Industry-first API launched to allow digital distribution of Umrah packages

Raudhah app now offers the Umrah package feature with the API connection,

which is also available to third party OTAs

With the introduction of an industry-first Umrah API, Muslim-friendly hotel booking portal Tripfez and Malaysian digital marketing specialist Media Prima Digital have launched a new Umrah package booking feature on Islamic app Raudhah.

The API connection gives third-party travel sites access to an Umrah feed and enable them to more easily access and digitally package Umrah travel.

Raudhah’s over 250,000 existing users can search for flights and hotels for Umrah travel according to multiple criteria, including date of travel and the number of travellers in their group, thanks to live supplier feeds facilitated by Tripfez. Once they have selected each component of their Umrah package, bookings can made via an online order form.

“This new Raudhah app feature marks an exciting development in the Islamic travel and marketing space, with two dynamic Malaysian-headquartered companies working together to pioneer the digital distribution of Umrah packages, which until now, has been a traditional, non-digital business,” said Tripfez founder & CEO, Faeez Fadhlillah.

“Our collaboration with Media Prima Digital will not only make it easier than ever for Muslim travellers – in just a few taps of their smartphones or devices – but also facilitate the future growth of the Umrah travel sector, catering to pent-up demand for digital Umrah solutions, which today is driven by tech-savvy Muslim millennials.”

Raudhah provides users with easy access to exclusive videos from popular religious programmes such as Al- Kulliyyah, Tanyalah Ustaz and Halaqah, as well as prayer times based on location, azan notifications and listings of nearby mosques and restaurants.

The app has 14 features in total and is designed to cater to the religious needs of Muslims in Malaysia and around the world, providing them with accurate and verified lifestyle- and education-driven content.

The introduction of Raudhah’s Umrah feature is timely, with the number of Umrah visas issued to Malaysian travellers via official agents reaching an all-time high of 248,117 between 2016 and 2017, according to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This compares to 188,487 between 2013-2014.

Of the estimated 18 million visitors to Saudi Arabia in 2017, around 6.8 million performed Umrah during the Hijri year 1438 (October 2, 2016 to September 20, 2017), according to figures released by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics. The kingdom aims to increase total Umrah visitor numbers to 30 million by 2030.

-TTG Asia.

Swiss-Garden International hotels get revamp

Oriental Room at Swiss-Inn Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia-based Swiss-Garden International Hotels, Resorts & Inns will roll out extensive refurbishments to the tune of RM50 million (US$12 million) at six of its managed properties in the country.

COO Peter Gan shared in a press statement that the refurbishment would be be conducted in stages, and is expected to be completed early 2019.

Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur
The 320 guestrooms and suites will be remodelled from floor to ceiling, and will sport a grey and warm green colour palette. The lobby will be transformed as well.

Swiss-Inn Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur
Preserving and restoring the old architecture of this 150-room hotel in mind, the refurbishment will include a refreshment of its lobby – where Chinese motif design-inspired panelling will be installed – as well as the meeting facility. On the F&B front, a Coffee Bar will be included adjoining to the reception area.

Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut, Lumut
Situated off Pangkor Island, the resort will see significant upgrades in its lobby as well as 291 rooms and suites, in addition to a facelift of supporting facilities such as the Coffee House, Ballroom and function rooms.

Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Kuantan, Pahang
The 304-room resort on Balok Beach will see an overhaul of its lobby area to feature widened spaces, innovative lighting and soft furnishings. As well, the rooms are also expected to undergo enhancements in the form of new fittings and fixtures.

Swiss-Inn Sungai Petani, Kedah
A revamp of the inn is already underway, which will see the refurbishment of the bathrooms alongside new carpeting and furniture pieces in the guestrooms.

Swiss-Inn Johor Bahru, Johor
The upcoming renovation plan for the inn has been designed to maximise the available space within the hotel. The present meeting space will undergo a transformation while one level of its carpark will be turned into a new ballroom that offers direct access to the swimming pool.

-TTG Asia.
http://www.swissgarden.com/

Percutian kampung di Keriang Hill

photo: Keriang Hill facebook

KUALA LUMPUR 28 Sept. - Tanpa memiliki laut dan pantai yang putih serta halus pasirnya, Keriang Hill yang terletak di kaki Gunung Keriang, Mukim Gunung, Alor Setar, Kedah merupakan destinasi pelancongan yang dicadangkan kepada pelancong dalam dan luar negara.

