WCT Malls Kick Off WARNAI RAYA Festive Campaign With Exciting Shopping Deals And Rewards

 

SEPANG, 21 March 2023 – WCT Malls Management Sdn Bhd, the property investment and management business under WCT Holdings Berhad (“WCT Group”) unveiled its Warnai Raya festive celebration theme in collaboration with SuriaFM Station and Tourism Malaysia to welcome the 2023 Ramadan and Hari Raya festive season at WCT Malls - Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya, Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, gateway@klia2 and SkyPark Terminal.

This partnership aims to promote Malaysia as a top destination for cultural experiences, especially during the Raya festivities. The “Warnai Raya” campaign that is slated for 17 March 2023 to 7 May 2023 will feature meet and greet sessions with SuriaFM DJs, traditional Malay dances, batik drawing activities, batik fashion show, Ramadan bazaars, Hari Raya festive booths, limited-edition green packet giveaway, as well as Batik premiums redemption.

The collaboration between WCT Malls and SuriaFM is aimed at providing an avenue for local artists to showcase their talents while highlighting the diversity and richness of Malaysia’s culture. In complementing this effort, the concourses across WCT Malls will be transformed to a Batik Factory made of wooden kampung structures together with floral batik motifs that reflects the country’s rich heritage, culture, and traditions. Shoppers who visit the Batik Factory at the concourse can also grab the opportunity to take Instagrammable photos while immersing themselves in the many activities and performances available during the campaign.

Selena Chua, Chief Executive Officer – WCT Malls Management said, “WCT Malls constantly strives to explore innovative and exciting ways to organise events, activities and promotions. As we approach the holy month of Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we are humbled to be collaborating with SuriaFM to support local entertainment and to foster a sense of belonging among the community surrounding our malls during this significant festive celebration in Malaysia and globally.

As the Holy Month of Ramadan and Hari Raya celebrates forgiveness, gratitude, and togetherness, we hope that the WCT Malls “Warnai Raya” campaign, in partnership with our local radio station will bring people together and create a sense of harmony and unity.

In addition, WCT Malls is also partnering with the local communities and organisations to organize various events including Batik exhibitions, Jawi Calligraphy workshops, Wayang Kulit shows by the Malaysia Property Association, Batik Painting workshops by Malaysian Cultural Kampung, Ketupat Hunt at Paradigm Mall PJ, Raya bazaars, and workshops – all to cultivate and celebrate the rich and diverse culture of the Malay heritage.”

Dato Dr Mohd Aminuddin bin Mohd Rouse, Chairman of Star Media Group, said, "We are delighted to be partnering with WCT Malls for the "Warnai Raya" campaign. As a media group, we believe in the power of storytelling and we look forward to sharing the stories of our people, culture, and traditions that make the Raya season special. We hope that our collaboration will help to spread festive cheer and encourage more people to join in the celebration."

Meanwhile, Datuk Mohd Zamri bin Mat Zain, Deputy Secretary General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, also expressed his support for the campaign, “The “Warnai Raya” campaign not only promotes our cherished heritage to a wider audience but also supports local artists and artisans by providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and sell their unique creations.”

“One of our first collaborations with WCT Malls was last year’s successful ShoppingExtravaganza! Campaign, which generated RM2.7 million in sales. We are delighted to continue this partnership and we are optimistic that the tourist reward programme will not only incentivise international tourists to spend more, especially in the shopping segment, but also drive significant growth in the travel industry, and ultimately, contribute to the economic development of our nation,” added Datuk Mohd Zamri, who launched the campaign on behalf of YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

WCT Malls is also delighted to announce its joint efforts with Tourism Malaysia in promoting Malaysia’s rich cultural festivities to international tourists by showcasing the beauty of Batik at all WCT Malls, adding the unique Malaysian experience for both local and international visitors.

In conjunction with the "Warnai Raya" campaign, WCT Malls is also partnering with Visa Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia to launch a tourist reward programme in providing exciting travel incentives during this festive season. From 1 April 2023 to 30 September 2023, international shoppers who spend a minimum amount in participating WCT Malls will be rewarded with a complimentary Starbucks drink. The available selection will include Caffe Latte, Americano, Freshly Cold Brewed, Caramel Frappuccino, and Mocha Frappuccino. A total of 10,000 cups of complimentary Starbucks drink will be rewarded to eligible international shoppers on a first come first served basis.

On the other hand, in collaboration with Grab PayLater, WCT Malls will also be launching its 10th Voucher Bonanza Sales, starting from 1 April to 30 June 2023. Voucher Bonanza Sale offers 20% off for shoppers who purchase WCT e-vouchers which can be used at over 300 participating outlets across WCT Malls, namely Paradigm Mall PJ, JB, and gateway@klia2. There are total of RM 300,000 WCT Malls’ e-voucher up for grab, shopper who purchase RM100 only need to pay RM80 to enjoy the full RM100. Shoppers can purchase the e-vouchers at bit.ly/WCTMALLS-VBS9.

During this Raya season, WCT Malls is excited to offer Grab PayLater users even more ways to save. Shoppers who uses GrabPay’s Buy Now Pay Later feature to shop at WCT Malls will be entitled to an additional RM 30 off on their purchase with a minimum spend of RM 200 required.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Plaza Premium combo-lounge opens at KLIA

 

Plaza Premium Group unveiled its brand-new combo lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 recently, combining both The Plaza Premium First and the Plaza Premium Lounge under one roof.

KLIA is the second airport to feature this new combo lounge concept, almost three months after Plaza Premium Group first introduced it at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport last December.

