China Southern Airline's resumes flight to Sabah by bringing 194 passengers

 

Celebrating the relaunch of Guangzhou-Kota Kinabalu Route. Liew (eighth right) saying it with a bouquet each for pilots Captain Guo Shufeng and Captain Li Lemeng (centre). Also in the picture are Bangkuai (eighth left), Wang seventh left) and Noredah (third right).

KOTA KINABALU (April 30): One hundred and ninety-four passengers from Guangzhou arrived at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on Saturday, marking the resumption of China Southern Airlines’ direct flights between Guangzhou and Kota Kinabalu post pandemic.

They took off from the Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou at 4.10pm and arrived here at 7.10pm on flight CZ8335.

The aircraft, Airbus A321neo, was given a rousing water cannon salute at the airport.

On hand to welcome the Chinese visitors were Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew and assistant minister cum Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai who garlanded them with Sabah’s native bead necklaces. They also received ‘Orangutan’ promotional bags filled with several local products.

Also present was STB Chief Executive Officer Noredah Othman.

Speaking to members of the tour group, Liew said: “Welcome to Sabah. Sabah offers a wide choice of holiday spots and activities. Some of you love the sea and beaches or intend to go snorkelling or diving.

We have Mount Kinabalu, iconic wildlife and a world-class diving paradise at Sipadan on the east coast of Sabah.

“From Tanjung Aru Beach here, you will be able to view one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Some of you may opt for adventure, eco tourism, golf tourism or even wellness tourism. For cultural enthusiasts, you have the opportunity to experience Sabah’s rich cultural heritage.”

General manager of China Southern Airlines (Kuala Lumpur Office) Eric Wang, who accompanied the minister, said with the resumption of Kota Kinabalu’s route, the airlines will be operating three routes in the near future between China and Malaysia with departure from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Penang to Guangzhou, totalling 31 flights per week.

According to Wang, previously, China Southern Airlines, affected by the pandemic, only operated flights between Kuala Lumpur and Guangzhou once a week.

“Following recovery from the pandemic, flights between China and Malaysia have gradually resumed, and China Southern Airlines’ Kuala Lumpur-Guangzhou route will also resume operations to three flights per day starting 15th May 2023.

“Last but not least, the resumption of direct flights between Guangzhou and Kota Kinabalu will give an additional lift to business development, tourism growth and cultural exchanges between China and Malaysia,” he said.

On future plans, Wang said China Southern Airlines will carry out deeper and cross-border cooperation with the key businesses and tourism stakeholders in the two countries in seeking the common good to achieve a win-win result.

“Our aim is to further strengthen our services to provide a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for all the passengers travelling between China and Malaysia,” he added.

-The Borneo Post.

Hari Terbuka Parlimen Malaysia ( 6 & 7 Mei 2023 )

 

Jom kita memeriahkan Hari Terbuka Parlimen !!!

Anda boleh meletakkan kenderaan di kawasan parkir awam di Taman Botani & Tugu Negara atau digalakkan menaiki pengangkutan awam yg disediakan. Rapid KL Sentral ke Parlimen @ Rapid LRT Masjid Jamek ke Parlimen.

Pengunjung perlu mematuhi Etika dan Kod Pakaian Parlimen Malaysia namun pemakaian batik amat disarankan.

Ayuh! Eksplorasi Parlimen, jumpa anda nanti !

-Parlimen Malaysia.

Sabah Tawar Pakej Pelancongan ‘Bola In The City’ Buat Penyokong

 

Sabah FC hari ini telah memperkenalkan pakej pelancongan baharu iaitu Bola In The City – A Trip Of Excitement dengan kerjasama Tourism Malaysia dan lapan agensi pelancongan di Sabah.

Majlis pelancaran pakej “Bola In The City With Sabah FC – A Trip of Excitement!” ini telah berlangsung di Hilton Kota Kinabalu hari ini dan telah disempurnakan oleh YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia.

Turut hadir sama ialah Encik Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Domestik & Acara [Menanggung Tugas Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Perancangan)] Tourism Malaysia; Puan Noredah Othman, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Sabah Tourism Board; Encik Ahmad Marzuki Nasir, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Sabah FC; Encik Ibrahim Othman, Pengarah Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) Sabah dan Puan Trecey J. Tojuka, Timbalan Pengarah Tourism Malaysia Sabah.

