Sarawak govt invites airline giants to fly direct from mainland

Lee (Fourth from left at the front) with Wang Xu (far left), Jian Min (second from right)

and other guests during the dinner.

MIRI: The Sarawak state government has invited the two largest airlines in China - China Air and China Southern Airlines, to fly direct from mainland China to Sarawak.

The state wants to establish direct air connections between major cities in mainland China like Guangzhou, Shenzen and Shanghai with Sarawak cities of Kuching and Miri and big towns like Sibu.

“China Air and China Southern Airlines have the capability to start such direct China-Sarawak flights,” said Sarawak assistant tourism minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin who hosted a dinner on Saturday to welcome the two airlines’ top bosses to Miri.

Among the guests were China Southern Airlines regional general manager for Malaysia Wang Xu and China Air regional manager for Malaysia Yin Jian Min.

Lee said he had personally made trips to China repeatedly to establish contacts to get the airlines to fly direct to Sarawak.

“This visit by the top officials of these airlines from China is a good start to establish direct air links between China cities and Sarawak cities.

“STB is playing host to these managers from the airlines and we want to show them the attractions that we have in our state.

“We, in the state government, and State Tourism Ministry are confident that there will be direct flights into Sarawak cities from several China cities very soon.

“We are aggressively marketing our natural assets as tourism attractions to China tourists living in mega-cities. We have everything like mountains, beaches, caves, jungles and rivers to attract Chinese tourist.

“There is a big market for China tourists who are keen to enjoy nature, adventure, food and culture,” he added.

Lee said many tour agents from China had visited the state and were impressed with what Sarawak has to offer.

Numerous television stations in China were also invited to come and produce travel and adventure documentaries, he said.

“There is also the first-ever romance-movie on mainland China and northern Sarawak that was filmed here last year,” he added.

The joint venture film between China-Malaysia Universal Television Company (Msia) and Global Business Club International Group China featured beautiful scenes of Miri city and its nearby beaches as well as the wonders of Mulu and Niah.

“The movie project was a good platform for tourism and to strengthen bilateral and ties between Sarawak and China and these ties will hopefully lead to China Air and China Southern Airlines flying direct to Sarawak from China,” he added.

-thestar online.
https://sarawaktourism.com/

Making M’sia a top choice, no MATTA what

KUALA LUMPUR: The second series of the MATTA Fair 2018 aims to not just attract travel buffs and sell tourism products, but to also help boost Malaysia’s rating as a tourism destination.

With the tagline “Buy Smart, Travel Great at MATTA Fair”, Malaysia’s largest consumer travel fair was launched by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, who commen­ded the Malaysian Association Of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) for their role in ramping up tourism via such events.

He said MATTA Fair 2018 brought tourism industry players and consumers under one roof and to help promote tourism to both local and foreign consumers.

“It is truly an achievement for MATTA to gather more than 250 tourism-related companies, with 1,336 booths in seven halls at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

Mohamaddin also expressed his wish to see Malaysia carve a place in the world’s top 10 tourism destinations from 12th place in 2017.

Towards this end, MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the body came up with several strategies and would be working closely with the ministry and industry players.

“We have our foreign missions in place. Packaging with airlines and collaborating hoteliers are also some of the steps that MATTA will take to make Visit Malaysia 2020 a success.

“The ministry, MATTA and other industry players are all interconnected and interdependent with each other. We must work hand in hand,” said Tan.

Seeing how the first series of the MATTA Fair 2018 in March recorded 110,000 visitors with total sales of RM210mil, it showed how such events are contributing to the industry.

“For this edition, we are expecting about the same turnout with target sales up to RM220mil,” he said.

In this series of the MATTA Fair 2018, Sarawak has returned as “Malaysia’s Favourite Destination” for the second time while Taiwan is “Asia’s Favourite Destination”.

A total of 138 prizes to local destinations and 32 prizes to international destinations will be up for grabs, with the total cost valued at more than RM150,000.