With the concept requiring an area of 1,500-2,000m2, the biggest challenge in expanding to other airports in the region and beyond was getting the space to do so at matured airports, shared Song Hoi-See, CEO and founder of Plaza Premium Group.

As the current sole partner, Singapore Airlines’ business class and first-class passengers have complimentary access to The Plaza Premium First lounge at KLIA. Song targets to increase this to at least 10 similar partnerships with foreign airlines flying into KLIA Terminal 1 by year end.

Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge offer different dining experiences to cater to their guests’ needs. Plaza Premium First serves a curated experience with an à la carte menu while Plaza Premium Lounge’s offers a buffet menu.

Both offer dedicated spaces to suit travellers’ needs, be it to relax, dine, socialise or work. There are also private rooms for families and for corporate use.

Open to travellers on a pay-per-use basis, Plaza Premium First’s rate is 202 ringgit (US$45) per person for a two-hour lounge use while Plaza Premium Lounge charges 146 ringgit per person for the same amount of time.

Currently, Plaza Premium Group operates its lounges in more than 70 international airports globally, with another lounge opened earlier this month at Adelaide International.

In Malaysia, it operates seven lounges with plans to expand in East Malaysia.

The group is also looking to expand its products and offerings to Miami, Florida and Denver in the US, Ching Tao and Chongqing in China, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Jeddah.

-TTG Asia.

LIMA 2023 Online ticket sales for Public Visitors is now open!

 

Online ticket sales for Public Visitors is now open!

Public Visitors Ticket Sales: 

> 1 Day PASS MYR 30 per person per entry ticket. *ONLY UNTIL 22nd May 2023, 12.00 MIDNIGHT.

Entitles entry to Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) for one (1) day only and free entry to Resorts World Langkawi (RWL).

> 1 Day PASS MYR 35 per person per entry ticket. From 23rd May until 27th May 2023.

Entitles entry to Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) for one (1) day only and free entry to Resorts World Langkawi (RWL).

> 2 Day PASS MYR 55 per person for two (2) days per entry ticket.

Entitles entry to Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) for two (2) days only and free entry to Resorts World Langkawi (RWL).

Walk-in Entrance Fee 

MYR 35 per person per entry ticket. Entitles entry to Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) for one (1) day only and free entry to Resorts World Langkawi (RWL).

Free of Charge Category (FOC):

- Children 16 years old and below.

- Senior citizen 65 years and above.

- OKU* Person with disabilities

*Note: Kids 16 years old and below and senior citizen 65 years old and above required to show Identification Card (IC) for verification.

Trade visitors‘ ticket will be coming soon! 

Please visit:

https://limamalaysia.com.my/visitor/visit-lima to register and purchase your ticket.

We look forward to welcoming you at LIMA 2023 – both our local and international visitors.

-LIMA 2023 fb.

Tourism Malaysia Participates In MITT 2023, Moscow

 

MOSCOW, 16 March 2023 – The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia through its agency Tourism Malaysia is participating once again in the 29th. Moscow International Travel & Tour (MITT) Trade Show, taking place today until Saturday, 18 March 2023. The three-day event is held at Crocus International Exhibition Center, Moscow with the participation of more than 50 countries from around the world. This year marks the 13th participation of Tourism Malaysia since it first joined in 2010.

This year’s Malaysia delegation to MITT 2023 5 tour operators (Malaysia and Russia based company) and 2 hotels. There are a total of 11 participants representing 7 organisations joined under the Tourism Malaysia booth. The Malaysia delegation is led by Mr. Jeffri bin Munir – Director of Tourism Malaysia Moscow office. Also present is His Excellency Mr. Johan Ariff bin Abdul Razak – the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia, Moscow and Mr. Muhammad Umair bin Roshidi – the Head of Chancery at the Embassy of Malaysia, Moscow.

His Excellency Mr. Johan Ariff who officiated the Malaysia booth today, said, “MITT continues to be one of the best platforms for Malaysian tourism players to meet up with Russian and the CIS outbound agents and airlines, where we get to share the latest information on Malaysia’s tourism products and new tourist attractions in our effort to further revive the tourism industry.” He also emphasised Malaysia’s unique island and beches, ecotourism destinations and community-based tourism to be of high interest to the Russian market.

In conjunction with MITT 2023, a new video advertisement from Tourism Malaysia’s latest campaign “Soul of Malaysia” will be shown at the trade show

Since its full reopening of international borders, Malaysia has recorded a total of 10,070,964 (10.07 million) tourist arrivals and RM28.2 billion (Euro 6.1 billion) in tourist receipts in 2022, surpassing its initial target of 9.2 million international tourist arrivals. In 2023, Malaysia is targeting to welcome 16.1 million international tourist arrivals and generate RM49.2 billion (Euro 10.5 billion) in tourist receipts.

Particularly, in December 2022 - Malaysia recorded 11,125 Russia tourist arrivals, which translates to a significant growth of 42.1% as compared to 7,828 arrivals back in December 2019. In total, Malaysia welcomed 33,003 Russian tourist arrivals in 2022, in comparison to 79,984 arrivals in 2019. With enhanced air connectivity and promotional efforts in 2023, Tourism Malaysia is optimistic to witness exponential growth from the Russian market.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Program Kayuhan Santai Ekspres Koc Basikal (XKB) Kuala Lumpur - Gemas

 

Tren Khas XKB berlepas dari Stesen Kuala Lumpur menuju ke Gemas seawal jam 4.30 pagi dengan membawa tujuh (7) gerabak khas bersama 75 orang peserta dengan basikal masing-masing. Setibanya di Gemas, kumpulan ini bergabung dengan 80 peserta berbasikal tempatan.