Keriang Hill yang menawarkan suasana aman, tenang dan damai dalam aura hidup di kampung boleh terus dibangunkan dan sekali gus mewujudkan sebuah ‘Wilayah Pelancongan’ bagi negeri Kedah.

Perjalanan dari Kuala Lumpur ke Alor Setar dengan berkereta tidaklah jauh mana pun. Pemanduan hanya mengambil masa lima jam sahaja dan jika itu dirasakan panjang masanya, perasaan penat dalam perjalanan akan hilang sebaik sahaja tiba di Keriang Hill.

Untuk rekod, Keriang Hill yang dibangunkan di atas sebidang tanah seluas 15 hektar adalah destinasi percutian berkonsepkan perkampungan.

Di sini, terdapat 17 rumah kayu yang didirikan dalam suasana kampung dan 

rumah-rumah ini digelar sebagai pondok manakala setiap pondok dinamakan mengikut mukim-mukim yang terdapat di negeri Kedah.

Pemilihan nama bagi setiap pondok di Keriang Hill ini mendapat pekenan Tunku Temenggong Kedah, Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah selepas Pelancongan Malaysia (Tourism Malaysia) bersetuju menyerahkan pengurusan Keriang Hill kepada Keriang Hill Resort Sdn. Bhd.

Dibangun dan diuruskan oleh Keriang Hill Resort Sdn. Bhd., Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Datuk Wan Ahmad Muazzam Wan Ismail berkata, Keriang Hill yang bertaraf tiga bintang perlu mengikis stigma dalam kalangan pelancong tempatan yang takut untuk menginap di situ kerana mereka beranggapan, harga yang perlu dibayar adalah setaraf dengan harga bilik di resort bertaraf lima bintang.

“Di sini sesiapa sahaja boleh datang dan menginap di rumah-rumah atau digelar pondok kerana harga yang perlu dibayar amatlah berpatutan dan dalam kemampuan kita.

“Apatah lagi bermula Oktober sehingga Disember ini, kita menawarkan potongan harga iaitu bagi pondok single, hanya RM120 satu malam manakala bagi pondok famili atau keluarga, hanya perlu membayar RM180 satu malam.

“Harga yang kita tawarkan ini jauh lebih murah berbanding dengan harga penginapan di negeri-negeri lain,” katanya kepada Utusan Online ketika ditemui di Keriang Hill, Jitra, baru-baru ini.

Terdapat enam pondok single dan lapan pondok famili di Keriang Hill, ujar Wan Ahmad Muazzam. Manakala terdapat dua lagi pondok yang dikhaskan untuk menyimpan replika dan dijadikan muzium mini yang menyimpan sebahagian kecil khazanah milik almarhum Sultan Kedah, Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Sultan Badlishah.

Pondok ini boleh dilawati oleh tetamu yang menginap di Keriang Hill dan orang ramai yang ingin melihat khazanah yang disimpan di situ, boleh berbuat demikian tetapi dengan syarat, mendapat kebenaran terlebih dahulu daripada pihak pengurusan Keriang Hill.

Menurut Wan Ahmad Muzzam lagi, untuk menggamit pelancong tempatan, pihaknya sedang berusaha untuk menggunakan segenap ruang dan pelosok di Keriang Hill ini dengan mewujudkan aktiviti yang menarik.

“Terletak bersebelahan dengan Restoran Puteri, kita ada tasik yang penuh dengan ikan. Pengunjung boleh memberi makan ikan-ikan ini kerana saya secara peribadi merasakan, memberi ikan-ikan makan adalah satu terapi.

“Restoran Puteri bukan tertutup untuk tetamu yang menginap di Keriang Hill tetapi kita buka kepada orang ramai yang ingin menikmati makanan yang insya-Allah, enak dan lazat.

“Selain daripada itu, di tasik ini juga terdapat sepasang angsa berwarna hitam. Mungkin pada hari ini, jarang dapat dilihat angsa berwarna hitam,” katanya sambil menambah, di dalam kawasan Keriang Hill juga terdapat sepasang burung merak berwarna putih yang dibela di dalam kandang.

Tarikan baharu yang akan diperkenalkan kepada pengunjung yang menginap di Keriang Hill, kata Wan Ahmad Muazzam ialah aktiviti berkayak.

