes industry’s hopes for revamp

With Mohamaddin Ketapi (pictured) named tourism minister, travel industry members are optimistic for more prudent spending, Sabah’s comeback, etc.

Mohamaddin Ketapi from Sabah has been named Malaysia’s new minister of tourism, arts and culture – replacing Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz – renewing optimism in travel trade members concerned with issues such as government spending and Sabah’s image.

Mohamaddin is a supreme council member of Parti Warisan Sabah and also a member of parliament for Silam, Sabah. From 1986 to 1990, he served as assistant to the chief minister of Sabah. He holds a law degree from Buckingham University in the UK.

Industry leaders in Malaysia tourism sector expect Mohamaddin’s background and experience in public service will serve him well in his new post and are hopeful that he will be able to take tourism to greater heights.

Raaj Navaratnaa, general manager, New Asia Holidays Tours & Travel, commented: “He is a first-time full minister in the federal government and comes without baggage.

“I hope he will be able to enhance and mop up the ministry to make it function more orderly and effectively. I hope he will engage more with the private sector and listen to their views in shaping policies in relations with international tourism marketing, which was lacking in the previous administration.”

Morahols Travel’s managing director Eric Sinnaya believes that Mohamaddin, as a new minister in a new government, will be able to see things in a new light. “I hope he will bring a total revamp and rethink new ways of focus marketing that will further enhance the tourism industry,” he said.

Sinnaya also expressed his hope for the new minister to introduce a public audit of tourism expenses and the return of investments on expenses made so the public can gauge if money has been well spent. “He should be frugal and not overspend,” he added.

Meanwhile, Anthony Wong, group managing director, Asian Overland Services Tourism & Hospitality Group, thinks that Sabah’s “thriving tourism industry would have rubbed off (on the new minister)” to understand the value that the sector brings to his home state.

KL Tan, president of Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, shares similar sentiments. “The appointment augurs well for rural tourism in general and east coast of Sabah in particular, as Silam is located midway between Tawau and Sandakan. Our minister is from this area and could testify that residents and tourists feel just as safe and secure as any other city or town in the country, or for that matter, any other tourist spots around the globe.

He hence hopes for the new government to engage with foreign government organisations that have issued travel advisories against visiting the east coast of Sabah and have them lifted.

Tan says MATTA is eager to work closely with the new minister to “achieve tourism targets, modernise outdated laws, introduce incentives to spur the industry and step up enforcements against illegal and unlicensed operators”.

He further recommends for the ministry to step up on digital marketing, collaborate actively with industry bodies such as MATTA in overseas promotions, abolish the tourism taxand provide incentives to upgrade the quality of tourism vehicles that cater to high spending tourists.

-TTG Asia.

http://www.motac.gov.my/en/

http://www.malaysia.travel/

AirAsia strengthens Penang hub with two new routes

TRAVELLERS can now look forward to more flights with AirAsia, which marked another milestone with two inaugural flights from Hanoi, Vietnam, and Phuket, Thailand, into its Penang hub at the Penang International Airport.

AirAsia Malaysia Head of Commercial Spencer Lee said the airline was pleased to strengthen its Penang hub further with the two new routes, where it has flown over 11 million guests in and out of Penang since 2015.

“We are happy to share that we are leading the market in Penang with 68% of direct routes as of April this year and looking forward to continuous tourists arrivals,” said Lee during the ceremony to celebrate the inaugural flights at the Penang International Airport on Sunday. 

The inaugural flight from Hanoi was received by Penang Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin and Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan.

To mark the occasion, AirAsia is offering celebratory promotional all-in-fares from RM119 from Penang to Hanoi, and RM79 from Penang to Phuket, available for booking until July 8 for the travel period between July 2 this year to Jan 31 next year.

Guests can visit airasia.com or use the AirAsia mobile app on iPhone or Android devices to enjoy the special promotional fares.

“With the direct flights from Hanoi and Phuket, we can expect more tourists arriving from these two cities and the upward trend in Penang tourism is a good indicator for a robust economy in the immediate foreseeable future,” said Yeoh.

The four-time weekly direct flights from Hanoi and daily direct flights from Phuket are the seventh and eighth new routes launched by the airline into Penang, further strengthening its Asean footprint through connectivity aside from the Kuala Lumpur hub.