For every admission ticket, Tan said RM1 would be donated to Tabung Harapan Malaysia.

Visitors are encouraged to take public transport to PWTC where the fair is held.

Those taking the LRT will have the chance to redeem cash vouchers at the Sunway Putra Mall’s promotion booth at the PWTC LRT station.

Grab Malaysia is also offering RM5 off for two rides to or from PWTC during the fair via GrabPay, using the promo code MATTAKL18 for the first 1,000 rides daily.

Today is the last day of the MATTA Fair. Doors will open from 10am to 9pm and admission is at RM4 per person and free for children below 12.

-thestar online.
http://www.malaysia.travel

Tourism Malaysia Participates In China International Tourism Industry Expo (CITIE) 2018

PUTRAJAYA, 7 SEPTEMBER 2018: Tourism Malaysia is participating in China International Tourism Industry Expo 2018 (CITIE) in Guangzhou from 7th to 9th September, to promote Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination.

The Malaysian delegation, led by Tourism Malaysia Senior Director of International Promotions (Asia and Africa) Datuk Musa Yusof, consists of 15 organisations, which includes state tourism board, airline, tour operators, product owners and Tourism Malaysia officials. Among them are Resorts World Genting, Desaru Coast and Legoland Malaysia Resort.

CITIE is China's largest comprehensive international tourism exhibition that will see the participation of nearly 3,000 companies from 55 countries with 20,000 professional buyers. Since its inception in 2005, the key objectives of CITIE is to offer a professional platform for international tourism industry players to network, share information as well as develop their business, with focus on both business to business (b2b) and business to consumers (b2c) segment.

Malaysia’s participation in the exhibition provides an avenue for Malaysia tourism industry players to network and solicit for new business with the Chinese counterparts. It is also a platform to update industry players of Malaysia’s latest tourism developments and strengthen awareness on Malaysia as an ideal holiday destination for this market.

The Malaysia Pavilion, which features family-oriented destination and theme park design, will be launched by Datuk Musa today. The occasion will also be graced by the Consul General of Malaysia in Guangzhou, Beh Ching Chye, Governor of Guangdong Province, Ma Xingrui, as well as Tourism Malaysia Director of Guangzhou, Sharon Ho Siew Nyoon, and other government representatives from both Malaysian and China.

Visitors to the Malaysia Pavilion will be entertained by Briged Seni Melaka, a cultural dance group, showcasing Malaysian traditional dance performances. Guests will also get to see a “teh tarik” demonstration by Teh Tarik Tourism Ambassador Mior Sazali Mat Ali who will amaze audiences with his special tea “pulling” show.

Malaysia’s popular white coffee drink will also be made available for visitors to sample at the pavilion. Visitors will also get a complimentary fun map of Malaysia highlighting family-friendly attractions in the country.

Other programmes scheduled throughout the duration of the sales mission are business-to-business sessions, networking dinners and tourism product presentations.

China is a top ten market for Malaysia, with a total of 2,124,942 tourists recorded in 2016. In 2017, the number of tourists increased to 2,281,666. In 2018, from January to April, a total of 1,008,998 tourists from China have been recorded, showing a jump of 37.2% compared to the same period last year (735,618).

Tourism Malaysia has a dedicated officer stationed in Guangzhou to handle the promotion of Malaysia in this market. The Malaysian ambassador in China has also been instrumental in the promotion of Malaysia as a holiday destination for Chinese.

Currently, there are 108 weekly flights operated by China Southern Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, AirAsia from Guangzhou to Malaysia offering 17,222 seats.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Satisfy your wanderlust at MATTA Fair today

Deals galore: (From left) Tan with Star Media Group Bhd Advertising and Business Development general manager Sara Chacko and MATTA chief executive officer Phua Tai Neng holding The Star’s MATTA Fair pullout during the press conference at the PWTC in Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR: It will be choices galore for those with wanderlust at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair September 2018 which starts today.

