Deputy Prime Minister Praises PATA For Its Contributions

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 APRIL 2012: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin in declaring open the 2012 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Conference here today, praised the 61-year association for its role and contribution in developing the tourism industry.

“The growth of tourism in the Asia and Pacific countries, and in Malaysia, has, no doubt, been contributed to some large extent, by the efforts of PATA, who early on, saw the potential for tourism growth in the area. I thank PATA for the opportunity for Malaysia to be part of an association that has opened up the passage of tourism into the Asia and the Pacific region,” said Tan Sri Muhyiddin.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen said this year’s conference – Building the Business Beyond Profits – promises over 618 delegates from 38 countries, yet another rewarding and informative forum through the participation of some of Asia’s most acclaimed entrepreneurs who are here to share their successful social entrepreneurship business models.

“I believe conclusions drawn from discussions between our distinguished speakers will provide invaluable guidance to travel trade players in driving the sustainable growth of the tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region,” she continued.

“We’re excited to host the 2012 PATA Annual Conference again as it coincides with Tourism Malaysia’s 40th Anniversary. The conference is an excellent platform to showcase Malaysia as a premiere tourist destination and to promote our new products and facilities to the world,” said Tourism Malaysia Acting Director-General, Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin.

Malaysia is hosting the PATA Annual Conference for the fourth time in 40 years.  The country previously hosted PATA Conferences in 1972, 1986 and 2001.

Tourism Malaysia has been an active Government member of PATA since 1965 alongside 80 member organizations in Malaysia.

The conference is considered an ideal platform for delegates comprising travel-related industry players, government and media leaders and officials to experience and acquire new tourism insights from a host of prominent international speakers.

Among the key topics covered over the two-day conference are:

•  PATA Next Generation : PATA’s CEO Martin Craigs will explain the association’s energetic commitment to the “Next Generation” ways of doing things – a fresh state of mind that places new technology, social media, advocacy and a can-do cross sectoral approach at the centre of PATA’s commitment to build business for members.

• Building the Business Beyond Profits – Leading in Challenging Times: Leaders from dynamic emerging markets, the UNWTO, WTTC and PATA debate on what needs to be done to raise the visibility of tourism with G20 political leaders and how such a repositioning could create new business opportunities all along the tourism value chain.

•Opening New Horizons – Building Business Excellence: Experts provide a thought leadership overview on three strategic issues identified as hot button subjects – emerging markets, crisis management and new technology.

• Building Business Excellence – Tourism Roundtable Discussion: Discussion centres on emerging markets, crisis management and new technology.

•The Social Entrepreneurs Challenge – PATA Next Gen Thought Leadership At Its Best: A business plan competition targeted at undergraduate tourism students at PATA member education institutions who have been tasked to present new and social business ideas as investment-ready business plans for companies.

•ASEAN 2015 – Great Expectations: 1 Vision, 1 Identity, 1 Community : 10 ASEAN nations have pledged themselves to radical changes inherent in a large measure of economic union, scheduled for 2015. What are the opportunities and implications for travel and tourism? Will ASEAN become a borderless tourism job market?

Founded in 1951, PATA is a membership association acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. Working in partnership with the private and public sector members, PATA enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Short History of Malaysia & PATA

1951 - The Pacific Interim Travel Association (PITA) was established in Honolulu, Hawaii.

1953 - During the 2nd annual conference, attended by 75 delegates, PITA changed its named to Pacific Area Travel Association or PATA. The name change reflected the growing prominence of the Asia-Pacific region as a focal point of global tourists.


1959 - Malaysia government establishes Tourism Department. There was no ministry yet to solely look into the affairs of tourism.


1961 - Setup of 1st PATA chapters in New Zealand and Hong Kong. The development of the chapter system was an effort to involve professionals in the travel and tourism industry who could not participate in PATA's activities or attend annual conferences and workshops, and to expand PATA's presence in previously untapped markets.