Ekspres Koc Basikal (XKB) kayuhan santai ini membawa geng basikal menerokai laluan basikal luar daripada Kuala Lumpur dengan menaiki kereta api dan menjalankan aktiviti kayuhan ke destinasi luar daripada biasa.

Laluan kayuhan bermula dari Muzium Keretapi Gemas, Tugu Peringatan Perang, Jambatan Gantung, Kg. Londah dan Bukit Dua Juta. 

Program XKB ini juga sebahagian daripada usaha KTMB menyokong kempen Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) dengan mengajak orang ramai mengamalkan gaya hidup sihat. 

Sebarang pertanyaan mengenai tren khas atau charter train sila hubungi 03 2263 1078 atau emel ke chartertrain@ktmb.com.my

-KTMB.

Tourism Malaysia - Air Asia Collaboration Brings Taiwanese Influencers And Bloggers To Promote Malaysia

 

PUTRAJAYA, 17 March 2023 – In collaboration with Air Asia, Tourism Malaysia recently hosted Taiwanese influencers and bloggers on a familiarisation trip (FAM Trip) to promote Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination.

A total of four influencers and six bloggers were brought from Taiwan for a seven-day, six-night (7D6N) stay in Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands, Redang Island, Port Dickson, Desaru and Johor Bahru from 7 until 13 March 2023 to immerse themselves in the city life and revel in the opportunities to create social media contents on Malaysia's islands and beaches.

Participants were taken to the Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge and Observation Deck to catch a magnificent bird's-eye view of Kuala Lumpur, followed by a visit to Batu Caves. They also learned the exquisite pewter and crafted their own masterpieces at the School of Hard Knocks Workshop, Royal Selangor Visitor Centre.

Other highlights included pristine white sands and crystal-blue waters at Redang Island and a luxurious sea-view resort in Port Dickson. At Genting Highlands, participants experienced the latest must-see attractions of Genting Skyworld Theme Park, Genting Highlands Premium Outlets and Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park.

They also got a taste of Desaru Coast and Johor Bahru with the discovery of Desaru Fruit Farm and Sungai Lebam River Cruise, besides hanging out at Puteri Harbour Marina and enjoyed shopping at Johor Premium Outlets - Southeast Asia's first premium outlet mall.

Currently, Air Asia is running daily flights from Taipei and three weekly flights from Kaohsiung to Kuala Lumpur. In addition, passengers can also book twice-weekly flights from Taipei to Kota Kinabalu.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Musa, Dr. Ammar calon layak ganti Zainuddin: Siapa bakal KP Tourism Malaysia baharu?

 

MUSA Yusof (kiri) dan Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar antara calon yang disebut-sebut layak menggantikan Zainuddin Abdul Wahab akan tamat pada 10 April depan.

PETALING JAYA: Siapa bakal menjadi Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia yang baharu kini menjadi persoalan ekoran perkhidmatan penyandang ketika ini iaitu Datuk Zainuddin Abdul Wahab akan tamat pada 10 April.

Memandangkan tempoh itu makin hampir, dua nama calon disebut-sebut sebagai layak untuk menggantikan Zainuddin iaitu Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Promosi), Datuk Musa Yusof dan Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Promosi Antarabangsa (Amerika, Eropah dan Oceania), Datuk Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar.

Andaian itu setelah melihat senioriti dan baki tempoh pencen untuk menyandang jawatan nombor satu Tourism Malaysia berbanding nama-nama pegawai kanan lain agensi tersebut.

Justeru itu, kekosongan jawatan yang bakal ditinggalkan Zainuddin perlu diisi oleh individu yang berkelayakan dan kompeten untuk membawa industri pelancongan negara ke tahap lebih tinggi, apatah lagi memulihkan industri tersebut setelah dibadai pandemik Covid-19.

Mengikut maklumat balas daripada penggiat industri, dua nama itu yang banyak dikenali dalam kalangan pemain industri dilihat mampu memacu industri pelancongan negara ke arah lebih kompetitif dengan negara-negara yang mana sektor pelancongan jauh ke hadapan seperti Thailand.

Pengalaman mereka yang luas merangkumi pelbagai sektor dilihat mampu membantu memperluaskan industri pelancongan dari segi strategi pemasaran seperti mana yang dilakukan oleh Thailand yang mengamalkan lantikan ahli lembaga pengarahnya dalam kalangan ahli akademik.

Penyambungan kontrak untuk mana-mana ketua jabatan dilihat tidak wajar kerana ia bakal menutup peluang calon-calon ‘berkaliber’ lain untuk naik pangkat dan mengubah imej serta meningkatkan prestasi jabatan itu ke tahap lebih cemerlang.

Begitu juga dengan tindakan melantik ketua pengarah dalam kalangan Pegawai Tadbir Diplomatik (PTD) dilihat tidak wajar kerana sebaiknya Tourism Malaysia yang merupakan agensi tertutup perlu memberi peluang kepada orang dalam untuk menerajui industri itu.

Orang dalam lebih memahami dan mampu merancang strategi bukan sahaja di peringkat domestik tetapi yang penting di peringkat global kerana hendak menarik pelancong dari luar negara tidak cukup sekadar promosi di internet tetapi ia memerlukan hubungan kerjasama dengan media antarabangsa dan tour operator di negara luar amat penting bagi memastikan mereka menjual pakej ke Malaysia.