Pakej ini ditawarkan pada tanda harga RM 330 untuk seorang dan setiap pembeli berpeluang untuk bertemu dan berinteraksi dengan para pemain Sabah FC.

Membawa elemen sukan dan pelancongan, pakej ini turut memberi peluang untuk menyaksikan sesi latihan pasukan utama Sabah di bawah kendalian Datuk Ong Kim Swee. Pada hari perlawanan pula, mereka berpeluang untuk menonton perlawanan Liga Super bersama barisan pemain legenda bola sepak Sabah seperti Hassan Sani, Matlan Marjan, Burhan Ajui, Jelius Ating dan ramai lagi.

Pakej baharu ini merupakan kesinambungan kepada pakej sukan pelancongan “Bola In The City” edisi pertama yang pernah dilancarkan pada Oktober 2022 dan ia telah menerima sambutan yang amat menggalakkan khususnya daripada peminat bola sepak.

Pembeli bakal merasai pengalaman bermakna di Sabah apabila diberi peluang melawat beberapa destinasi atau aktiviti pelancongan di Sabah seperti Pula Manukan, Rumah Terbalik, Tamparuli, Monsopiad Heritage Village, Penampang; Tagal Tinopikon Walk, Penampang; bagi menikmati makanan laut di Restoran Terapung Kg. Nelayan atau beberapa restoran makanan tradisi di Kota Kinabalu atau aktiviti urutan kaki.

Senarai agensi pelancongan yang terlibat ialah:

i) Dynamic Tours Travel & Incentive Sdn. Bhd.

üi) Borneo Excursions (AHSB Rentacar Sdn Bhd)

iii) Inno Travel & Tour Services Sdn. Bhd.

iv) Kinabalu Heritage Tours & Car Rental Sdn. Bhd.

V) Borneo Trails Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd.

vi) Nadi Borneo Tours Sdn. Bhd.

vi) Sensational Holidays (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd.

vil) Discovery Tours (Sabah) Sdn. Bhd.

Kerjasama strategik Sabah FC dan Tourism Malaysia Sabah ini merupakan satu langkah positif dalam merancakkan lagi industri bola sepak tempatan.

Kepada yang berminat, pakej ini boleh dibeli melalui 8 agensi pelancongan yang terlibat. Layari laman web Tourism Malaysia Sabah atau terus ke platform media sosial Tourism Sabah dan agensi-agensi pelancongan yang terlibat.

-makanbola.com

Travelport data reveals latest China travel trends

 

Travelport’s data shows the resurgence of outbound travel from mainland China

Travelport has released its latest data highlighting the resurgence of outbound travel from mainland China, which shows that demand continues to rise leading up to China’s Labour Day (May 1), one of the most popular times for tourists from mainland China to travel.

When it was announced on December 27 that travellers arriving to China no longer needed to undergo quarantine, outbound flight bookings from mainland China on that very day increased by 247% when compared to the same day the previous month.

According to research conducted by the UNWTO and the China Tourism Academy, approximately 150 million Chinese tourists travelled internationally in 2019, spending US$277 billion on global tourism. With quarantine restrictions now lifted, 1Q2023 saw outbound bookings from mainland China increase by 331% compared to last year.

However, mainland China is still only at 21% of its 2019 outbound booking levels. According to OAG, international airline capacity is at 37% of its April 2019 availability.

According to a recent McKinsey survey, pent-up demand for outbound travel from mainland China is massive, with 40% of survey respondents wanting to travel and prioritising international destinations for their next trip.

Travelport’s data shows the top five destinations that travellers from mainland China have booked trips for in 2023 include Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, the US, and South Korea.

One major difference in 2023 travel is that tourists from mainland China are taking shorter trips. The number of trips ranging from two to four days is increasing, which explains why closer destinations, such as Hong Kong and Macau, claim the top two spots.

Additionally, 71% of flight options available from mainland China are bound for destinations in Asia-Pacific.