The 46th edition of MATTA Fair continues to be the favourite hunting ground for travel deals – from the usual crowd favourites to off-the-beaten-track destinations.

“Apart from the large variety of tour and travel packages, to both local and international destinations, prices will also be more competitive,” said MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang.

He added that there would be value-­for-money tour and travel packages to suit different types of budgets.

Visitors will also be treated to a host of performances and activities throughout the three-day fair.

There will be local cultural dances from states such as Sarawak as well as cultural performances from countries such as Indonesia, Taiwan and Japan.

“As Taiwan is Asia’s Favourite Destination for this fair, there will be all kinds of amazing activities at the Taiwan Pavilion such as a do-it-yourself pearl milk tea (activity) held by Chatime, a well-known Taiwanese brand, and performances by the Zero Four Dance Crew,” he added.

Visitors who purchase flight tickets, attraction tickets or tour and travel packages will also be in line to win prizes in the MATTA Buyers’ Contest, he said.

A total of 138 prizes to local destinations and 32 prizes to international destinations will be up for grabs, he added.

He also said that the total cost of the prizes is valued at more than RM150,000.

For every admission ticket, RM1 will be donated to Tabung Harapan Malaysia, he noted.

Tan encouraged visitors to take the public transport to the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), where the fair is held.

Those taking the LRT will have the chance to redeem cash vouchers at the Sunway Putra Mall’s promotion booth at the PWTC LRT station, he added.

He said Grab Malaysia is also offering RM5 off for two rides to or fro PWTC during the fair via GRABPAY, using the promo code MATTAKL18 for the first 1,000 rides daily.

The MATTA Fair will be held from Sept 7 to 9 at the PWTC.

Doors open from 10am to 9pm daily and admission is at RM4 per person per day; and free for children below 12.

-thestar online.

Key Programmes Of PATA Travel Mart 2018

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 SEPT 2018: PATA Travel Mart 2018 (PTM 2018), scheduled from 12 to 14 September 2018 in Langkawi, Malaysia, is just weeks away. As the day draws near, here are a few things on the schedule not to be missed:

Main highlights:

1. Business to Business Session

All-day
13 to 14 September at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)

PTM 2018’s Business to Business session is a one-stop platform for tourism networking and contracting opportunities. This year, PTM gathers sellers from 198 organisations from 35 destinations including China, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Korea, Nepal and others taking part. A total of 260 buyers from 53 source markets have also registered interest in the event. Among the buyers are from Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Korea, Netherlands, the Philippines, Russia, etc. There are 67 sellers from Malaysia taking part, including state government tourism bodies from Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Penang, Labuan, Kedah and Johor. Each of the participants will have at least 30 appointment sessions to discuss and negotiate for tourism business.

2. PATA Gold Awards 2018

1240 - 1410 hours
14 September at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)

The PATA Gold Awards is a recognition of excellence, innovation, and the best tourism standards in Asia Pacific's travel and tourism industry. The ceremony will present a total of 34 awards to deserving recipients (organisations and destinations) for their efforts in tourism marketing and promotion.

Other highlights:

1. PATA Youth Symposium 2018

0900 - 1230 hours
12 September at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)

Themed “Inspiring Tourism Leaders of Tomorrow”, the event is hosted by Langkawi Development Authority, Tourism Malaysia, Alumni Association of UiTM, Student’s Representative Council and PATA Malaysia Chapter. Participants include 170 local and 30 international students, faculty members, alumni and industry professionals. The symposium is a platform to inspire and groom youths into effective and visionary leaders. One the local speakers to deliver their keynote address is Ms. Elfira Loy, popular Malaysian actress, public figure and entrepreneur.

2. Complimentary Half-Day City Tours

0900 - 1500 hours
12 September, all over Langkawi

As Langkawi has been chosen to host PTM 2018, it is the perfect opportunity to showcase the Isle of Legends as a top-of-mind destination to delegates and introduce the island as a nature paradise, agro-tourism destination, birdwatching destination, shopping haven, and island and beach destination.