AirAsia currently operates 307 weekly flights one-way into Penang International Airport. In addition to Hanoi and Phuket, AirAsia also flies internationally from Penang to Jakarta, Singapore, Medan, Ho Chi Minh City, Surabaya and Bangkok as well as five domestic routes including Penang to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi.

-thestar online.

www.airasia.com

New Malaysian Cabinet list 2018

-BERNAMA.

The Moscow Circus Malaysia Tour ( 10 August 2018 ~ 31 March 2019 )

EIGHT MONTHS OF CARNIVAL GLITZ AND BIG TOP GLAMOUR AS THE LEGENDARY MOSCOW CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN!
Breathtaking acrobatics, aerialists and various circus acts will be on display during a 10-city tour around Malaysia that commences on 10^th August 2018

For the first time ever, the world famous tradition of Russian circus will make its way to Malaysia in a sensational eight-month nationwide tour featuring a variety of dazzling and jawdropping circus acts.

The engaging and extraordinary variety event will make its debut in Malaysia with performances in ten cities across seven states, commencing on 10^th August 2018 and completing its run on 31^st March 2019. The cities that have been earmarked for The Moscow Circus Tour of Malaysia 2018/19 include Petaling Jaya, Penang, Prai, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Ipoh, Kuantan and Klang.

This special edition tour, also known as The Moscow Circus Tour of Malaysia 2018/19, is the brainchild of Executive Producers Dato' Sri G Radakrishnan and Yahna SG, together with Producers Kenneth Lee and Mr Victor Pilipovic.

For the first time in history, The Moscow Circus will bring together troupes from two of the best loved and most well-known Russian circus companies - the Bolshoi Circus (aka The Moscow State Circus at Vernadsky Prospekt) and the Nikulin Moscow Circus.

"We are thrilled to announce The Moscow Circus Tour of Malaysia that will be held for the next eight months. This show is a unique opportunity to witness world-class performers from the renowned Nikulin Moscow Circus and Bolshoi Circus right here in Malaysia. We also look forward to bringing engaging activities during our tour stops around the country to showcase the acts and connect closely with the audiences along with our partners. It will truly be an exciting journey and an unforgettable experience!"said Kenneth Lee, Producer of The Moscow Circus Tour of Malaysia 2018/19.

Universally known as the capital of circus arts, Russian circus artists have, for decades, been thrilling audiences across the globe with spectacular performances full of power, artistry and world-class athletic skills. Visitors both young and old will be transported into a fantasy world through a unique array of performances by trapeze artists, jugglers, acrobats and gymnasts, all vying for attention and often at the same time!

Fan-favourite acts that audiences can look forward to include thrilling death-defying feats by aerialists, high wire walkers, trapeze artists, springboard acrobats and rope skipping acrobats, along with specially featured highlights such as a mesmerizing juggling performance by famous juggler Semen Krachinov, high octane roller skaters, gravity challenging diablo spinners and mind-boggling illusionists, all held together by one of Russia's most well-known clowns, Armen Asiryants.

Each performance will feature a two-hour long world-class programme encompassing nearly 40 professional performers guaranteed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

"It will be great opportunity for families, couples as well as groups of friends to enjoy an exciting experience of a lifetime, which is why we are offering affordable ticket prices from as low as RM50 and shows that lasts for over 24 days at each city. We do not want anyone to miss their chance of attending one of our shows and be in awe of the unique feats you won't be seeing anywhere else," added Kenneth Lee.

The Executive Producers and Producers have also taken extra measures to ensure the event provides a positive contribution towards the community and the Malaysian economy. In line with the government's call for Malaysians to help the nation overcome its debts, a part of all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the government's Tabung Harapan Malaysia.

The Moscow Circus shall then equally match the amount collected with the hope that a total of at least RM1,000,000 will be raised for the fund during the tour.

"We are grateful to be given this opportunity to bring fellow Malaysian residents an internationally known group of artists to present an electrifying set of performances. Equally importantly, we also wish to play our part by contributing an amount from our sales to the government's Tabung Harapan. Therefore, those who purchase our tickets will not only get to enjoy an unforgettable event, but will also be doing a good deed for the nation at the same time," said Dato' Sri G Radakrishnan, Executive Producer of The Moscow Circus Tour of Malaysia 2018/19.