Meanwhile, Labour Day in China is celebrated as an annual public holiday on May 1, with the holiday expanded to include a three-day break in recent years. This makes April 24 through May 7 (the week of Labour Day and the week prior) the most ideal dates for travellers to get away.

This year’s holiday period has reached a three-year high when compared to last year alone, with outbound travel bookings increasing by 470%. In addition, unlike the rest of the year, these dates see a noticeable spike in trips longer than 10 days. This could explain why the top destinations for these travel dates include longhaul destinations such as the UK, Canada and the US.

-TTG Asia.

Aktiviti tarik pukat disenaraikan dalam kalendar pelancongan Terengganu

 

SEBAHAGIAN daripada pengunjung yang memeriahkan Program Tarik Pukat Raya 2023 di Pantai Kekabu, Marang, Terengganu. - UTUSAN/PUQTRA HAIRRY ROSLI

MARANG: Aktiviti tarik pukat yang menjadi tradisi nelayan di kawasan pantai di negeri ini akan dijadikan program tahunan kerajaan negeri apabila bakal disenaraikan dalam kalendar pelancongan Terengganu mulai tahun depan.

Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar berkata, keunikan amalan tradisi itu mampu menarik kedatangan pelancong selain mempertahankan aktiviti berkenaan untuk dikenali generasi muda.

“Aktiviti tarik pukat ini sudah biasa bagi komuniti dan nelayan pantai. Bukan sekadar kebersamaan dan merapatkan ukhuwah masyarakat semata-mata tetapi rutin tradisi ini sebenarnya mempunyai keunikan tersendiri sebagai produk pelancongan.

“Kerajaan negeri akan jadikan acara rasmi tahunan, dimasukkan dalam kalendar tahunan mulai tahun depan. Selain Pantai Pulau Kekabu, Marang ini kita akan kenal pasti beberapa lokasi lain yang sesuai bagi dianjurkan program tarik pukat.

“Program Tarik Pukat Raya 2023 hari ini dianjurkan untuk memeriahkan sambutan Aidilfitri apatah lagi dengan kehadiran perantau yang pulang ke kampung halaman,” katanya selepas Program Tarik Pukat Raya 2023 di Pantai Pulau Kebabu, di sini hari ini.

Seramai 300 pengunjung memeriahkan acara tersebut.

Sementara itu, seorang penduduk, Hassan Awang, 65, berkata, aktiviti tarik pukat menjadi tradisi komuniti di kawasan pantai berkenaan sejak lebih 30 tahun lalu dan biasanya bermula selepas berakhir musim tengkujuh.

“Rutin tradisi ini rancak bermula April hingga Oktober setiap tahun sewaktu ‘musim teduh’ iaitu selepas tamat musim tengkujuh, ketika ini keadaan ombak tenang dan reda. Tempoh ini juga, ikan gemar berada berhampiran pantai.

“Aktiviti ini jadi medan masyarakat erat silaturahim. Hasil tangkapan pula akan dibahagi terlebih dahulu, selebihnya barulah dijual. Pukat digunakan pula sepanjang kira-kira 500 meter serta memerlukan lebih ramai kru,” jelasnya.

-utusan online.

China celebrities arrive in Sabah to shoot reality TV show

 

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew (right) garlanding Raymond Lam upon arrival at KKIA. - NSTP/ courtesy of State’s Tourism Ministry

KOTA KINABALU: A group of seven celebrities from Zhejiang TV China — including a Malaysian-born singer-actor — have arrived in town for the shooting of a reality show called "Star Chasers".

The celebrities are singer-turned actor Raymond Lam, actors Wu Chi-Lung, Ding Zhou Jie, Chen Li-Nung, Cai Wen Jing, and Zhou Jie Qiong, as well as Ah Niu, who hails from Malaysia.

The group was greeted by a large group of ecstatic fans upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on Sunday at 6pm.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew and the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) staff were also on hand to garland them with native bead necklaces.

The celebrities began location shooting at Masakan Sedap Restaurant in Hilltop, Luyang, on the same evening.

They then had a short stay at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru before departing for Manukan Island for the next shoot.

The tour continued with a visit to Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Tuaran.

During the sojourn, the celebrities explored Mari Mari Cultural Village, Cabana Retreat Resort, and 101 Firefly Eco Park before returning home tomorrow.