Justeru, sama ada Musa atau Dr. Ammar jika dilantik sebagai Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia yang baharu dilihat mampu berdepan dengan cabaran dalam industri pelancongan negara.

Industri pelancongan negara kali ini akan memasuki era yang cukup mencabar apabila kerajaan dalam pembentangan Belanjawan 2023 baru-baru ini hanya memperuntukkan RM250 juta bagi mempromosi sektor pelancongan berbanding peruntukan RM1.6 bilion bagi menyokong usaha pemulihan industri itu akibat kesan Covid-19 pada tahun lepas.

Jumlah itu selaras dengan Tahun Melawat Malaysia pada 2025 yang menyasarkan ketibaan 23.5 juta pelancong antarabangsa dan unjuran pendapatan sehingga RM76.8 bilion. Dan ini bukan satu tugas yang mudah dan hanya mereka yang benar-benar berkemampuan dan faham akan lurah-lurah dalam industri pelancongan yang mampu menempuh cabaran itu.

-utusan online.

Tourism Malaysia Hosts Fam Trip For Vietnamese Travel Agents And Media To Malaysia

 

PUTRAJAYA, 17 March 2023 – Tourism Malaysia has taken travel agents and media from Hue, Vietnam, for a 4D3N familiarisation trip (FAM Trip) to several destinations in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Genting Highlands, and Selangor from 13 to 16 March 2023.

Co-hosted by GIT Tours and Travels, Cruise Tasik Putrajaya, Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur, ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Tourism Selangor, and Resorts World Genting, a total of 26 participants, comprising 23 travel agents and one media were invited on this trip.

The FAM Trip aimed to showcase Malaysia as an exciting and value-for-money destination, besides encouraging travel agents to develop attractive packages for the Vietnamese market and actively sell tour packages to Malaysia.

At the welcoming reception hosted by Cruise Tasik Putrajaya, participants were greeted by Dato’ Zainuddin Abd Wahab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. Participants had firsthand experience exploring the Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

At Resorts World Genting, participants were brought to the newest attraction of Genting SkyWorlds - an outdoor theme park in the highlands, followed by the Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park and experienced Awana Skyway, a 3.4-kilometre long gondola lift system which can transport 1,600 people per hour, as well as an overnight stay at Resort World Awana.

They also had the chance to meet up and get to know more about unique tourism product offerings in Selangor through a seminar organised by Tourism Selangor.

Dato’ Zainuddin Abd Wahab said, “We are very excited to welcome more international travellers to our fascinating country. Since the borders reopened, this is the first official FAM Trip from Vietnam to Malaysia.

“Vietnam remained one of Malaysia’s top international tourists generating markets in ASEAN before the pandemic. In 2019, Malaysia welcomed 400,346 arrivals from Vietnam, and we will continue to promote Malaysia as a safe holiday destination.”

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Reconnects With The Global Golf Industry At ASIA GOLF TOURISM CONVENTION (AGTC) In Japan

 

MIYAZAKI, 15 March 2023 – Tourism Malaysia is participating in the Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) 2023, the largest gathering of the golf industry in Asia, to re-establish its networking relationships with the global golf industry fraternity. The event is being held at the Seagaia Convention Centre in Miyazaki, Japan from 14th to 16th March 2023.

After being severely impacted by the pandemic, Tourism Malaysia's participation in AGTC presents an excellent opportunity to reconnect with the golf industry fraternity not just in Japan but also with players across the globe. In addition to engaging with foreign golf buyers, Tourism Malaysia representatives will also hold meetings with key Japanese agents specialising in selling golf packages. These meetings will serve as a platform to update these agents on the latest developments in Malaysia's tourism industry.

Besides Tourism Malaysia, AGTC 2023 will feature several prominent Malaysian golf industry players, including The Els Club Desaru Coast, Dalit Bay Golf and Country Club, Saujana Golf Resort, Senibong Golf Club, and Liberty Golf Services.

Malaysia offers 148 golf courses ranging from 9 to 36 holes, with the capacity to offer nearly 8 million rounds of golf annually, generating around RM450 million in revenue. Of the total number of courses available, 50 courses are of international standard, equipped with up-to-date facilities capable of hosting internationally sanctioned golf tournaments.

Malaysia successfully hosted the first AGTC in 2012 and the country was selected to host the event again in 2020, but due to the global border closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisers were forced to postpone the event.

The AGTC is organized by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), a global trade organization for the golf tourism industry. Established in 1997, IAGTO's membership comprises over 2,413 golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, inbound operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media, and business partners in 91 countries, including more than 672 specialist golf tour operators in 61 countries.

IAGTO’s operators control over 87% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide and a turnover of more than USD 2.5 billion per year. Currently, of IAGTO’s 672 golf tour operators, some 388 in 51 countries sell Asian golf destinations.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Raikan Penggiat Industri Pelancongan Domestik

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 Mac 2023 - Tourism Malaysia hari ini meraikan para penggiat industri pelancongan domestik terdiri daripada persatuan dan agensi pelancongan, hotel serta pengusaha produk pelancongan atas usaha berterusan menjayakan kempen promosi Cuti-Cuti Malaysia sepanjang tahun 2022.

Majlis Apresiasi Pelancongan Domestik itu telah disempurnakan oleh YB Tuan Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan, Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya. Turut hadir ialah Encik Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Domestik & Acara Tourism Malaysia serta Dato’ Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Setiausaha Bahagian Kanan (Pengurusan) merangkap Ketua Pegawai Digital Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya.