“Ini idea baharu yang dilontarkan kepada saya dan kami sedang rancak membersihkan tali air yang terletak bertentangan dengan Keriang Hill. Kiranya seberang jalan sahaja.

“Tali air sepanjang 195 meter itu akan digunakan untuk aktiviti berkayak dan setakat ini, pihak kami telah pun menyediakan tiga buah kayak penghuni yang menginap di Keriang Hill,” katanya sambil menekankan, pihak pengurusan tidak berkompromi dari aspek keselamatan pengkayak yang mana turut disediakan jaket keselamatan yang wajib dipakai oleh penginap Keriang Hill yang memilih untuk mencuba aktiviti berkayak.

Sejajar dengan pelaburan yang dikeluarkan oleh syarikat iaitu sebanyak RM4 juta, Wan Ahmad Muazzam berkata, terdapat 15 ekar lagi tanah yang masih belum dibangunkan di sekitar Keriang Hill.

“Itu kita simpan dahulu kerana sekarang, pihak pengurusan sedang berkira-kira untuk membina pondok di atas sawah. Konsep pondok di atas sawah ini akan mengambil sedikit masa.

“Lagipun mengambil kira pengalaman yang lalu, projek membangunkan Keriang Hill ini pernah terbengkalai dan syarikat membuat keputusan untuk mengambil alih projek pembangunan hartanah pada Mei tahun lepas. Oleh itu, segalanya perlu dirancang dengan teliti,” jelas Wan Ahmad Muazzam.

Kata Wan Ahmad Muazzam lagi, Keriang Hill adalah destinasi percutian bertemakan “Kembali kepada Kehidupan Kampung” yang hari ini, tidak lagi dapat dirasai dan dinikmati oleh generasi muda disebabkan oleh arus pemodenan yang tidak terkawal.

Dalam erti kata lain, generasi muda hari ini, rata-ratanya hanya kenal kepada kehidupan hutan batu.

“Kenyataan saya di atas ada kebenarannya dan berasas. Maka itulah, Keriang Hill yang terletak di kaki Gunung Keriang ini adalah bukit batu kapur yang boleh dilihat di depan mata.

“Di Keriang Hill ini juga kakitangan kita terdiri daripada penduduk kampung. Kita ambil makcik-makcik kampung untuk mengemas pondok, yang menjadi tukang kebun dan mandur pula adalah pakcik, anak tempatan.

“Apabila dibangunkan Keriang Hill, dicipta peluang pekerjaan dan ditawarkan peluang-peluang pekerjaan itu kepada penduduk setempat.

“Pemuda dan pemudi kampung tidak perlu berpindah ke bandar-bandar besar untuk bekerja. Kita cipta peluang pekerjaan kepada masyarakat setempat kerana itulah hasrat yang dinyatakan oleh pemilik Keriang Hill, Tunku Temenggong Kedah, Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz untuk rakyat negeri Kedah,” katanya.

Menurut Wan Ahmad Muazzam lagi, jangan terkejut sekiranya tetamu yang menginap di Keriang Hill, boleh mendapatkan khidmat tukang urut Melayu dan tradisional untuk membetulkan segala urat yang tersimpul dan berselirat di dalam badan.

“Insya-Allah. Jika diizinkan Tuhan, banyak perancangan yang akan dilakukan untuk Keriang Hill. Itulah sebabnya, saya pentingkan aspek hospitaliti yang bertaraf lima bintang.

“Tidak perlu fikir panjang ataupun teragak-agak untuk menginap di Keriang Hill kerana inilah destinasi pelancongan untuk semua penat bekerja, ingin berehat dan melarikan diri daripada kehidupan di bandar-bandar besar yang hiruk-pikuk,” katanya. 

-utusan online.
http://kerianghill.com.my

Potential to enter Unesco heritage list

The Royal Belum rainforest is one of four sites in the tentative Unesco list. — filepic

ROYAL Belum in Gerik, Perak, is one of four sites in the tentative heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

If the rainforest makes the cut, then it will be the second destination in Perak entering the Unesco list.

The Lenggong Valley, where the skeletal remains of early man called Perak man was discovered, is the first site recognised by Unesco.

State tourism committee chairman Tan Kar Hing said the National Heritage Department is expected to submit the dossier on the sites to Unesco after the state sends it in.

“We really need to work hard in terms of the forest and wildlife conservation efforts,” he told reporters after launching the Perak chapter of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) fair.