1966 - PATA helps to setup School of Tourism Industry Management for the University of Hawaii. Later, PATA Foundation was also created to help preserve culture and heritage in Asia Pacific.


1972 - Kuala Lumpur hosts PATA annual conference for the first time. That same year, the Tourism Department was upgraded to become TDC.


1974 - TDC Malaysia was established to promote the tourism industry further.


1986 - Malaysia hosted PATA for the 2nd time. It was during this time that PATA changes its name from  Pacific Area Travel Association to Pacific Asia Travel Association to reflect the ever-increasing importance of Asia in commerce and world affairs.


1987 - Fresh from hosting PATA the previous year, the Malaysian Government decided to establish the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism.


2001 - Kuala Lumpur played host to PATA annual conference for the 3rd time.


2004 - The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism was renamed Ministry of Tourism.


2012 - Tourism Malaysia celebrates its 40th anniversary. Tourism Ministry host PATA annual conference for the 4th time.


-Malaysian Reserve.

PATA Malaysia Chapter Gallery

-Tourism Malaysia.

Selamat Datang PATA 2012 Delegates

Pelancongankini also welcome PATA 2012 Delegates to MALAYSIA Truly Asia. May PATA Annual Conference 2012 will be a successful and wonderful meet.
-Pelancongankini.

Promoting 100 best kopitiams in Malaysia to the world

BUTTERWORTH: The Tourism Ministry will come up with a list of 100 best kopitiam in Malaysia to promote the nation’s unique coffee shop trade internationally.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the Malaysia-Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors’ General Association would help identify such coffee shops and prepare the list by June. “Our traditional kopitiam (Chinese coffee shops) is a unique heritage that can only be found in Malaysia. “It is time that we promoted the kopitiam globally, but they must always maintain their identity,” she said after opening the association’s annual general meeting at Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya here yesterday. Dr Ng said coffee shop owners must transform themselves according to the times, stressing that they should upgrade their services as well as maintain cleanliness and hygiene at the highest levels.

“An average tourist to Malaysia last year spent about RM300 or 17% from an average expenditure of RM2,260 on food and drinks. “So, we should see how our coffee shops can use this opportunity to benefit from the country’s expanding tourism industry,” she said.

At the moment, she said, many tourists patronised franchise restaurants instead of the traditional kopitiam due to poor hygiene, noting that Malaysian kopitiam must rise up to the desired standards. Dr Ng said the association should also consider forming a co-operative to generate various benefits for fellow members, adding that it was easier for members under a co-operative to obtain bank loans to expand their businesses. “I do agree with the association’s thoughts of wanting to form an institution to groom kopitiam operators and instill greater professionalism among them. “But, they must also look into the necessary curriculum and human resources to provide the training and how that will transform our kopitiam industry,” she said.

Association president Ho Su Meng, said the association, which owned an eight-storey building in Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, had applied for financial assistance from the Government to help open an institution costing about RM1mil. The association, which was formed in 1946, he said, has over 20,000 members in Malaysia and Singapore.-thestar online.

Pelan bangun pelancongan Islam

TELOK KEMANG 18 April - Satu pelan pembangunan industri pelancongan Islam strategik sedang dirangka oleh Pusat Pelancongan Islam (ITC) bagi membolehkan ia digunapakai sehingga tahun 2020 bagi mengembangkan industri berkenaan.

Ketua Pengarahnya Abdul Rahman Shaari menjelaskan, bagi melaksanakannya, pihak ITC telah melantik sebuah syarikat perunding bagi membuat kajian mengenainya yang akan mengambil masa enam bulan. ''Berdasarkan kajian itu nanti satu cadangan strategi secara keseluruhannya akan disediakan bukan saja setakat untuk membawa lebih ramai pelancong ke negara ini, malah menjadikan Malaysia sebagai pusat rujukan pelancongan Islam

''Setakat ini pihak kami telah pun menerima laporan pertama hasil kajian itu dan hasil keseluruhan dijangka diterima hujung tahun ini. ITC juga menjangkakan apabila ia dilaksanakan ia akan menjadikan negara ini sebagai pelopor hab pelancongan Islam," katanya kelmarin.