Sebanyak 21 pameran pelancongan domestik yang dianjurkan dengan penglibatan Tourism Malaysia seperti Jerayawara Jom Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2022, MATTA Fair 2022 dan Tourism Malaysia Travel Fair, telah berjaya menarik penyertaan sebanyak 394 agensi dan pengusaha produk pelancongan serta penginapan dari seluruh negara dengan jumlah jualan keseluruhan mencecah RM15.2 juta.

Di samping itu, di bawah Pelan Pemulihan Pelancongan 2022 (Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi 2.0), penyaluran insentif kepada rakyat Malaysia juga diteruskan dalam bentuk penebusan diskaun, baucar dan rebat menerusi kerjasama strategik dengan penggiat industri melibatkan lima kluster iaitu kluster pengangkutan darat, kluster pengangkutan udara, kluster persatuan pelancongan, kluster penginapan dan kluster pelancongan minat khas.

“Inisiatif ini telah memanfaatkan 248,450 pengguna dalam kalangan rakyat Malaysia dengan nilai penebusan keseluruhan berjumlah RM10.9 juta manakala hasil jualan yang direkodkan adalah sebanyak RM40.67 juta,” kata YB Tuan Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan.

Antara rakan penggiat industri yang terlibat termasuklah syarikat penerbangan (Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, Firefly dan MASwings), perkhidmatan pengangkutan darat seperti KLIA Ekspres dan Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) serta persatuan pelancongan terdiri daripada Persatuan Pelancongan Domestik Malaysia (MITA), Persatuan Penggalakan Pelancongan Inbound Cina Malaysia (MICA), Persatuan Pelancongan Cina Malaysia (MCTA), Persatuan Pengembaraan dan Pelancongan India Malaysia (MITTA) dan Persatuan Syarikat Pengendalian Pelancongan Bumiputera Malaysia (BUMITRA).

Selain itu, Tourism Malaysia turut bekerjasama dengan Persatuan Taman Tema dan Pusat Hiburan Keluarga Malaysia (MATFA), Persatuan Penyelam Skuba Malaysia (MSDA), Persatuan Kampungstay & Homestay Malaysia (MKHA) serta beberapa persatuan penginapan seperti Persatuan Hotel Malaysia (MAH), Persatuan Pemilik Hotel Malaysia (MAHO), Persatuan Hotel Bajet dan Bisnes Malaysia (MyBHA) serta rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Presiden Persatuan Homestay Malaysia terima Anugerah Terpuji Kementerian Luar Jepun

 

Sahariman Hamdan (duduk dua dari kiri) menerima anugerah yang disampaikan oleh Takahashi Katsuhiko di Kuala Lumpur baru-baru ini.

PETALING JAYA: Presiden Persatuan Homestay Malaysia,  Datuk Sahariman Hamdan, telah menerima Anugerah Terpuji Kementerian Luar Jepun atas sumbangan besar beliau dalam memupuk persahabatan antara Jepun dan Malaysia.

Majlis penyampaian telah diadakan di Kuala Lumpur baru-baru ini.

Sahariman telah berkhidmat sebagai Presiden Homestay Malaysia Persatuan sejak 1995 dan telah meningkatkan hubungan antara Jepun dan Malaysia dengan menggerakkan homestay di Malaysia selama lebih 25 tahun.

Dia juga aktif menyertai seminar pelancongan di Jepun dan menyumbang kepada pengukuhan kerjasama pelancongan dua hala dengan mempromosikan program untuk merasai pengalaman Malaysia kehidupan kampung dan eko-pelancongan.

Sebagai presiden PAMAJA (The Alumni of Friendship Program untuk Abad Ke-21 ASEAN-Jepun), beliau juga telah menganjurkan beberapa acara kebudayaan Jepun-Malaysia untuk memperingati Ulang Tahun ke-40 Pandang ke Timur Dasar (LEP40) serta menjalankan Misi Bantuan Pasca banjir dengan kerjasama Agensi Kerjasama Antarabangsa Jepun (JICA).

Pada majlis itu, Duta Besar Jepun ke Malaysia, Takahashi Katsuhiko merakamkan tahniah kepada Sahariman dan berharap hubungan mesra antara Jepun dan Malaysia akan berterusan danmendalami melalui aktiviti pelancongan dan kebudayaan pada masa hadapan.

Sahariman pula melahirkan rasa terharunya terima kasih kepada Kerajaan Jepun atas anugerah tersebut dan kepada Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) serta Pelancongan Malaysia atas sokongan yang tidak berbelah bahagi ke arah pertumbuhan industri pelancongan. Beliau berharap untuk terus memberi motivasi lain dan melaksanakan usaha yang besar untuk mengekalkan pembangunan dua hala ini perhubungan melalui pelbagai inisiatif dan program selain pelancongan.

-utusan online.

Club Med Borneo to open late 2024

 

Club Med Singapore and Malaysia general manager Olivier Monceau. - Pic courtesy of Club Med

KUANTAN: Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu in Sabah will open by the end of next year.

The 17ha eco-friendly beachfront resort in Kuala Penyu will have 400 rooms, including 40 suites, and is about 90 minutes by road from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

Club Med Singapore and Malaysia general manager Olivier Monceau said Club Med's expansion in Malaysia through the opening of the second resort was timely and exciting.

"At the moment, the focus is on when we plan to open.

"Hopefully, we can stick to the opening date at the end of 2024, which will be a great achievement.

"The tourism market is recovering, especially after the lengthy lockdown, and we are moving in the right direction.

"The resort will be built to meet a top environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings.

"The focus will be on the environment and the people, including proper waste management and reducing carbon footprints," he said at Club Med Cherating recently.