Delegates can sign up for either the Langkawi Discovery Package or Langkawi Agro Package tours. The Langkawi Discovery Package takes delegates to explore the beautiful and diverse natural landscapes of the island, with visits to mangroves, as well as to learn about the legends of Langkawi.

Meanwhile, the Langkawi Agro Package Tour makes visits to the Buffalo Park, the Mardi Agro Technology Park to see fruit orchards, as well as Laman Padi to learn about rice cultivation.

3. Travolution Asia Forum 2018

0930 - 1230 hours
12 September at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)

The forum looks at key trends in the industry and how emerging technology, customised travel options and value-added services can all add up to super-charge tourism businesses. Sign up to listen to talks by industry experts over three key sessions and get the latest information on tourism trends and emerging news. This is the first time the forum is included as part of the PTM programme.

4. Start-Up Innovation Camp 2018

1330 - 1800 hours
12 September at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)

If you are an investor looking for an interesting investment in tourism, travel and hospitality, join the World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) Start-Up Innovation Camp 2018 to meet the most innovative start-ups from around the world. It’s a chance to get insights into the best ideas of the future. This is the first time the camp is included as part of the PTM programme.

5. PTM Talks

1055-1125 hours, 1520 - 1550 hours
13 September at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)

1055-1125 hours, 1525 - 1555 hours
14 September at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)

Several 30-minute talks will be held throughout the two days with presenters from Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), the winner of the World Tourism Forum Lucerne Start-Up Innovation Camp 2018, Shenzhen uCloudlink Network Technology, and tourism marketing company Sojern.

6. Twin Cities World Tourism Forum

1000 - 1115 hours
14 September at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)

The Twin Cities World Tourism Association aims to support and increase tourism and travel between twin cities, support and increase the exchange of ideas and concepts related to tourism and travel between sister cities, and enhance and strengthen relations through tourism and travel. The founding president, Mr. Thomas Binder, Mayor of Gossau-Zurich in Switzerland, will formally announce the foundation of the Twin Cities World Tourism Association (TCWTA) at this forum.

7. PATA Executive Board and PATA Board Meeting

All-day
14 to 16 September at Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC)

The forthcoming PATA Executive Board and PATA Board Meeting will be held right after the PATA Travel Mart (PTM 2018). There are about 100 PATA Board, Committee and Life members who will be attending to these meetings. The meeting is a platform to exchange experiences, share ideas, and discuss issues on tourism as well as PATA affairs. The meeting is held twice a year in conjunction with PATA Annual Summit and PATA Travel Mart.

Backgrounder:

PATA Travel Mart is Asia-Pacific’s worldwide travel trade exhibition featuring unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations access decision makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate existing business partnerships.

Hosted by Malaysia this year, PATA Travel Mart is set at the beautiful island of Langkawi – a tropical paradise known for its unsurpassed natural beauty, friendly people, excellent food, duty-free shopping and luxurious hotels and resorts. Visit https://www.pata.org/ptm/ for more info.

-Tourism Malaysia.
http://www.malaysia.travel

LADA touts Langkawi as gateway to Kedah, Perlis

The Bujang Valley (pictured) is a sprawling historical complex situated near Merbok, Kedah

The upcoming PATA Travel Mart, which will take place in Langkawi next week, is providing a prime opportunity for the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to position the Malaysian holiday island as a gateway to the states of Perlis and Kedah.

A 3D/2N fam tour to Perlis and Kedah will be organised for 60 interested buyers from 25 countries attending the tradeshow, shared LADA’s CEO, Azizan Noordin.

The fam trip – organised by LADA with support from the state government of both states – will be scheduled one day after the mart ends, from September 15-17. Products will revolve around ecotourism, cultural and historical themes, and itinerary stops include Bujang Valley, Jerai Geopark, Kelam Cave, as well as homestays.