Liew said the team's nine-day trip to Malaysia, including Sabah, was coordinated by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.

"As (Sabah's) Tourism Minister, I welcome the team of celebrities to Sabah.

"I am happy that they have selected Sabah as one of the three Malaysian states (after Melaka and Pahang) for their show.

"They are aware that Kota Kinabalu is one of the best spots in the world for viewing a beautiful sunset."

Liew said she was optimistic that their upcoming reality show in China would make Sabah known to a wider audience there, and encourage more Chinese nationals to choose the state for their holiday destination.

"While Sabah is better known to the people in first-tier cities in China, there is a need to promote the state to (other) cities."

-nst online.

Travel Malaysia Fair 2023 @ Central Atrium, Marina Square, Singapore ( 5 ~ 7 May 2023 )

 

Travel Malaysia Fair is Back!

And with our esteemed Partners, Sponsors, and Exhibitors, grab exclusive travel deals that are only available at this fair.

Head on down to Singapore Marina Square Level 2, Central Atrium on the 5th to 7th of May 2023 and take part in the Grand Lucky Draw and stand a chance to win Hotel stays, Express Coach tickets, Spa vouchers and more! See you there! -Travel Malaysia Fair fb.

Selamat Hari Raya AidilFitri daripada Pelancongan Kini

 

-PelanconganKini.

Swissotel to rise in Genting Highlands

 

Accor will debut the Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts brand in Malaysia for the first time come 3Q2028, with the property marked for King’s Park up on Malaysia’s Genting Highlands.

King’s Park, a development by Highlands ParkCity, in partnership with Crowne Estate Malaysia and Yuk Tung Group, will span 60.7 hectares and pack in a wide variety of retail shops, restaurants, convention centres, tourist attractions, entertainment outlets, hotels and amenities.

Swissôtel Genting Highlands will boast elegant rooms, all-day dining options, executive lounges, bars, as well as contemporary conference facilities, and a grand ballroom. The 300-key property will also come complete with a heated swimming pool, sundeck, fitness centre, spa, scenic jogging tracks and a kids’ club.

Guests at the 30-story building can enjoy unblocked views of the stunning mountains and the Genting Highlands summit, located just a 15-minute drive away.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on April 19, Sean Chen, COO, Crowne Estate Malaysia, said: “It is a huge step forward for Highlands ParkCity and Crowne Estate Malaysia in their goal to make King’s Park an eco-friendly tourist and destination hub for people all over the world.”

Garth Simmons, CEO, Accor for South & South-east Asia, Japan, South Korea and India, said: “The signing of Swissôtel Genting Highlands in one of the most popular destinations in the country for locals and tourists alike, further strengthens Accor’s leading position in Malaysia’s hospitality industry.”

-TTG Asia.

Sabah natural beauty, wildlife fascinates UK travel YouTuber

 

British travel YouTuber Karl Watson (standing, 6th left) with his followers and STB officers who hosted the dinner. - Pic courtesy of STB.

KOTA KINABALU: Karl Watson, a British travel YouTuber has embarked on an 11-day tour to explore the nature and wildlife of Sabah.

He was joined by 15 followers, among them from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Czech Republic, Australia and Malta.

Watson has been creating travel documentaries for 10 years with over 227,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel.

He partnered with a travel company to organise comprehensive bespoke group excursions worldwide.

The partnership initiative allows Watson to pick his favourite destination, customise the itinerary to be more sustainable, and sell it on his website and YouTube.

"We organised the first customised group tour to Morocco since it is closer to Europe, less expensive, and exotic.

"When it came to choosing a second destination for a bespoke group tour, I knew I wanted some place very different from the cities, marketplaces, and culture of Morocco.

"I've been considering a trip to Borneo because I like nature.

"So, I did my research, and said to myself and decided to go on a full nature wildlife adventure," he explained.

"I came for the wildlife but was won over by the people.

"This trip is a perfect introduction to Borneo, and I would like to come back to explore Sabah deeper, especially the national parks and the off-the-beaten paths," he said.

He also admired the rich cultural heritage and the friendly multi-ethnic population of Sabah.