Monceau said the resort in Sabah, a collaboration with owners Golden Sands Beach Resort City, would be a four-trident resort, with a five-trident exclusive collection on top of added services to personalise guests' stay.

Tridents is the "star" ratings at Club Med.

It was reported in 2019 that Club Med's first green resort in Sabah was supposed to have opened by late last year before the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in delays.

Meanwhile, Monceau said the Kota Kinabalu resort's design was inspired by local cultures that blended with the rainforest.

"The resort will offer plenty of activities that encourage guests to preserve the location's beauty and discover local gems.

"I think each and every location (Club Med) has its own beauty and uniqueness… you might want to experience scuba diving in Sabah, which you cannot get in Cherating.

"Guests can experience local culture at the resort without stepping out, including attending workshops and culinary classes.

"For example, at Club Med Bali, we host the Balinese Day with the famous kecak fire-and-dance show and workshops.

"At Club Med Phuket, guests can learn to cook Thai food, learn a traditional dance or take up Muay Thai (Thai boxing)."

-nst online.

Malaysia Aviation Group’s Airlines Appointed as the Official Airlines for MATTA Fair 2023

 

KLIA, 13 March 2023: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG)’s airlines, comprising Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and MASwings, have been appointed as the official airlines for the forthcoming Malaysian Association Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair 2023. MATTA Fair visitors can look forward to a wide range of enticing offerings from the airlines including, up to 45% off on Malaysia Airlines’ domestic and selected international destinations and an opportunity to win one of the 37 return tickets in its Buyers Contest.

 

Meanwhile, Firefly will be offering fares starting from RM69 all-in one-way to domestic destinations and RM99 all-in one-way to international destinations onboard its ATR 72-500 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft, whereas MASwings will offer all-in one-way fares starting from RM131. This exclusive offer is valid from 16 to 24 March 2023, via the physical MATTA Fair event and the airlines’ online platforms, for immediate travel to 30 November 2023. Enrich members will also earn 50% Bonus Enrich Points during this period.

 

Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer of Airlines from MAG said, "We are delighted to be part of Malaysia’s biggest travel fair as the official airlines for MATTA Fair 2023 through sister companies Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings. This reinforces our commitment to providing more value, convenience and options through great deals and travel experiences for our customers, while also playing our unique role in supporting the recovery of Malaysia’s aviation and tourism sector.

 

On top of the great discounts offered on air fares, customers will also get to enjoy other deals beyond air travel including on MHholidays, Journify, and travel add-ons among others, as part of MAG’s wider aspirations of becoming Asia’s leading travel and aviation services group focused on delivering highly customised, end-to-end travel solutions in line with our Long-Term Business Plan 2.0. As the appetite for travel regains momentum, we invite everyone to take advantage of the great offers available during MATTA Fair and on the airlines’ website to enjoy the best deals for their upcoming travels.” 

 

To further enhance visitors’ experience at the physical fair, the three MAG airlines will be giving away 37 tickets in the Buyers’ Contest which includes Malaysia Airlines’ Business Class return tickets to London, Sydney and Haneda and Economy Class return tickets to Osaka, Melbourne, Perth, Seoul, Denpasar, Singapore, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi.  Meanwhile, Firefly and MASwings will offer five (5) and 12 return tickets respectively to the winners’ destinations of choice within their network.

 

As members of the Travel Safe Alliance Malaysia (TSAM), the sister airlines are dedicated to ensuring safe and seamless travel for customers by adopting the highest safety and hygiene standards across all end-to-end touchpoints of the traveller journey so passengers can continue to Fly Confidently.

 

MATTA Fair 2023 is scheduled to take place from 17-19 March at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Admission to MATTA fair is free of charge and will be open from 10am to 9pm for three days from Friday to Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation such as the LRT and e-hailing services.

-Malaysia Airlines.

Sabah to anchor on North Borneo connection

 

KOTA KINABALU: Mention North Borneo and many would shift their attention to the top of a map of the island where Sabah sits.

A recent move to rebrand the state's tagline - Feel Sabah, North Borneo - has delivered much optimism to the tour industry that is gradually picking up action after the global Covid-19 crisis.

North Borneo brings in a bigger picture at play in the regional front as the island shares borders among three countries - Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

With Indonesia planning to relocate its capital to Nusantara, East Kalimantan from Jakarta next year, Borneo is bound to be thrust into the limelight.

Veteran tour operator Tham Yau Kong said the move to rebrand Sabah was timely and deserves all the focus, especially as everyone strives to recover from the two year pandemic.

"Internationally, people are more familiar with Borneo. So it is only right to promote and market Sabah with the tagline North Borneo," said the tour operator who also believes that every player in the industry needs to play a part in this.

Tour bus driver Steven Rampangajouw said most foreign guests he served related to the Borneo connection.

"Of course once they are here they know about Sabah but many got to know the state via Borneo first, especially westerners, those from Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan and India.

"Tour companies have long used the Borneo tagline to push their businesses and it's good now that the government too is doing the same thing," Steven said.

The Sabah Tourism Board launched the 'Feel Sabah, North Borneo" during the ITB Berlin 2023 (Internationale Tourismus-Borse Berlin) recently.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew who launched it said it was apt to adopt the promotional theme for sentimental and historical reasons.

"The name 'North Borneo' (now Sabah) sounds exotic and evokes nostalgic feelings of yearning for this destination. It is also of historical significance as the state was then known as 'North Borneo' prior to gaining our Independence in 1963.