The other three sites on the tentative Unesco list are Taman Negara, the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge in Gombak and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia.

When announcing the matter recently, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said declaring these places, which had historical and heritage value, as Unesco World Heritage Sites would protect their biodiversity and uniqueness.

Tan added that if Royal Belum was selected it would help promote the northern part of Perak further.

“Since Lenggong Archaeological Gallery is already there, visitors would be able to go a little further to Royal Belum.

“I recently also spoke to the Lenggong District Council president on developing Tasik Raban as a tourist destination.

“If we package it nicely, I am sure this part of Perak can be another great tourist destination,” he added.

Tan said with the Betong airport in Thailand expected to be completed by year 2020, more tourists could be expected from the neighbouring country.

Betong is bordering Pengkalan Hulu, where Royal Belum is located.

Tan also said there is a need for more green badge tourist guides in Perak.

He said currently, there were only 19 of such guides available in Perak.

“These are eco-tourism and adventure trail guides,” he added.

On another matter, Tan said the Tambun Cave would be reopened to visitors sometime next week.

He said the exact date of the opening would be announced at a later date.

“The state government has hired a private company to manage the access route to the cave, as well as to look after the landscaping works.

“The entrance to the cave is still free,” he added.

The drawings at the cave is believed to be from between 3,000 and 5,000 BC during the Neolithic period.

The access route to the cave was closed in July because of undergrowth covering the slippery steps leading to the area, and poor maintenance.

-thestar online.

Tahun 2020 diisytihar Tahun Melawat Johor

CAI Tung (tengah), Kok Liang (empat dari kiri) dan Kathryn Lee (tiga dari kanan) merakam kenangan bersama-sama para pemenang selepas majlis penyerahan hadiah Persatuan Ejen Pelancongan dan Pengembaraan Malaysia (MATTA Fair) di Ramada Meridin Hotel, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, sebentar tadi. - UTUSAN ONLINE

ISKANDAR PUTERI 15 Sept. - Kerajaan negeri akan mengumumkan tahun 2020 sebagai Tahun Melawat Johor seiring Johor akan menjadi tuan rumah Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) 2020.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Wanita dan Pelancongan negeri, Liow Cai Tung berkata, pengumuman tersebut akan dilakukan serentak dengan pelancaran Sukma.

"Persiapan sedang kita lakukan ketika ini. Sempena Tahun Melawat Johor kita menambah baik destinasi pelancongan dan menjenamakan semula produk-produk pelancongan.

"Kita mempunyai 10 daerah di Johor yang mempunyai pelbagai keunikan dan keistimewaan tersendiri untuk ditawarkan sebagai destinasi pelancongan," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian dalam sidang akhbar selepas majlis penyerahan hadiah Persatuan Ejen Pelancongan dan Pengembaraan Malaysia (MATTA Fair) di Ramada Meridin Hotel, di sini sebentar tadi.

Yang turut hadir Presiden MATTA, Datuk Tan Kok Liang dan Pengerusi MATTA Johor, Kathryn Lee.

-utusan online.
http://tourism.johor.my/

Tourism contributes 14.9 pct to Malaysia's economy

KUALA LUMPUR: The tourism industry continued its significant contribution to the country’s economic growth with a share of 14.9 per cent last year as compared to 10.4 per cent in 2005.

In a statement, chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the figure showed an upward trend since 2005 and was growing rapidly with an average annual growth rate of 11.2 per cent over the past twelve years.

“The direct contribution of the tourism industry to the nation’s gross domestic product last year recorded 6.1 per cent with a value of RM82.6 billion compared to RM76.6 billion in 2016,” he said.

He said foreign tourist arrivals dropped to 25.9 million last year from 26.8 million in 2016.

The number of domestic visitors increased from 189.3 million in 2016 to 205.4 million in 2017, he said adding that Selangor was the most visited state by number of tourists.

According to Mohd Uzir, shopping remained as the largest component of tourism product with a value of RM26.8 in 2017, followed by accommodation and transportation which recorded RM20.7 billion and RM15 billion respectively.

He said as for total employees involved in the tourism sector, the number also increased to 3.4 million in 2017 from 1.5 million in 2005.

Mohd Uzir said retail trade continued to be the largest contributor to the national economy with a share of 44.8 per cent and posted a double digit growth of 12.4 per cent in 2017 as compared to 10.5 per cent in the previous year.