During the journey from April 3 to 14, the group scaled Mount Kinabalu, went on a river cruise down the Kinabatangan River, and explored Sandakan to learn about conservation efforts at the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre as well as Selingan Turtle Island, among others.

Captivated by Sabah's beauty and wildlife, Watson expresses his desire to return to explore the national parks and off-the-beaten paths in the future.

The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) hosted a Ramadan dinner for the group where they were able to try local delicacies and were delighted by the traditional dance performance.

-nst online.

Indian outbound travel demand surges for summer

 

India outbound travel demand for Hong Kong has returned strongly; Hong Kong Observation Wheel pictured

This summer travel season is heating up for many Indian travel consultants, who have reported robust bookings both for shorthaul and longhaul destinations this year compared to the last year.

For this peak summer season, Rajeev Kale, president & country head, holidays, MICE, Visa-Thomas Cook (India), noted that longhaul travel demand has quadrupled while shorthaul destinations have tripled over 2022.

“Europe continues to top our demand pipeline with a surge of over 300 per cent for the upcoming summer holidays, followed by South-east Asia’s Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Vietnam and Cambodia are also witnessing brisk business. Other destinations like the Maldives, Mauritius, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al-Khaimah are also (in demand),” Kale added.

Meanwhile, Varun Gupta, partner of Travelz Factorry, remarked: “The outbound travel demand this year is surpassing the previous year’s growth. Destinations like Vietnam, Turkey and Azerbaijan are recording strong (interest). On the other hand, the demand for Hong Kong has returned strongly. Popular destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Dubai are already recording demand comparable to the pre-pandemic numbers.”

Agents say demand is fuelled by various traveller segments.

Daniel D’Souza, president & country head – holidays, SOTC Travel, sees demand streaming in from multigenerational families, Gen Zs, millennials, DINKs and solo travellers.

He said: “Despite increased airfares and room rates, and we are witnessing high demand emerging from not only India’s metros, but also mini metros, tier-two and tier-three cities.”

-TTG Asia.

The Ipoh Padang Panjut Festival is included in the tourism calendar for Visit Perak 2024

 

IPOH: The panjut festival program that was organized for the first time at the iconic location of Padang Ipoh will be included in the tourism calendar in conjunction with the Visit Perak 2024.

The mayor of Ipoh, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said, among other things, the program is to promote the tradition of panjut in this city to the public, which was previously more synonymous in Kuala Kangsar.

He said that for the beginning of this year it was only implemented at the Ipoh City Council (MBI) sector level, but he was optimistic that it would be extended to the public for the following year. “Next year we will include it in the tourism calendar in conjunction with the Year of Visiting Perak.

“We chose Padang Ipoh because it is the center of the city. It is also part of the Ipoh tourism triangle. “Indirectly, the program carried out here can attract more people, especially to break fast in the field and then take pictures near the panjut on display,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after officiating the MBI Inter-Sector Panjut Festival at Padang Ipoh, here last night.

Themed ‘Kampungku Halamanku’, he said more than 2,000 panjut were used for the festival, each involving 500 lights per sector.

Among the sectors involved are Services, Administration and Operations, Finance and Technical.

“The panjut here uses diesel oil, it is more easily available than kerosene. We will install this panjut after Maghrib until it goes out by itself. “This program will last until April 24, so people can come in large numbers and see for themselves the uniqueness of the panjut installed in conjunction with the arrival of Syawal,” he added.

Meanwhile, for one of the visitors, Hidayah Ismail, 24, she did not miss the opportunity to see the panjut on display up close. “It happened that I passed here after breaking fast with a friend, suddenly saw an interesting panjut here. “It’s really exciting when you do a program like this in Ipoh because it’s usually synonymous with Kuala Kangsar, so it’s really exciting and I hope it continues for next year,” she said.

Adha Hakim Osman, 27, hopes that more parties will participate in the party next year. “I found out about this program on social media, so I decided to come with my family and friends to break the fast here. “It’s interesting and beautiful, the mood is lively with the presence of people who want to take memorable photos, there’s not always a party,” he said.

-ipoh echo.