"People in many parts of the world (reportedly) haven't heard about Sabah, despite decades of promoting this Land Below The Wind to the outside world, let alone know about our diverse natural attractions and iconic wildlife.

"However, we are aware that at the mention of Borneo or North Borneo, it rings a bell. Europeans in particular associate Sabah with Borneo. Hence, we are determined to rebrand this tourist destination with 'Feel Sabah, North Borneo' to create a new identity in the travel marketplace," said Liew who led a delegation to the event on March 7.

The delegation comprised Assistant Minister and STB Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Mohd Yusrie Abdullah, STB chief executive officer Noredah Othman as well as ministry and STB officials.

With the recent resumption of international direct flights, cruise tourism and optimism about mounting regular or chartered flights from new destinations, Liew said Sabah targeted 2.2 million arrivals for 2023 and will work towards attaining 2.5 million arrivals.

Sabah's top feeder markets in the past (based on 2019 data) represented a good mix of visitors from Taiwan, China, Brunei, Singapore and South Korea.

For Europe the top inbound tourism markets are from Germany, France, Netherlands and Italy.

Joniston said Sabah's diverse tourism experiences continue to entice vacationers from Western and European countries.

During the travel trade show, the Sabah Tourism team met with 33 travel agencies from countries including Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Czech Republic, United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, and Australia.

Joniston said most of the agents he met with assured that Sabah was still a promising holiday destination and the new tagline would help Sabah stand out as a unique and appealing attraction.

"They like how the new tagline highlights the experiential aspect of visiting Sabah. I believe that having people live the experience of traveling while they are at their destination is an effective call to action," said Joniston.

He said Sabah's diverse tourism offerings had remained a pulling force, especially for Western and European tourists who appreciate adventure and exploring off the usual track.

"Sabah is the ideal getaway for them since it has everything they enjoy—sea, sun, wildlife, and nature. These are the kinds of tourists we want to keep pursuing."

-nst online.

Niche Packages 2023 - In Conjunction With Tourism Malaysia's 50th Anniversary

Now is the time. Let’s explore wonders of nature, dive into the bluest sea, reminiscing history or perhaps scream with joy at a theme park.

Get the niche packages with special discount up to 50% in-conjunction with Tourism Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary. So much to offer. Let’s Cuti-cuti Malaysia. 

For more information, visit https://www.malaysia.travel/deals/all... 

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sabah Tourism Board Rebrands To 'Feel Sabah, North Borneo'

 

BERLIN: There could not be a better travel marketplace platform than the ITB Berlin 2023 (Internationale Tourismus-Borse Berlin) for Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to launch Sabah's new destination rebranding - 'Feel Sabah, North Borneo'.

STB is under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment.

'Feel Sabah' promotion was developed by STB while the idea of incorporating 'North Borneo' was mooted by Minister Datuk Christina Liew who led a 10-member delegation to this global event.

Launching this rebranding exercise at the world's largest tourism trade fair at the Messe Berlin in Germany on Tuesday, Minister Datuk Christina Liew said it was most apt to adopt this promotional theme for sentimental and historical reasons.

She stressed that we want the international community to know that Sabah is located in the northern part of Borneo Island in the hope of fascinating and wooing more European tourists, among others.

"The name 'North Borneo' (now Sabah) sounds exotic and evokes nostalgic feelings of yearning for this destination. It is also of historical significance as the state was then known as 'North Borneo' prior to gaining our Independence in 1963.

"People in many parts of the world (reportedly) haven't heard about Sabah, despite decades of promoting this Land Below The Wind to the outside world, let alone know about our diverse natural attractions and iconic wildlife.

"However, we are aware that at the mention of Borneo or North Borneo, it rings a bell. Europeans in particular associate Sabah with Borneo. Hence, we are determined to rebrand this tourist destination with 'Feel Sabah, North Borneo' to create a new identity in the travel marketplace," Liew said after the launch.

Sabah is home to spectacular natural wonders such as Mount Kinabalu, Maliau Basin and Tip of Borneo, she added.

The delegation comprised Assistant Minister cum STB Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Mohd Yusrie Abdullah, STB Chief Executive Officer Noredah Othman as well as ministry and STB officials.

With the recent resumption of international direct flights, cruise tourism and optimism about mounting regular or chartered flights from new destinations, Liew said Sabah targets 2.2 million arrivals for 2023 and will work towards attaining 2.5 million arrivals. "If we succeed in hitting the 2.5 million mark, this would indicate an increase by 45.35pc compared with 1.72 million arrivals in 2022."

According to her, Sabah's top feeder markets in the past (based on 2019 data) had represented a good mix from Taiwan, China, Brunei, Singapore and South Korea. "For Europe specifically, our top inbound tourism markets are from Germany, France, Netherlands and Italy."

The Minister added that plans are afoot to explore prospects of luring tourists from new tourism markets in America, Australia, Japan and India via tourism roadshows by STB.

Borneo Eco Tours, Borneo Nature Tours, Borneo Trails, Rustic Borneo, Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Adventure and Tabin Wildlife Reserve from Sabah are participating in ITB Berlin 2023, rated as the world's leading travel trade show.

-Tourism Malaysia fb.

Sarawak jangka pertumbuhan 20% pengunjung Eropah hasil penyertaan di ITB Berlin

 

BERLIN: Sarawak kembali mempamerkan kehebatannya di ITB Berlin 2023, bermula 7 hingga 9 Mac 2023 dengan menyediakan pavilion tersendiri bagi mengetengahkan serta mengukuhkan jenama Sarawak dalam pasaran Eropah, sebagai destinasi eko-pelancongan yang terkemuka serta destinasi pilihan di rantau ASEAN.