Abdul Rahman berkata demikian selepas menghadiri Seminar Serantau Membangunkan Pelancongan Islam di Klana Beach Resort, Port Dickson yang dirasmikan oleh Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bertindak Pelancongan, Perpaduan, Kebudayaan, Kesenian, Warisan dan Adat Istiadat Melayu, Datuk Mohammad Razi Kail. Jelas beliau, melalui potensi pasaran sebanyak 50 negara Islam yang mempunyai tidak kurang daripada 1.6 bilion penganut agama Islam, peluang adalah sangat besar untuk menarik lebih ramai pelancong Islam ke Malaysia

Mengenai seminar itu, Abdul Rahman berkata, tujuannya adalah untuk mengenal pasti keperluan pelancong yang datang ke negara ini. ''Apa yang kita mahu supaya konsep ini bukan hanya sekadar untuk umat Islam semata-mata, namun ia boleh diperluaskan kepada mereka yang berminat melancong ke negara ini," katanya.

-Utusan Online.

Tune Hotel to revamp existing hotel portfolio

IPOH: Tune Hotel plans to revamp its existing line of hotels according to the standards of its newly launched hotel here, said Tune Hotel’s group chief operating officer, Mark Lankester. “We will invest several million ringgit in the existing hotels. “The revamp is expected to complete in five years’ time,” he told reporters after the opening of Tune Hotel Ipoh yesterday by Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng, secretary general of Tourism Ministry, on behalf of Minister of Tourism Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Lankester said Tune Hotel Ipoh, costing RM20mil and strategically located on Horley Street, would be the benchmark as it carried a more fun, funky and sleek image. “All the current Tune Hotels will take on the new look while all new hotels in development will feature the new brand standards,” he added. He also said Tune Hotel aimed for 90% occupancy rate and projected more than five mil guests staying at its hotels by the end of this year.

In conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2012, he said Tune Hotel Ipoh provided an option for local and international visitors to the state to stay in a world class accommodation at extremely affordable rates. Meanwhile, Ong said Malaysia received 24.7 million tourist arrivals in 2011, which generated a total of RM58.3bil in tourism receipts. “We are expecting the number of tourists to grow and projected RM60bil in tourism receipts this year,” he added.

Tune Hotel Ipoh, which is the 11th Tune Hotel in Malaysia, offers 121 rooms, including 80 double rooms, 40 twin rooms and one wheelchair-friendly room. In providing comfortable stay, the new family-friendly interconnecting rooms provide convenience to guests travelling with young children and families.
-Bernama.
http://www.tunehotels.com/

Tourism package to Malaysia and the Philippines in the works, says Yen Yen

KUALA LUMPUR: A holiday tour package of a visit to Malaysia and the Philippines in a single trip will be offered soon. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said it was still discussing details of the collaboration with Filipino tour operators and government representatives. “The package will allow tourists to Malaysia to also visit one place in the Philippines. Likewise, visitors to the Philippines can also spend a few days in Malaysia.

“It will be similar to the Unesco 1,2,3 World Heritage Sites Travel Package introduced in 2010, which brings tourists to three Unesco world heritage sites under one package – Malacca, Penang and Borobudur, Yogjakarta. “Packages like these enable visitors from other countries to experience the various cultures of this region in one trip,” she said.

Dr Ng said this when announcing the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) Annual Conference 2012, which will be held here on April 21-22, and launched by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Themed “Building the Business Beyond Profits”, it will be the fourth time that Malaysia will host the event, which is expected to be attended by 600 participants from 38 countries. “This year’s conference will discuss topics focusing on “Tourism with a social agenda”, such as the role of youth in tourism, tourism within the context of the Asean community and rural tourism.