Azizan added that local inbound operators from Kedah and Perlis will also come armed with ready-made packages to promote to foreign agents attending PATA Travel Mart.

PATA Travel Mart 2018 is expected to attract some 274 buyers, of which 50 per cent are from South-east Asia and the Asia-Pacific – both focus markets for Malaysia and contributing more than 70 per cent of tourist arrivals.

This year will also see the highest number of sellers from Malaysia taking part, totalling 67, including state government tourism bodies from Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Penang, Labuan, Kedah and Johor.

-TTG Asia.
https://www.lada.gov.my/

Pata Travel Mart to generate income of RM100m

photo: Tourism Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) and the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) are expecting Pata Travel Mart 2018 to generate an income of RM100 million.

The event will be held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Langkawi for three days from Sept 12.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamad Din Ketapi said the impact would be felt six months to a year after the event.

“We will look forward for the tourism business in 2019 and 2020, not only for Langkawi but all over Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak,” he told a press conference at the Malaysia Tourism Centre, here, today.

He said the event was a one-stop platform for business-to-business sessions between sellers and hosted buyers.

“A total of 198 international organisations will participate as buyers, including India, Thailand, China, Singapore, Canada, South Korea and Germany,” said Din, who added that this was the third time Malaysia was hosting the event.

“Sixty-seven representatives from all over Malaysia will take part.

“A total of 73 international and local reporters will cover the event.”

Initially, he said, the plan was to have 40 participating countries but, due to overwhelming response, 2,500 delegates from 60 country would be taking part.

The event will also include the Pata Gold Awards 2018, which recognises travellers and tourism destinations in the Pacific region, on Sept 14.

Present were Lada chief executive officer Datuk Azizan Noordin and Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (promotion) Datuk Seri Khani Daud.

-nst online.
https://www.pata.org/ptm/
http://www.malaysia.travel
https://www.lada.gov.my/

Attracting Indonesian healthcare tourists a priority for local health industry

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council CEO Sherene Azli exchanges documents with AirAsia Indonesia CEO Dendy Kurniawan during the MoU signing between MHTC and Indonesia AirAsia. Behind them are (L—R) Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah and Co-Group CEO of AirAsia X Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.

— Sunpix by Zulkifli Ersal

KUALA LUMPUR: The local healthcare industry is targeting to get at least one million health tourists from Indonesia by 2020, according to Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) CEO Sherene Azil.

He said in 2017 just over one million healthcare tourists visited the country for medical care, which resulted in revenue of RM1.3 billion.

"Of the million healthcare tourists about 600,000 were Indonesians.

"Penang was the top destination of the healthcare tourists with 60% visiting the island for treatment," she said at a press conference after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with AirAsia Indonesia.

AirAsia Indonesia flies to Penang twice daily from Jakarta, thrice daily from Medan and thrice weekly from Surabaya. She said the MoU will see both parties jointly promoting Penang as the country's top healthcare tourism destination.

Sherene added that the aim is to provide a seamless service from the time the healthcare tourists leave their country to when they return home.

"At present Malaysia is ranked eighth in the healthcare tourism industry and the target is to be among the top three by 2025.

"To achieve this target the most important thing is built trust with those visiting the country for healthcare and to provide them with up to date information on all the care facilities available," she said.

According to Sherene, MHTC also aims to develop Malaysia as a hub of excellence for cardiology and fertility treatment. The National Heart Institute is well known around the world and Malaysia is also known for its fertility treatment success rate, which is better than the world's benchmark.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye, who was also present at the press conference, said Malaysia ranked tops for healthcare from 2015 to 2017 by two world ranking groups.

He said there was no Sales and Service Tax on hospital bills and this would be another attraction for healthcare tourists.

He added that the ministry regulated the charges that private hospitals can impose on patients therefore patients, even those from abroad, know they will not be overcharged.