He said this was followed by food and beverage serving service with 16.3 per cent and accommodation with 12.8 per cent.

-bernama.

http://www.malaysia.travel

https://www.tourism.gov.my/

PATA Announces Grand And Gold Award Winners 2018

BANGKOK, July 18, 2018 — Winners of the 2018 PATA Grand and Gold Awards are announced today by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

These awards, generously supported and sponsored since 1995 by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), this year recognise the achievements of 27 separate organisations and individuals.

The awards ceremony takes place in Langkawi, Malaysia on Friday, September 14 during PATA Travel Mart 2018. The 34 Grand and Gold Awards will be presented to such organisations as Amadeus Asia Limited, Thailand; AirAsia, Malaysia; Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, UAE; Hong Kong Tourism Board; Jetwing Hotels Ltd, Sri Lanka; Kerala Tourism, India; Local Alike, Thailand; Marianas Visitors Authority; Melco Resorts and Entertainment, Macao; PEAK DMC, India; and Tourism Authority of Thailand.

This year’s awards attracted 200 entries from 87 organisations and individuals worldwide. The winners were selected by an independent judging committee consisting of fourteen senior executives from the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors (see full list below).

Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office said, “This year’s PATA Gold Awards winners present us with yet another wide array of remarkable accomplishments in the different branches of the tourism industry. MGTO is honoured to help facilitate this PATA awards programme, which for the past over two decades has been bringing into the limelight so many exceptional contributions, inspiring tourism stakeholders throughout the Asia Pacific region to build a vibrant whilst sustainable tourism industry.”

Dr. Mario Hardy, PATA CEO, added, “On behalf of PATA, I would like to congratulate the 2018 PATA Grand and Gold Award winners, as well as all of this year’s participants for their submissions. This year’s winners exemplify the true values of the Association in working towards a more responsible travel and tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region. I look forward to celebrating all of their accomplishments at the PATA Gold Awards Luncheon and Presentation at PATA Travel Mart 2018 in Langkawi, Malaysia.”

The PATA Grand Awards are presented to outstanding entries in four principal categories: Marketing; Education and Training; Environment, and Heritage and Culture.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will receive the 2018 PATA Grand Award for Education and Training for its ‘King’s Wisdom for Sustainable Tourism’ project, a collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Thailand. It uses the principles of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s “sufficiency economy philosophy” in its work towards four primary objectives: to be able to continue working on the king’s principle to restore local wisdom and promote sustainable tourism, stimulate domestic tourism, create value in the tourist areas in order to increase revenue, and promote human resources development and strengthen the community to think and do by themselves leading to sustainable development.

The Environmental award will be presented to Elephant Hills Luxury Tented Camps, Thailand for their various activities including its Elephant Conservation Project, Children’s Project, and Wildlife Monitoring Project. They also organise a smaller project called CO2 offset which allows them to seek ways of reducing their carbon footprint.

The Heritage and Culture Award will be awarded to the Hong Kong Tourism Board for its ‘Art is Everywhere’ project. Two talented artists collaborated on the photography project, which showcased the hidden art gems in Hong Kong. The project was the first time for an Asian destination organisation to initiate a photography project which was designed to focus on promoting art scenes, collaborate with a US photographer and professional dancers for social media promotion, and raise awareness of Arts month and local cultural hubs, creating conversations on social media among local and international art lovers.

The Marketing Award will also be presented to the Hong Kong Tourism Board for its ‘Hong Kong Neighbourhoods: Old Town Central’ campaign. To raise awareness and encourage visitors to explore the dynamic district of Central and Sheung Wan, the Hong Kong Tourism Board repackaged the area into ‘Old Town Central (OTC)’. Instead of creating an advertising campaign to talk about OTC, they created an immersive experience by featuring the characteristics of the area and developed a strategic model to guide travellers all the way from ‘I have never heard of Old Town Central’ to ‘I enjoy walking around Old Town Central’ with the ultimate goal of inviting them to go deeper into the area and learn something new about Hong Kong.