“This is very much in line with my ministry’s philosophy and direction for this year — that the role of the tourism industry in the country is not just for economic gain but serves to protect, preserve and conserve our natural and cultural heritage,” she said. She added that tourism should also serve to bridge the divide between economic groups, adding that her ministry hoped to achieve this by promoting rural tourism.

Improving the homestay system and offering local art and craft workshops for tourists were some of the ways of developing rural areas as tourist destinations, which would in turn benefit the rural community, she said. “We are also pushing for green and sustainable tourism in which we encourage hotels and resorts to reduce their carbon footprint, recycle and promote sightseeing by cycling instead of driving,” she said.
-thestar online.

PATA Annual Conference 2012 In Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 17 April, 2012: The Minister of Tourism, Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, officially announced today Malaysia’s role as the host of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Conference 2012 in Malaysia. The conference will be held in Kuala Lumpur from 21 to 22 April 2012 at The Royale Chulan. Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Haji Mohd. Yassin is scheduled to declare the conference open on 21 April.

This is the fourth time that Malaysia is hosting the event after the first three in 1972, 1986 and 2001. This year’s conference, themed “Building the Business Beyond Profits,” will focus on corporate social responsibility in the tourism industry.

The logo for the event is an image of a sea turtle, depicted with sunglasses, exuding a casual and carefree mood in line with the spirit of holiday-making. The green shell of the turtle denotes fresh new ideas and innovations that stimulate the growth of the industry. The orange circular background, which resembles the sunrise and sunset, reflects Malaysia’s tropical climate and year-round sunshine which provides the ideal setting for a wide range of tourist activities.

Malaysia’s iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower reflect the nation’s dynamic growth and progress in the 21st century. The development is perfectly complemented by Malaysia’s lush greenery, which is portrayed by the patch of grass in the background. It also signifies the tourism industry’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. The turtle shell bears the words, “PATA Annual Conference 2012 Malaysia” and the theme of this year’s conference, “Building the Business Beyond Profits.”

This design is inspired by the logo of the 1986 PATA Annual Conference which captured the hearts of people all over. The new logo takes a nostalgic look at the past, while outlining the dynamic growth and development that Malaysia has achieved in the ensuing years.

Dato’ Sri Ng later distributed several PATA collaterals to industry members including taxi drivers, tour bus coaches and retail outlets nearby, in efforts to increase the awareness of the conference.

A total of 532 delegates from more than 30 countries are expected to take part in this year’s conference, with more than 50 foreign media including BBC, Time, CNN, among them. Tourism Malaysia has been an active Government member of PATA since 1965 alongside 80 member organisations in Malaysia.
-Tourism Malaysia.

MyCEB Striding Into Korea With Sales Mission Programme

Kuala Lumpur, 17 April 2012 – The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Tourism Malaysia and its industry partners are geared up for the upcoming Malaysia Business Events Roadshow in Korea starting from 16th April to 18th April this year. Targeting meeting planners and incentive agents, MyCEB’s inaugural roadshow to the country also known as ‘the land of the morning calm’ will cover two cities namely Busan and Seoul.

This strategic initiative by MyCEB, together with support from Tourism Malaysia aims to promote Malaysia as a meetings and incentive destination to the outbound Korean corporate and incentive market; and to identify new business potential for Malaysia. Among the programme lined up include a business presentation and a buyer-meet-seller session. The Malaysian team will also hosts an appreciation dinner reception for the meeting planners and incentive agents.

The trend of business tourism relationship between Malaysia and Korea is very encouraging.
Previously in 2011, Malaysia has received visits from Korean companies such as Prudential Korea, LG Ericsson Korea, SK Telecom, Woongjin Coway Co. and Woori Bank. The largest incentive tour from the country in 2011 was from the Korean Ministry of Education which recorded more than 1,000 delegates.