5,000 pelita raya terangi Kampung Budaya Terengganu

 

KUALA TERENGGANU: Lebih 5,000 pelita raya tradisional akan menerangi pekarangan Kampung Budaya Terengganu dekat Muzium Negeri, Losong, di sini sempena program Pelita Raya Terengganu 2023 di perkampungan tersebut bermula malam ini hingga 18 April depan.

Pengarah Pelancongan Terengganu, Fadli Yusof Zakaria berkata, pelita-pelita sumbu tersebut akan dipasang oleh lapan daerah di negeri ini yang menyertai program tersebut bertemakan ‘Comeynya Peliter’.

Menurutnya, sebahagian pelita berkenaan dipasang dengan rekaan replika dan dekorasi mengikut identiti setiap daerah terlibat bagi menceria serta memeriahkan program tersebut.

“Pelita-pelita tradisi yang menghiasi suasana malam di Kampung Budaya Terengganu itu menggunakan barangan terpakai.

“Antara jenis pelita yang akan dipasang adalah pelita buluh, pelita buah kepala dan pelita buah kekabu,” katanya ketika ditemui selepas meninjau persiapan tapak program Pelita Raya Terengganu 2023 di sini, malam tadi.

Fadli Yusof memberitahu, lebih 30,000 pengunjung dijangka hadir memeriahkan program yang berlangsung selama lima hari itu.

Selain itu, katanya, penganjuran kali ketiga program tersebut pada tahun ini membawa sedikit kelainan apabila pengunjung juga berpeluang menikmati pelbagai jenis juadah tradisional yang dijual di tapak program tersebut.

“Sebahagian kuih-kuih tradisional itu hanya terdapat di daerah-daerah berkenaan yang sukar semakin ditemui pada masa ini,” ujarnya.

Tambahnya, pengunjung yang hadir menyaksikan cahaya pelita-pelita tersebut juga akan dihiburkan dengan persembahan kebudayaan seperti pencak silat, dikir barat dan wayang kulit.

-utusan online.

MOTAC Hosts Ramadan's Iftar Evening With Foreign Diplomats In Malaysia

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 April 2023 – This year’s Ramadan brings forth an Iftar Evening for foreign diplomats in Malaysia, hosted by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and organised by Tourism Malaysia. Held at Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur today, the gathering was attended by High Commissioners and Ambassadors representing 63 countries. Also present were Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Datuk Hajah Saraya Arbi and local media representatives.

In addition to showcasing Malaysia's cuisine, the event also highlights elements of Malaysia’s arts and culture such as performances of Malaysia’s traditional musical instruments gambus and sape, as well as a handicraft exhibition of the local songket, batik and wood-carving by Kraftangan Malaysia.

“In this celebrated month of blessings, I am very grateful to be able to host this get-together with all the officials and media that have been working tirelessly. Through this evening, I hope that we can work together in further strengthening our collaborations in marketing and promoting our country’s tourism offerings to the world, especially in gearing up for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) in 2025,” said YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

In 2022, Malaysia successfully recorded 10.07 million international tourist arrivals with RM28.2 billion in tourism receipts. This year, Malaysia targets to receive 16.1 million tourist arrivals and generate RM49.2 billion in tourism receipts. Moving forward, in anticipation of VMY 2025, Malaysia forecasts a total of 23.5 million tourist arrivals with RM76.8 billion in tourism receipts.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Dato' Dr. Ammar Dilantik Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia

 

PUTRAJAYA, 14 April – Lembaga Penggalakan Pelancongan Malaysia (Tourism Malaysia) mengumumkan pelantikan YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar sebagai Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia yang baharu berkuat kuasa 12 April 2023.

Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing telah bersetuju melantik Dato’ Dr. Ammar secara rasmi bagi menggantikan Dato’ Hj. Zainuddin Abdul Wahab yang bersara wajib pada 10 April 2023.

Berkelulusan Ijazah Doktor Falsafah (PhD) dalam pengajian Hotel dan Pengurusan Pelancongan serta Sarjana Pentadbiran Perniagaan (MBA) daripada Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Dato’ Dr. Ammar sebelum ini merupakan Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Promosi Antarabangsa (Amerika, Eropah dan Oceania).