He said with China having lifted the one child policy in 2015, many couples in their 40s need fertility help to get another child and that by promoting Malaysia's success as a fertility hub many Chinese couples have and will opt to come here for treatment.

He said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a walking testimony of the ability of local cardiologists to treat heart related problems.

-http://www.thesundaily.my
https://www.mhtc.org.my/

UNWTO Highlights Confirm Another Record Year in 2017

Madrid, Spain, 27 August 2018 – International tourist arrivals grew 7% in 2017, the highest increase since 2010, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s latest collection of Tourism Highlights. Growth in arrivals was echoed by a strong increase in exports generated by tourism, which reached US$ 1.6 trillion in 2017, making tourism the world’s third-largest export sector.

‘UNWTO Tourism Highlights 2018 Edition’ shows that international tourist arrivals reached a total of 1,323 million in 2017, some 84 million more than the previous year and a new record. The sector has now seen uninterrupted growth in arrivals for eight straight years. 2017’s growth was the highest since 2010, led by the regions of Europe and Africa, which received increases in arrivals of 8% and 9%, respectively.

International tourism receipts increased by 5% in 2017. In addition to the US$ 1.3 trillion in receipts that destinations earned, international tourism generated another US$ 240 billion from international passenger transport taken by non-residents. This raised total tourism exports to US$ 1.6 trillion, or US$ 4 billion a day, which corresponds to 7% of the world’s exports.

These strong 2017 results were driven by sustained travel demand for destinations across all world regions, including a firm recovery by those that have suffered from security challenges in recent years. Strong outbound demand from virtually all source markets, including rebounds from major emerging economies Brazil and the Russian Federation, benefited both advanced and emerging destinations.

The new report also illustrates that China continues to lead global outbound travel, having spent US$ 258 billion on international tourism in 2017. This is almost one-fifth of the world’s total tourism spending in 2017, which stood at US$ 1.3 trillion, some US$ 94 billion more than in 2016.

Among the top markets and destinations in the world, in 2017 Spain rose to become the world’s second most-visited destination in terms of international arrivals, after France. Japan entered the top ten in tourism earnings in tenth place after six straight years of double-digit growth. The Russian Federation re-entered the top ten of world spenders at eighth place.

Available data for early 2018 has since confirmed international tourism’s continued strong growth, with a year-on-year increase of 6% in arrivals between January and April.

-UNWTO.

How Malaysia became a big part of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’

Lights, camera, action: Part of the local filming crew for ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ shooting

the private island scene on a boat in Langkawi, Kedah. — Photo courtesy of Biscuit Films

PETALING JAYA: Just how much of Malaysia became a part of Hollywood film Crazy Rich Asians? A lot.

Magen Appathurai, a producer at Biscuit Films, a Petaling Jaya-based company that offers production support services to foreign companies looking to film in Malaysia, shared the locations in Malaysia which served as backdrops for the much talked-about movie.

“The movie producer Tim Coddington called and showed me pictures of mansions in Thailand. He asked if I could find any locations like that in Malaysia?” Magen said when contacted by The Star.

Magen pitched Carcosa Seri Negara for the setting of the fictional Tyersall Park estate, where movie protagonist Nick’s (Henry Golding) grandmother lives in a giant mansion.

“I said we had more in common with Singapore in terms of food, language and the way we looked,” he said.

“It would make more sense to try and ­create Singapore in Malaysia.”

Eventually, Magen convinced Coddington to forgo Thailand and film Crazy Rich Asians in Malaysia instead.

Apart from Carcosa Seri Negara, key locations in the movie include St Regis Kuala Lumpur (where character Astrid was introduced), Belanda house (scene for Eleanor’s bible study group) in Kuala Lumpur, and the Cheong Fatt Sze mansion (mahjong showdown between Eleanor and Rachel) in Penang.

In the film, there were scenes that took place in New York and London that were actually all filmed in Malaysia too!