“This sales mission will definitely benefit Korean and Malaysian business tourism industry
by providing an opportunity for Korean buyers to meet and engage with our Malaysian business event providers. The launch of Malaysia’s Twin Deal Programme for Korea further demonstrates MyCEB’s commitment to accelerate the business growth from the country,” said Mr Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB.

The Malaysia Twin Deal Programme (“the Programme”) for Korea which will be launched during the sales mission is an initiative to attract more Korean corporate and incentive groups to Malaysia. The Programme, which was first launched in China last year, has since been one of MyCEB’s most successful worldwide programme and is also now available in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Europe and Taiwan. Aptly named after the Malaysian iconic structure, the PETRONAS Twin Towers, the “two-pronged” approach offer rewards for both incentive planners and participants, and further enhances the success of their events.

According to Ms Ho Yoke Ping, General Manager of Sales and Marketing, MyCEB, “Deal 1 offers value added support for participants and among the privileges lined up to be experienced are complimentary Malaysian cultural entertainment during welcome dinner or gala dinner, fast-track immigration clearance, partial sponsorship for F&B and police escorts for participants’
various transfers. As a unique added touch, each participant will be presented with special welcome packs containing an exclusive souvenir made from Malaysian batik”.

Ms Ho continued, “Deal 2 offers incentive rewards for Corporate and Incentive Planners and is
based on cumulative numbers of participants. The Corporate & Incentive Planners will be able to redeem vacation packages to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, inclusive of return air tickets, accommodation at 5 star hotel, spa session and other goodies. To date, MyCEB have ‘booked’ over 9,000 participants from China under the Programme. “We decided to launch the
Programme in Korea based on its past success but with a twist for the Korean market. MyCEB would like to invite all event planners in Korea to grab this opportunity and to experience what Malaysia has to offer in terms of incentive products and services”, added Ms Ho.

Malaysia’s Twin Deal programme is applicable to corporate and incentive groups from Korea. Confirmed bookings must be made between April 2012 to April 2013 for group arrival period from 15 April 2012 to 31 December 2013.

To know more about Malaysia’s Twin Deal, meeting planners and incentive agents are invited to contact MyCEB on Tel +603 2034 2090 or Email sales@myceb.com.my
-MyCEB.

Shrek-tacular show in June

KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism Ministry is officially lending its support to Shrek The Musical, anticipating the show to be a Shrek-tacular event. The musical is set to bring in an estimated revenue of RM26mil to the country, according to Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

MyCEB was established in 2010 as part of the Economic Transformation Programme by the ministry to specifically bid and secure international events. At the press launch of the musical at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday, MyCEB general manager Tony Nagamaiah said that at least 3,000 foreign tourists were expected to flock to Kuala Lumpur the show's only stop in South-East Asia. “By 2020, MyCEB's objective is to showcase Malaysia as the global centre for international events. It is important that we look at events that can bring in high returns to the country,” said Nagamaiah.

Brought in by Yvents! from the United States, the musical is based on the 2001 Oscar-winning animated Dreamworks film Shrek that centres on the life of a widely-feared green ogre who falls in love with a beautiful princess. Nagamaiah lauded Yvents! for raising Malaysia's profile as a destination for global events. “Our partnership with Yvents! for Shrek The Musical is a great example of a public-private initiative,” he added. Yvents! managing director Yvette Kang expressed her gratitude to MyCEB and the ministry. “Without their support, it really would have been an uphill task for us to bring a show of this size to Malaysia,” she said.

Currently playing to rave reviews in London's West End, Shrek The Musical will feature 19 original songs and beloved characters like Donkey, Lord Farquaad and a host of fairy tale creatures as well as spectacular costumes and sets. The Star is the media partner for the show while HSBC Bank is the official credit card. Also present at the event was The Star managing editor June H. L. Wong.

Shrek The Musical will play at Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, from June 19 to 24. Tickets, priced at RM190, RM290, RM390, RM490 and RM590 (excluding RM3 ticketing fee), are available from TicketsPeople at 03-2287 2727, ticketspeople.com or at the information counter at Bangsar Village, Kuala Lumpur. HSBC credit card holders will enjoy a 10% to 15% discount.
-thestar online.