PATA GRAND AWARDS 2018

1. PATA Grand Award 2018
Education and Training
King’s Wisdom for Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Authority of Thailand

2. PATA Grand Award 2018
Environment
Elephant Hills Luxury Tented Camps, Thailand

3. PATA Grand Award 2018
Heritage and Culture
Art is Everywhere
Hong Kong Tourism Board

4. PATA Grand Award 2018
Marketing
Hong Kong Neighbourhoods: Old Town Central
Hong Kong Tourism Board

PATA GOLD AWARDS 2018

1. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing – Primary Government Destination
TAT “Amazing Green Thailand: A’maze 2017”
Tourism Authority of Thailand

2. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing – Secondary Government Destination
Your Extraordinary Story
Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, UAE

3. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing – Carrier
Adventure Live
AirAsia, Malaysia

4. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing – Hospitality
Studio City Dinosaur Hunt
Melco Resorts and Entertainment, Macao

5. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing – Industry
Mekong Moments
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, Thailand

6. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing – Young Travellers
My Hong Kong Buddy
Hong Kong Tourism Board

7. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing – Adventure Travel
Difference Aside Reality Show
Langkawi Development Authority, Malaysia

8. PATA Gold Award 2018
Environment – Corporate Environmental Programme
The Essence of Our Being
Jetwing Hotels Ltd, Sri Lanka

9. PATA Gold Award 2018
Environment – Ecotourism Project
Cinnamon Elephant Project
Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, Sri Lanka

10. PATA Gold Award 2018
Environment – Environmental Education Programme
300 Ways to Save – Green Practices
The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa, Malaysia

11. PATA Gold Award 2018
Corporate Social Responsibility
Making Great Moment to the Community
MGM, Macao

12. PATA Gold Award 2018 
Women Empowerment Initiative
Empowering Women through Inclusive Work
PEAK DMC, India

13. PATA Gold Award 2018
Heritage
India Heritage Walk Festival
Sahapedia, India

14. PATA Gold Award 2018
Culture
Online Campaign 2017 “6Senses of Local Experience in Thailand”
Tourism Authority of Thailand

15. PATA Gold Award 2018
Community-Based Tourism
Local Alike, Thailand

16. PATA Gold Award 2018
Education and Training
The Official Marianas Guide
Marianas Visitors Authority

17. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing Media – Travel Advertisement Broadcast Media
Holidays Bring You Closer
SOTC Travel LTD, India

18. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing Media – Travel Advertisement Print Media
Yalla Kerala Campaign
Kerala Tourism, India

19. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing Media – Travel Brochure
Experiential Showcase of the Indian Journeys
Cox and Kings, India

20. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing Media – E-Newsletter
Experience Malaysia
Tourism Malaysia

21. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing Media – Travel Poster
Live Inspired Campaign
Kerala Tourism, India

22. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing Media – Public Relations Campaign
Journey of Me by Amadeus
Amadeus Asia Limited, Thailand

23. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing Media – Social Media
InstaGUAM
Guam Visitors Bureau

24. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing Media – Mobile Travel Application
Visit Korea: Official Guide
Korea Tourism Organization

25. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing Media – Travel Video
Uncommon Experience
The Ultimate Travelling Camp, India

26. PATA Gold Award 2018
Marketing Media – Web Site
My Hong Kong Buddy
Hong Kong Tourism Board

27. PATA Gold Award 2018
Travel Journalism – Destination Article
Angkor Away, Holidays with Kids, April 2017
Aleney de Winter

28. PATA Gold Award 2018
Travel Journalism – Industry Business Article
The Technology Experience, TTGmice, June 2017
Karen Yue, TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd

29. PATA Gold Award 2018
Travel Journalism – Travel Photograph
Cruising through the Cave
Tourism Authority of Thailand

30. PATA Gold Award 2018
Travel Journalism – Travel Guidebook
An Interactive Guide to Angkor
Dougald O’Reilly

-PATA.

Penang tourism works towards European comeback

Europeans on a family holiday in Georgetown, Penang.

Ernest Zacharevic’s 3D bicycle artwork pictured

Armed with a bigger promotional budget, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) is going after the longhaul markets from Europe, spurred in part by Qatar Airways’ four-times-weekly Penang-Doha flights which commenced in February.

The launch of flights from Doha is a significant development given the limited route options from Europe. National flag carrier Malaysia Airlines started suspending its flights to Europe from 2015 as part of a route rationalisation exercise to curb losses, which subsequently resulted in a drop in European arrivals into Malaysia, Penang included.

Partly due to Qatar Airways flights to Penang, arrivals from Europe made up 10.2 per cent (23,633) of total air arrivals into the state, a significant jump from the 6.3 per cent for the same period in 2017. Besides Qatar Airways, European arrivals were also recorded from Singapore Airlines, Cathay Dragon, China Southern Airlines and China Airlines.

Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of PGT, said that based on statistics from the Immigration Department, arrivals into Penang from Eastern Europe had also grown more than 100 per cent in the first four months of 2018. A breakdown of arrivals from individual countries in Eastern Europe was not available at press time.

Ooi shared that PGT had also worked closely with Qatar Airways to raise the destination’s profile by organising fam trips for agents and the media from the UK, Spain, Norway, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden to promote its various attractions including heritage, cuisine, nature and beaches.

He said: “We have enough products in Penang to cater for both the middle class and luxury tourists looking for unique, quality experiences. The average stay of European tourists to Penang is between four to seven days.”

Ooi said the state tourism bureau also collaborates with outbound agents from Europe on joint marketing campaigns to promote Penang, as well as supporting them with promotional materials.

Besides attending World Travel Market and ITB Berlin, PGT will continue to monitor arrivals for the year and work with industry players to identify new shows to participate in the future to further grow the European market.

The new Middle Eastern connection has clearly benefited Penang’s travel trade.

Lex Lam, director of sales, Discovery Overland Holidays in Malaysia, said Qatar Airways’ Doha-Penang flights have enabled his company to start their European programmes in Penang and end it in Kuala Lumpur.

He added: “We also promote Penang to Europeans as a better option to Singapore, in terms of cultural diversity, historical value and nature-based products. The joint fam programme between the airline and PGT should also include invitations to documentary and film-makers as well as bloggers as they are powerful influencers. This will help raise Penang’s profile further.”

Another inbound agent, Cherry Lee, executive director of World Express Tours, said European demand for Penang and other destinations in Malaysia showed improvement for the summer, and the upcoming winter 2018 season thanks to the new flights.

She said: “(Additional capacity from Europe) has helped us sell itineraries starting from Penang and ending in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, and vice versa.”

Lee added the authorities should be mindful of keeping ground costs competitive, as the tourism tax of RM10 (US$2.40) per room per night levied on foreign tourists already compromises price competitiveness compared to regional rivals.

-TTG Asia.

https://mypenang.gov.my

Tourism development gets due attention under PH government - DPM Azizah

LANGKAWI, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Tourism development will continue to be given due attention by the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led government in view of the industry's significant contribution to the nation's economy, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said.

She said the industry had become the second largest foreign exchange earner for the country with 25.9 million tourist arrivals and RM82.2 billion in tourism revenue last year.

“Tourism’s contribution to the local economy is approximately 15 per cent and it provides employment for some 3.2 million people, making up 22.7 per cent of the total employment in Malaysia,” she said when speaking at a welcoming dinner for participants of the Pacific-Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2018 here.

According to her, the success factors for tourism in Malaysia can be attributed to the country's political stability, world-class facilities, strategic location, diverse attractions and accommodations, favourable currency exchange rates, hospitality and mouth-watering cuisines, among others.

“All these create a conducive environment that encourages not only tourist visits, but also business investments into Malaysia,” she said.

Wan Azizah said the selection of Malaysia as the host for this year's PATA Travel Mart, as well as other international events that it had and would host in the future would provide huge impacts and multiplier effects to the economy.

“In addition, conferences and forums are platforms for knowledge sharing and technology transfers which are infinitely valuable, while trade events such as this encourage industry growth through business opportunities,” she added.

Some 2,500 delegates from 60 countries are taking part in this year's travel mart, which is  centred at the Mahsuri International Convention Centre.

Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi and PATA chairman Dr Chris Bottrill were also present at the reception.

-bernama.

PATA Travel Mart 2018 kicks off in Langkawi

LANGKAWI, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- A total of 198 organisations from 60 countries have begun to gather at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here for this year’s edition of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart which starts today until Friday.

Package buyers and sellers from countries like India, Thailand, China, Macau and South Korea are  among those taking part in the event, billed as the largest tour and travel business marketing event in the Asia-Pacific region.

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer, Datuk Azizan Noordin said for the first time, the travel mart also include a PATA youth symposium which attracted over 100 university students from within and outside the country.

“We aim to attract more youths to be involved in the tourism industry and through this symposium, they will be able to identify the opportunities, whether around the country or abroad,” he said.

The participants of the travel mart would be feted at a reception to be held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre tonight, where a tourism awards presentation ceremony will also takes place.