Dari penyertaannya di ITB Berlin, jenama Sarawak diperkukuhkan lagi di Pasaran Eropah, sebagai destinasi unik, baharu dan eksotik. Lembaga Pelancongan Sarawak (STB) dan rakan-rakan dagangnya berjaya meraih 52 potensi bisnes baharu yang bakal direalisasi pada 2023, sebagai langkah berterusan untuk mempromosi Sarawak.

STB  mengunjurkan potensi bisnes baharu ini bakal menghasilkan pertumbuhan 20 peratus dari segi jualan daripada pasaran Eropah. Jangkaan jumlah jualan daripada ITB Berlin 2023 dianggarkan bernilai RM10.5 juta untuk 2023 dan seterusnya.

Pengunjung ITB Berlin telah menikmati kepelbagaian unik Budaya (Culture) Sarawak, Pengembaraan (Adventure), Alam Semula Jadi (Nature), Makanan (Food) serta festival, bagi membuka peluang serta mewujudkan minat serta persepsi positif terhadap Sarawak.

Pavilion ini juga mempamerkan pelbagai aspek komuniti berbilang etnik dan ekosistem semula jadi Sarawak serta kepelbagaian flora dan fauna untuk memastikan “Discovery of Sarawak’’ berterusan.

Salah satu agenda penting bagi Sarawak di ITB Berlin ialah pemeteraian Memorandum Persefahaman (MOU) antara STB dan Tischler Reisen AG bagi mewujudkan usahasama dalam meningkatkan visibiliti Sarawak sebagai destinasi pilihan dalam kalangan rakyat Jerman dan sekitar  Eropah.

Usaha sama promosi pemasaran luar talian dan atas talian ini bakal melibatkan kira-kira 600 agensi terbaik di Jerman.

Menteri Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan (MTCP) Sarawak, Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, “Pavilion Sarawak mencerminkan  kesungguhan negeri kami untuk memacu pelancongan sebagai salah satu penyumbang utama kepada Sarawak.”

Tambah beliau, “Tahun ini, Sarawak menyasarkan kedatangan tiga juta pengunjung memandangkan pelancongan antarabangsa terus pulih daripada pandemik Covid-19. Ini merupakan satu pencapaian yang optimistik bagi Sarawak, dengan pertumbuhan lebih 800 peratus daripada aspek pendapatan pelancongan pada tahun 2022, yang mencatatkan hampir RM4 bilion, berbanding RM500 juta bagi tahun 2021.”

“Festival memainkan peranan penting kepada industri pelancongan Sarawak untuk terus mengukuhkan imejnya sebagai destinasi budaya. Salah satu festival utama Sarawak adalah Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) yang amat dikenali di peringkat antarabangsa. Festival ini akan berlangsung pada 23 hingga 25 Jun tahun ini.

“Kami amat prihatin bahawa festival mempunyai ‘carbon footprint’ yang agak tinggi dan sisa yang biasanya dihasilkan daripada acara besar sebegini akan mempunyai impak kepada alam sekitar. Oleh itu, Sarawak telah mengambil langkah proaktif agar RWMF sentiasa dilaksanakan dengan penuh tanggungjawab dan memastikan aspek kemampanan dan mesra alam menjadi keutamaan dalam pelaksanaannya,” ujar beliau.

Satu lagi acara penting bagi Sarawak di ITB Berlin ialah pelancaran video destinasi baharunya, “Sarawak…Now More Than Ever” serta persembahan video mengenai produk pengembaraan Sarawak seperti aktiviti berbasikal, trekking dan aktiviti gua di Sarawak dan video promosi RWMF 2023.

Sebagai negeri terbesar di Malaysia dengan kepadatan penduduk yang rendah iaitu seramai 2.9 juta, Sarawak amat berbangga dengan warisan semula jadi hutan hujan asli, flora dan fauna endemik, serta kepelbagaian penduduknya.

Terletak di Borneo, pulau ketiga terbesar di dunia, Sarawak mempunyai kaleidoskop budaya yang unik termasuk 31 kumpulan etnik, dengan pelbagai ekosistem yang dapat menarik minat pengembara.

Kini pelancong di seluruh dunia semakin prihatin tentang aspek kebertanggungjawaban dalam pelancongan. Oleh itu, Sarawak telah beberapa tahun mengambil langkah ke arah falsafah ini bagi mengetengahkan Pelancongan Bertanggungjawab (Responsible Tourism).

Selaras dengan Matlamat Pembangunan Lestari (Sustainable Development Goals – SDG) 2030 oleh Pertubuhan Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu, STB telah berusaha mendukung konsep kebertanggungjawaban individu, kebertanggungjawaban bisnes serta kebertanggungjawaban kerajaan ke arah mencapai impak ekonomi, sosial dan alam sekitar yang positif terhadap pelancongan.

-utusan online.

Galeri Uniti Kembara Perpaduan @ AEON Alpha Angle, Wangsa Maju ( 10 ~ 12 Mac 2023 )

 

Nak sertai aktiviti dan pengisian yang disediakan oleh agensi-agensi di bawah Kementerian Perpaduan Negara!

Tarikh: 10 - 12 Mac 2023 (JUMAAT-AHAD)

Masa: 10.00 Pagi - 10.00 Malam

Tempat: AEON Alpha Angle, Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur

Pameran dan Aktiviti daripada :

> Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional (JPNIN)

> Jabatan Muzium Malaysia

> Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia 

> Arkib Negara Malaysia

-Kementerian Perpaduan Negara.