Sabah To Test International Golfer's Mettle At The 2012 WAITGC

Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), April 16, 2012 – In a continuous effort to promote Malaysia as a golfing and holiday destination, Tourism Malaysia is once again organising the World Amateur Inter Team Golf Championship (WAITGC) from 16 to 19 April in Sabah, which sees 30 teams – made up of 116 foreign and four Malaysian golfers – pit their skills against each other in the second leg of this season. 

Australia has the highest number of 16 teams taking part, followed by Brunei with 10 teams, Japan with two teams, Sweden with one team and Malaysia with one team. The race for a place in the grand final of the 19^th season of WAITGC takes place on two of Kota Kinabalu’s world-class golf courses. 

The breathtaking layout of Sutera Harbour Resort will host the first two rounds of play. Located about five minutes away from the city-centre, the 27-hole Graham Marsh designed championship course covers the Lake, Heritage and Garden nines. The beautifully landscaped layout features undulating terrain dotted by many water hazards and strategically placed bunkers adding more bite to the seaside challenge. 

The participants will then move on to the next challenge, for the last two rounds of play at the 6,197-metre, par 72 Dalit Bay Golf and Country Club. Designed by Ted Parslow, the course is located about 35km northeast of Kota Kinabalu and nestles in the heart of the Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort. The 18-hole wetlands course is bordered by the Mengkabong and Tambalang rivers with the former mangrove swamp offering a fusion of risks and rewards to delight and test the skills of golfers of all skill levels. 

Dalit Bay’s signature hole is the 163-metre, Hole 11. It is a relatively easy par 3 with the South China Sea surrounding the tee. The challenge lies in cutting across the Tambalang river mouth in order to land the ball on a gently contoured green flanked by bunkers. The imposing sight of the majestic Mount Kinabalu in the background crafts a unique marking point for the pin. 

WAITGC is played in Strokeplay gross for the gross category and Stableford for the nett category. Since its inaugural debut in 1994, WAITGC has emerged as a well-regarded tournament and is one of the highly anticipated golfing events. Organized by Tourism Malaysia, it attracts more than 500 participants every year. The home-grown event does not only test the participants golfing skills but also encourages them to discover Malaysia’s culture, tradition, delectable cuisines and many more. Also open to the media, it consequently boosts the stature of the championship and puts Malaysia on the world stage. 

The World Amateur Inter Team Golf Championship is managed by the Golf Club Managers Association of Malaysia (GCMAM) and sanctioned by the Malaysian Golf Association. For more information, please contact the WAITGC secretariat at 03-5633 2079/5634 2078 or click on www.ewaitgc.com.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tribute to Musicals @ KLPAC

Date: 20 & 21 April 2012

Time: 8.30 pm

Venue: Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre

-www.klpac.org

Stringfever Live in Malaysia @ Istana Budaya

Date: 12~13 May 2012

Time 8.30pm

Venue: Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur

-www.istanabudaya.gov.my

Labour Day Fireworks Celebration @ Resort World Genting

Date: 1 May 2012

Time: 7.30pm onwards

Venue: Merdeka Stage, Genting Outdoor Theme Park, Malaysia

-www.rwgenting.com

Yen Yen: Gopeng can be heritage town

GOPENG: Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen has urged the Perak government to conduct an in-depth study on the feasibility of gazetting Gopeng as a heritage town.

She said the town had enough historical gems to be accorded such a status. “Gopeng is a town rich in history with many beautiful buildings. It is important to ensure these structures are not demolished. 

“Periodic maintenance work must be carried out to preserve these buildings and I hope the state government can conduct such a study,” she said after opening the 1Malaysia Cultural and Tourism Carnival here Saturday. Dr Ng said Gopeng had many places of interest which could be promoted by tourism companies through unique travel packages.