Tickets to the show can be purchased at an affordable price from as low as RM50 and up to RM280 for top tier tickets. To complete the circus experience, the entire performance will take place under a 2,700-seater fully air-conditioned circus Big Top, which will be the largest circus tent to ever exist in Malaysia.

Let the show begin!

About The Moscow Circus Tour of Malaysia 2018/2019

Executive Producers Dato' Sri G Radakrishnan and Mr Yahna SG, together with Producers Mr Kenneth Lee and Mr Victor Pilipovich are proud to present for the first time ever in Malaysia, The Moscow Circus Tour of Malaysia 2018/2019.

The Moscow Circus Tour of Malaysia 2018/2019 is a special edition production featuring artists carefully selected and engaged from two of the biggest and most recognized state circus companies of Russia, the Bolshoi Circus (aka The Moscow State Circus at Vernadsky Prospekt) and the Nikulin Moscow Circus.

Universally acknowledged to be at the pinnacle of circus arts in the world, Russian circus artists have been thrilling audiences across the globe with performances full of power, artistry and World-class athletic skills.

The Moscow Circus will be embarking on a mammoth and unprecedented 10-City tour along the length and breadth of the country covering Petaling Jaya, Penang, Prai, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Ipoh, Kuantan and Klang. There are also plans afoot to bring the show to Sabah and Sarawak after the tour of West Malaysia. The West Malaysian tour will kick off on 10^th August 2018 and will take over eight months to complete.

The show is a two-hour long world-class program featuring nearly 40 performers who will start the program with a visually stunning cavalcade of the entire cast, followed by presentations of dangerous and thrilling acts by aerialists, high wire walkers, trapeze artists, springboard acrobats, rope skipping acrobats, a juggler, roller-skaters, diabolo spinners and illusionists, all held together by one of Russia's most well-known clowns, Armen Asiryants.

To make the circus experience complete, the entire performance takes place under a 2700-seater fully air-conditioned circus Big Top. The Moscow Circus tent will be the largest circus tent in Malaysia.

About the Acts

Opening Introduction
A grand cavalcade of the entire cast in a visual spectacle of colour, dance, music and acrobatic and aerial acts.

The Moscow Circus Clown - Armen Asiryants
This clowning superstar is the constant feature throughout the entire program, as he goes about with his cheeky and funny audience interactions and routines. Armen is one of the top circus clowns in Europe today.

Aerial Straps/Silk - Roman & Natalia
Romance in the air is what you will see as this beautiful couple perform the graceful but extremely dangerous aerial silk routine.

Comedy Trampoline Routine - The Skokov Troupe
A specialty routine of floor tumbling and trampoliing, this troupe act features their acrobatic skills with humour and comedy.

Aerial Karusel 
A specially produced act that features the TMC cast performing a stunning aerial routine high up in the circus Big Top.

Quick Change - The Moskalov Duo
Introducing the handsome Ukrainian couple of Mykhaylo and Lyana. This illusion act features the incredibly quick costume changing skills that will leave audiences scratching their heads at how beautiful and complex costumes seemingly change in a flash.

Roller Skaters - The Duo Romanov
One of the top roller skating acrobats in Russia today, the Duo Romanov showcase their skills of breathtaking and head-spinning speed.

Juggler - The Incredible Semen Krachinov
Krachinov's dramatic performance style and dashing good looks make him one of the most sought after solo juggling acts in Russia today. Look on in amazement at his incredible hand speed as he showcases his skills with balls and clubs.

High wire - The Svezhov
With grace and artistry, the Svezhov Duo's high wire walking skills will keep the audience in suspense and amazement as they perform extremely difficult tricks as high as ten meters in the air. One false step will literally mean disaster.

Flying trapeze - The Tokmachev Troup
No circus is complete without the traditional flying trapeze. The Tokmachev are one of the top aerial acts in Russia today and watching them perform the triple somersault and their unique routine of having a "second" catcher will leave the audience astounded.

Diabolo - The Duo Romanov
Rarely performed nowadays, the Duo Romanov combine the traditional circus discipline of diabolo spinning with acrobatic skills in a refreshing and eye-catching style.