Beliau yang telah berkhidmat selama 35 tahun dalam perkhidmatan awam, pernah diberikan kepercayaan untuk menggalas tugas sebagai Pengarah Kanan Pengurusan selain menerajui Bahagian Perancangan Strategik serta Bahagian Domestik & Acara Tourism Malaysia.

Selain pernah dilantik sebagai Pengarah Bahagian Kewangan, beliau turut menjawat jawatan Pengarah Luar Negeri di Osaka dan Moscow, masing-masing pada tahun 1999 dan 2008 serta Pengarah Negeri Tourism Malaysia Kedah/Perlis pada tahun 2005.

Pada tahun 2021, Dato’ Dr. Ammar mengetuai Sekretariat Pasukan Petugas Gelembung Perjalanan bagi memacu usaha pemulihan industri pelancongan yang terkesan akibat pandemik COVID-19. Beliau juga merupakan Profesor Adjung di Fakulti Hotel dan Pengurusan Pelancongan, UiTM sehingga kini.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Melaka sasar 50 kapal persiaran mewah sempena TMM 2024

 

ABDUL RAZAK Abdul Rahman (dua dari kanan) bergambar bersama pelancong kapal persiaran Ms. Amadea di ICQS, Kota Laksamana, Melaka. – UTUSAN/MUHAMMAD SHAHIZAM TAZALI

MELAKA: Kerajaan negeri menyasarkan sebanyak 50 buah kapal persiaran mewah akan singgah berlabuh di perairan Melaka sempena Tahun Melawat Melaka (TMM) 2024.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Warisan, Seni dan Budaya negeri, Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman berkata, ketibaan kapal-kapal tersebut dijangka membawa masuk kira-kira 25,000 pelancong.

Menurut beliau, ejen-ejen kapal persiaran diminta menghebahkan mengenai TMM kerana terdapat pelbagai program dan pakej percutian istimewa yang telah direncanakan.

“Walaupun Melaka tidak mempunyai jeti khusus untuk kapal persiaran berlabuh, tetapi kemudahan yang terdapat di Kompleks Imigresen, Kastam, Kuarantin dan Keselamatan (ICQS) sangat lengkap. Jadi tidak timbul masalah untuk kita menerima kehadiran pelancong.

“Kita menjangkakan sebanyak 40 kapal persiaran mewah akan berlabuh pada tahun ini dan 50 buah lagi pada tahun depan. Kapasiti setiap kapal biasanya membawa tidak kurang daripada 500 orang.

Ejen-ejen diharapkan mengambil kesempatan dan peluang ini untuk membawa lebih ramai pelancong daripada kapal persiaran bagi menikmati keindahan Melaka,” katanya dalam sidang akhbar selepas Majlis Sambutan Meraikan Pelancong Kapal Persiaran di ICQS di sini, hari ini.

Abdul Razak menyambut ketibaan 390 penumpang kapal persiaran Ms. Amadea dari Bahamas yang dalam perjalanan ke Singapura, Melaka dan Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor.

Tambah Abdul Razak, beliau berharap para pelancong yang turun daripada kapal persiaran dapat bermalam di Melaka.

Katanya, jika tidak bermalam sekalipun, persinggahan selama 12 jam amat bermakna kepada sektor pelancongan negeri kerana mereka boleh menerokai pelbagai produk pelancongan.

“Kita mengharapkan mereka dapat bermalam di sini. Kita sedang berunding dengan pengusaha atau ejen kapal persiaran untuk memberi pakej-pakej istimewa sempena TMM kepada para pelancong,” ujarnya.

-utusan online.

Tourism Malaysia Kicks Off Its 2023 Sales Mission And Roadshow To People's Republic Of China

 

BEIJING, 12 April 2023 – The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) through its agency, Tourism Malaysia have embarked their first sales mission and roadshow to major cities in China from 29 March to 15 April 2023. The sales mission takes place in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangxi while the roadshow begins in Guangzhou, followed by Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen.

The mission is headed by Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture together with 68 organisations comprising state governments namely Tourism Terengganu, Tourism Selangor, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, and participating agencies such as Malaysia Health Tourism Council (MHTC), Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) as well as other industry players from Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA), Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and product owners.