Earlier, the minister said 24.6 million foreign tourists visited Malaysia last year, spending an average RM1.1bil a week. She said the ministry would work harder to attract more tourists to the country this year.

Dr Ng also lauded Gopeng MCA's election preparations and its service to the people in the constituency. “I can see that they have been working hard and doing a good job,” she said, adding that the division was now more prepared and united as a team.

On the likely candidate for the Gopeng parliamentary constituency, Dr Ng said it was still under discussion. “The party president will decide on the candidates after gathering information and feedback from the people, non-governmental organisations and other sources,” she said.

-thestar online.

Tourism Malaysia And JATA Concluded A "Memorandum Of Joint Initiative For 1 Million Tourists To Malaysia"

TOKYO, 13 April 2012: Tourism Malaysia and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) have concluded a “Memorandum of Joint Initiative for 1 million tourists to Malaysia” with a signing ceremony on 10 April 2012 at the Tokyo Four Seasons Hotel Chinzanso (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo). 

Tourism Malaysia was represented by its Deputy Director General (Marketing), Mdm. Chong Yoke Har, who is currently leading a sales mission in Japan, while JATA was represented by its Deputy Chairman, Mr. Takashi Sasaki. Mdm. Chong Yoke Har thanked JATA for their enthusiasm in implementing the Memorandum of Joint Initiative for this 1 million tourists project. 

“This is our first programme to attract a million Japanese tourists to Malaysia by the year 2014. If successful, it will be a big milestone for the Malaysian tourism industry. We look forward to warmly welcome all Japanese visitors especially those who have yet to visit Malaysia,” Mdm. Chong commented.

Mr. Takashi Sasaki said that destination development strategy is in its first trial stage for JATA. He believed that the targeted number of 1 million travellers to Malaysia is a stable and achievable number. “In terms of promoting this project, we will place our efforts on expanding tourism exchange programmes, as well as encouraging mutual understanding, and improving relations between Japan and Malaysia,” Mr. Sasaki added.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Firefly increases frequencies between Subang - Langkawi to meet school holiday demand

SUBANG: Firefly will add four weekly flights on its Subang - Langkawi route to meet school holiday demand. The additional frequencies, from May 25 to June 10 will be on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

With these additional flights, the total number of weekly flights between Subang and Langkawi will increase from 10 to 14 and result in an increase of weekly seats on this route from 1,440 to 2,016.

Firefly’s Head of Marketing & Communications, Angelina C Fernandez said Firefly’s move to increase frequency during this peak travel season is also in line with Tourism Malaysia’s initiative to promote domestic tourism.

Angelina said: “Langkawi is a great family destination with plenty of family oriented activities. Besides water based recreation such as swimming, snorkeling and island hopping, there are many educational and fun experiences that parents with young children can do together such as experiencing the cable car ride on Mt Machincang and visiting Underwater World Langkawi which has a large collection of marine animals.

“Langkawi is also famous for its duty-free shopping and has a wide selection of tax-exempted goods ranging from electrical equipment and gadgets to cosmetics, fragrances, chocolates, cigars and more.”

Seats on the extra flights are available for sale.

Flight schedule

Subang - Langkawi/ Langkawi - Subang

From May 25, 2012 to June 10, 2012

Flight No	Route	Departure	Arrival	Flight Time	Days
FY2050	Subang - Langkawi	10.25am	11.40am	1 hour 15 min	Daily
FY2054	Subang - Langkawi	12.00pm	1.15pm	1 hour 15 min	Tues, Thurs, Sat
FY6034	Subang - Langkawi	12.00pm	1.15pm	1 hour 15 min	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
FY2051	Langkawi - Subang	12.00pm	1.15pm	1 hour 15 min	Daily
FY2055	Langkawi - Subang	1.35pm	2.50pm	1 hour 15 min	Tues, Thurs, Sat
FY6035	Langkawi - Subang	1.35pm	2.50pm	1 hour 15 min	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

-www.fireflyz.com