“The opening hotel scene in London? That was filmed at E&O Hotel in Penang. The New York restaurant scene was actually filmed at BLVD House, Naza Towers at Platinum Park in KL.

“And the scene where Rachel is teaching her students in a university? That was in an auditorium in Putrajaya,” Magen shared.

Magen also revealed that the inside of an AirAsia plane in KLIA2 was used for a scene in the film.

“Do you remember this scene where all the socialites are waiting for their private jet? That was at an airport hangar in Subang Jaya,” he added.

A set for a luxurious first-class airline cabin was built for the film at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) in Serdang, Selangor.

A bachelor party scene which took place on a ship in the movie was also filmed in MIECC.

Parts of Langkawi in Kedah, especially the Four Seasons Hotel, were the setting for a private island getaway.

There is a scene that took place in Rawa Island that was also filmed in Langkawi.

He shared that the production company spent more than five weeks filming in Malaysia and about 120 local crew members were involved in the process.

Biscuit Films also engaged local casting director Jerrica Lai to provide acting talents for Crazy Rich Asians.

“That’s how the likes of Carmen Soo (who played a socialite) and Calvin Wong (the geeky brother to Peik Lin played by Awkwafina) became a part of the movie,” he said.

Magen said it felt good to see how Malaysia was featured in the movie.

“I hope that more support can be given to help us bring in more foreign productions into the country. It’s a positive thing because we can create more job opportunities, and get investments to improve facilities,” he said.

“Malaysia has so much to offer as a film location, and we need to let more people be aware of that.”

-thestar online.
http://www.malaysia.travel

Promosi 5 juta tempat duduk percuma AirAsia kembali!

KUALA LUMPUR 1 Sept. - Syarikat penerbangan tambang murah, AirAsia kembali menawarkan promosi lima juta tempat duduk percuma sehingga 9 September ini.

Dalam satu kenyataan, AirAsia memberitahu, ahli AirAsia BIG boleh menikmati akses lebih awal untuk promosi tersebut bermula esok, manakala yang bukan ahli bermula Isnin.

Untuk promosi itu, tambang tempat duduk untuk semua ahli bermula daripada RM15, manakala bukan ahli pula bermula daripada RM20 bagi penerbangan dari ibu negara ke lebih 130 destinasi dalam rangkaian AirAsia dan AirAsia X.

Tempahan yang boleh dibuat di airasia.com dan aplikasi mudah alih AirAsia itu adalah untuk tempoh perjalanan antara 18 Februari hingga 26 November 2019. 

Ketua Pegawai Komersial Kumpulan AirAsia, Siegtraund Teh menerusi kenyataan itu memberitahu, ahli AirAsia Big akan menikmati lebih banyak faedah termasuklah diskaun segera apabila menempah penerbangan di laman web atau aplikasi mudah alih syarikat penerbangan itu.

Katanya, pendaftaran sebagai ahli AirAsia Big secara percuma boleh dilakukan menerusi laman web airasia.com.

“Mulakan percutian dengan menempah tempat duduk bersama keluarga dan rakan dengan pilihan ‘Pick A Seat’.

“Semua tempahan pilihan tempat duduk yang dibuat dalam tempoh kempen ini akan menikmati diskaun sebanyak 20 peratus,” katanya.

Selain itu, pengguna BigPay boleh menikmati caj pemprosesan dengan kadar sifar, diskaun untuk pratempahan bagi hidangan dalam penerbangan dan bagasi daftar masuk apabila mereka membayar menggunakan kad BigPay.

Rakan aktiviti perjalanan AirAsia iaitu Vidi turut menawarkan promosi eksklusif berbentuk diskaun sebanyak 15 peratus dengan kad promosi ‘Freeseats15’ untuk semua aktiviti yang ditempah di vidi.co.

-utusan online.