Bamboo Pinwheel - The Duo Dubynin
The aerial artistry of the Duo Dubynin will keep the audience in suspense as they perform incredibly difficult tricks suspended high up in the Big Top. This act is one of the most dangerous featured in the program.

Russian Swing - The Troupe Skokov
One of the best Russian Swing acts today, the Skokov have been featured in world-class circus festivals as well as the famous Cirque du Soleil. Watch as acrobats perform fantastic somersaults and twists as they are propelled high into the air. This show stopper brings the entire program to a incredible crescendo of excitement and thrills.

Finale
The show is brought to a stunning and colourful end as the entire cast come out for one last time in a specially produced spectacle!

- www.ticketpro.com.my
https://www.ticketpro.com.my/family/circus/2326317-The-Moscow-Circus-Malaysia-Tour-2018-2019-Petaling-Jaya.html
https://www.ticketpro.com.my/family/circus/2328317-The-Moscow-Circus-Malaysia-Tour-2018-2019-Penang.html

PIA achieves 3 million passenger traffic milestone in Jan-May

GEORGE TOWN, June 29 (Bernama) -- Penang has announced that passenger movement at Penang International Airport (PIA) in Bayan Lepas has currently reached 3,075,643 from January to May 2018.

Penang Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said this was an increase of 5.77 per cent in comparison to last year's passenger traffic for the same period.

According to Yeoh, there were 1.5 million passenger arrivals which consist 680,000 international arrivals and about 840,000 from domestic flights.

"International arrivals recorded an increase of 15.39 per cent as compared to the same period last year, while domestic arrivals registered only 0.26 per cent increase," he said.

Yeoh noted that PIA is currently nearing its maximum capacity of 6.5 million passengers and expansion plans should not be delayed any further as more direct flights would be added in the near future.

"On July 1, there will be two inaugural direct flights to Penang, one from Hanoi and another from Phuket," he added.

He also said that he would further negotiate with several airlines for even more direct flights to Penang.

-bernama.

Langkawi's duty-free status will be maintained to boost tourism

LANGKAWI: Pulau Langkawi's duty-free status will remain, announced Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Mahathir who is also Langkawi MP said this willhelp attract spending by mainlanders on the island, while at the same time boosting the tourism industry there.

"The duty-free status will be maintained to attract mainlanders to spend here.

"This will also boost the tourism industry on the island," he said in his speech to over 3,000 people gathered at the Hari Raya open house at the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) sports complex.

However, he also said the ruling that the total amount spent on duty-free item(s) must not exceed RM500 for tax exemption reasons will also remain.

-thestar online.
https://www.lada.gov.my/

International tourism exceeds expectations, with APAC leading growth

International tourist arrivals grew six per cent in the first four months of 2018, compared to the same period last year, exceeding UNWTO’s forecast for 2018. Growth was seen in all regions, led by Asia-Pacific (+8%) and Europe (+7%). 

Africa (+6%), the Middle East (+4%) and the Americas (+3%) also recorded sound results. Earlier this year, UNWTO’s forecast for 2018 was between 4-5%.

Growth in Asia-Pacific was driven by South-east Asia (+10%) and South Asia (+9%), while the increase in Europe was pulled ahead by the destinations of Southern and Mediterranean Europe, as well as Western Europe (both +8%).

In the Americas, strongest results came from South America (+8%). The Caribbean (-9%) is the only sub-region to experience a decrease in arrivals during this period, weighed down by some destinations still struggling with the aftermath of the hurricanes of August and September 2017.

UNWTO commented that even with limited information coming from the Middle East and Africa, the results were signs of rebound in the former region and consolidation of growth in the latter.

“International tourism continues to show significant growth worldwide, and this translates into job creation in many economies. This growth reminds us of the need to increase our capacity to develop and manage tourism in a sustainable way, building smart destinations and making the most of technology and innovation”, said UNWTO secretary-general, Zurab Pololikashvili.

Meanwhile, confidence in global tourism remains strong according to the latest UNWTO Panel of Tourism Experts survey. The panel’s outlook for the May-August period is one the most optimistic in a decade, led by particularly upbeat sentiment in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

-TTG Asia.