-bernama.

CPN sasar 12 juta orang mengunjungi Central i-City

PEMBINAAN pusat beli-belah Central i-City setakat ini telah mencapai 75 peratus siap

dan dijangka dibuka kepada orang ramai pada Januari 2019.

KUALA LUMPUR 10 Sept. – Syarikat pemaju peruncitan terbesar Thailand, CPN menyasarkan keha­diran 12 juta pengunjung setahun ke pusat beli-belah Central i-City yang menawarkan pelbagai tarikan baharu terutama kepada penduduk di sekitar Klang dan Shah Alam, Selangor.

Ketua Pegawai Operasi CPN Malaysia, Anthony Dylan Anak Frankie Jurem berkata, Centra i-City merupakan projek usahasama antara CPN dan I-City Properties Sdn. Bhd. dengan nilai pembangunan kasar (GDV) RM850 juta.

940,000 kaki persegi dengan 350 lot kedai itu dijangka dibuka kepada orang ramai pada Januari 2019.

“Pembinaan telah dimulakan pada Januari 2016 dan kerja-kerja struktur telah disiapkan pada Februari lalu. Setakat ini Central i-City telah 75 peratus siap dengan kadar ambilan mencecah 70 peratus.

“Pecahan kedai-kedai yang terdapat di pusat beli-belah ini adalah makanan dan minuman sebanyak 25 peratus, fesyen (20 peratus), hiburan (enam peratus), pasar raya (empat peratus), gedung jualan (20 peratus) dan lain-lain perniagaan (25 peratus). Jangkaan ini berdasarkan perancangan awal dan akan berubah bergantung kepada keadaan pasaran serta trend pengguna,” kata­nya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini baru-baru ini.

Tambah Anthony Dylan, Central i-City menempatkan beberapa penyewa utama seperti Sogo, Village Grocer dan TGV Cinema yang mana ia bakal menjadi tarikan utama kepada pengunjung di samping rekaan dalaman dan konsep membeli-belah ala Thailand.

Katanya, gedung beli-belah Sogo dan Village Grocer di Central i-City akan menjadi yang terbesar di Malaysia sementara TGV Cinema menyediakan lapan pawagam dan satu dewan IMAX bersama teknologi audio visual terbaharu.

Sementara itu, Anthony Dylan berkata, lokasi Central i-City yang strategik turut membantu memacu kehadiran pengunjung.

Jelasnya, jaringan jalan raya yang baik serta berdekatan de­ngan lebuhraya utama memberikan akses secara terus kepada para pengunjung di samping jalan keluar masuk ke Central i-City yang sistematik menyumbang kepada aliran trafik yang lancar.

“Kami mahu menjadi sebuah pusat beli-belah pilihan oleh semua segmen sasaran dengan menawarkan kualiti, kemu­dahan serta pengalaman menarik kepada semua pengunjung. Oleh itu, semua faktor sama ada luaran atau dalaman akan membantu kami mencapai matlamat berke­naan,” katanya.

-utusan online.

Terminal Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Langkawi berwajah baharu

LANGKAWI 10 Sept. - Terminal Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Langkawi kini berwajah baharu setelah siap dinaik taraf awal bulan ini dengan kos kira-kira RM65 juta.

Pengurus Lapangan Terbang Langkawi, Jefry Ramli berkata, projek yang mengambil masa 10 bulan itu dibuat bagi memberi keselesaan kepada pelancong yang bercuti di pulau tersebut.

“Lapangan ini dibuka pada tahun 1986, namun hanya dinaik taraf pada tahun 1991, 1995 serta November lalu dan siap awal bulan ini.

“Sebelum ini, lapangan terbang ini hanya mampu menampung kira-kira 1.5 juta orang dalam satu masa namun kapasiti penumpang pada 2017 mencapai sehingga 2.7 juta,” katanya ketika ditemui dalam program Kembara Media Langkawi di sini, hari ini.

Terdahulu, seramai 21 pengamal media dan kakitangan Jabatan Penerangan dibawa melawat ruangan baharu di lapangan terbang tersebut.

Kembara Media Langkawi merupakan program yang dianjurkan oleh Jabatan Penerangan dan mendapat tajaan Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi (Lada).

Tambah Jefry, selepas dinaik taraf lapangan terbang itu boleh menampung kira-kira empat juta penumpang dalam satu masa.

-utusan online.