Miss World Malaysia 2018 Gala Night @ Borneo Convention Centre Kuching ( 8 September 2018 )

Presenting Malaysia’s most prestigious national pageant event– Miss World Malaysia 2018. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak, beautiful ladies from all over Malaysia will be competing at the Grand Finals held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Sarawak on 8 September 2018. Find out who will win the coveted crown and receive the once in a lifetime opportunity to be Miss World Malaysia 2018.

Miss Dewi Liana Seriestha, who was crowned Miss World Malaysia 2014 and Miss World Talent 2014, will join the judging panel, as well as perform on stage. Also invited as a guest performer is award-winning singer-songwriter Imran Ajmain.

-TicketCharge.
http://premier.ticketcharge.com.my/shows/show.aspx?sh=MWORLD18  

Bangunkan program inap desa sekitar Kenyir

RINA (tengah) ketika merasmikan Festival Kenyir 2018 di Pengkalan Gawi, Hulu Terengganu

hari ini. Turut serta, R. Sivarasa (tiga dari kiri) dan Omar (dua dari kanan).

-UTUSAN ONLINE/Farid Janudin

HULU TERENGGANU 30 Ogos - Kementerian Pembangunan Luar Bandar akan membantu memajukan inap desa di kampung-kampung sekitar Tasik Kenyir agar penduduk setempat mendapat lebih banyak limpahan ekonomi daripada perkembangan industri pelancongan.

Menterinya, Rina Mohd. Harun berkata, Kampung Basung dan Pasir Dula terutamanya yang menjadi pintu masuk ke destinasi eko pelancongan itu perlu diberi perhatian, justeru prasarana yang lebih baik wajar disediakan untuk merangsang kejayaan program itu.

"Saya gembira kerana Lembaga Kemajuan Terengganu Tengah (Ketengah) sedang merancang program inap desa di dua kampung berkenaan, walaupun bukan dalam kawasan Ketengah tetapi kita hendak usahakan untuk kepentingan rakyat.

"Mereka boleh turut sama bergerak aktif mempromosikan pelancongan di negeri yang sangat cantik dengan banyak tarikan dengan memberi kemudahan kepada penduduk untuk menambahkan pendapatan," katanya dalam sidang akhbar selepas merasmikan Festival Kenyir 2018 di Pengkalan Gawi di sini hari ini.

Yang hadir sama, Timbalan Menteri Pembangunan Luar Bandar, R. Sivarasa; Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Kebudayaan, dan Teknologi Maklumat negeri, Ariffin Deraman; Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pertanian, Industri Asas Tani dan Pembangunan Desa negeri, Dr. Azman Ibrahim serta Pengurus Besar Ketengah, Omar Ismail.

Progam selama empat hari itu akan dimeriahkan dengan pelbagai kegiatan sukan air dan darat yang membuka ruang untuk turut disertai bersama keluarga, selain menyaksikan persembahan kesenian dan kebudayaan di samping membeli-belah dengan potongan harga menarik.

Acara tradisi tahunan kedisi kelapan yang menarik tumpuan pengunjung ke tasik itu saban tahun, disasarkan akan menarik  80,000 pengunjung.

Festival Kenyir 2018 menawarkan 36 acara yang merangkumi lima kluster iaitu jualan dan pameran, persembahan pentas, sukan air dan acara siang, dengan operasinya dibuka bermula dari pukul 10 pagi hingga 11 malam.

Rina turut menarik perhatian, program pelancongan desa di Tasik Kenyir itu bukan sahaja mendekatkan pelancong dengan keindahan alam semula jadi tetapi juga mendedahkan mereka dengan keunikan budaya kehidupan masyrakat setempat.

"Sasaran kita agar kemasukan pelancongan ke Tasik Kenyir meningkat kepada 1 juta dalam tempoh setahun," katanya.

Sementara itu, Omar berkata, kehadiran pengunjung dalam festival kali ini akan membantu melonjakkan bilangan pengunjung tahunan ke Tasik Kenyir kepada 820,000 orang sebagaimana dihasratkan

-utusan online.