The main objective of this mission is to strengthen marketing efforts and raise Malaysia’s profile for China Market after the reopening of China market beginning 6 February 2023 and also to highlight Malaysia’s projection in organising Visit Malaysia 2025. For the year 2023, Malaysia is targeting 16.1 million international tourist arrivals with RM49.2 billion in tourism receipts.

Alongside the mission, seminars are held by Tourism Malaysia, focusing on leisure market, niche market namely Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) and medical tourism. Business matching sessions are also organised throughout the cities to give the platform for Malaysian industry players to reconnect with China given the long hiatus since the Covid-19 outbreak.

“China is a vital market for Malaysia and we are grateful to be included in their list of 20 countries to visit. Our presence here today is a testament to our commitment to strengthening our relationship with China. Our focus on the Malaysia My Second Home program, medical tourism and education tourism will help us achieve our target of 23.5 million international tourist arrivals and RM76.8 billion in tourism receipts by 2025,” said YB Dato Sri Tiong.

This year, Tourism Malaysia through its Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou offices will intensify promotions alongside with the travel agents and airlines. Malaysia is optimistic that there will be more flight frequency to boost connectivity between China and Malaysia. At present, there are 81 flights per week from China to Malaysia via Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines, Shenzen Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Malindo Air.

AirAsia's latest promotion offers discounted fares on flights from Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou to Kuala Lumpur for ¥288 (CNY) and from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Kunming, Nanning and Wuhan to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu for ¥188 (CNY). Bookings for this promotion starts from 11 April to 16 April, 2023, with travel dates between 17 April to 28 October, 2023.

Finally, MOTAC through Tourism Malaysia will continue their efforts to work alongside the travel industry, including airlines, travel agents, product owners and hoteliers to promote Malaysia in China market.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Beca hibrid tarikan pelancongan baharu di Kelantan tahun depan

 

KOTA BHARU: Beca hibrid atau Tek-C yang menggunakan tenaga solar menjadi tarikan baharu produk pelancongan di negeri ini pada tahun hadapan. 

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Perpaduan Masyarakat, Kebudayaan, Warisan dan Pelancongan negeri, Datuk Md. Anizam Abdul Rahman berkata, setakat ini prototaip tersebut telah siap dan pihaknya berharap sebanyak 10 buah Tek-C dapat digunakan pada tahun hadapan. 

“Kerajaan yakin, Tek-C ini meningkatkan potensi pelancongan apabila ia akan digunakan oleh penarik beca sedia ada (tradisional) termasuklah generasi berumur antara 30 hingga 40 tahun dengan rekaan lebih moden. 

“Pembaharuan ini mampu merancakan lagi pelancong domestik dan antarabangsa terutama di Laman Warisan Kampung Laut, Tumpat dan di kawasan bebas cukai Rantau Panjang”, katanya kepada pemberita selepas menyampaikan Bantuan Sara Hidup kepada penarik beca di Pusat Penerangan Pelancongan (TIC) Kelantan hari ini. 

Md. Anizam berkata, pengenalan beca jenis baharu ini juga diharap dapat menarik minat golongan muda untuk menjadi pelapis penarik beca pada masa akan datang. 

“Kita turut mengalu-alukan pelapis-pelapis baharu yang merupakan keluarga penarik beca dan mereka yang tiada pekerjaan dan menganggur untuk tampil bertemu pihak kami atau TIC bagi menyertai kami sebagai penarik beca era baharu. 

“Apabila ada pelapis baharu bagi penarik beca, maka pengangkutan ini dapat dikekalkan dan kita akan beri sokongan penuh kepada pihak terbabit dalam usaha mengekalkan pengangkutan tradisional ini sebagai antara produk pelancongan yang masih mendapat sambutan sejak dahulu sehingga kini,” ujarnya.

Sementara itu, seorang penarik beca Che Uda Che Pa, 72, berkata, usaha kerajaan negeri dalam mengekalkan pengangkutan beca tradiosinal yang ditambah baik dengan beca solar hibrid disambut baik. 

Katanya, pengenalan Tek-C itu meningkatkan potensi pelancongan sekali gus memberi sinar baharu kepada nasib penarik beca yang sudah 30 tahun mencari rezeki dalam bidang ini.

-utusan online.