WaterWorld @ i-City

-i-City.
http://i-city.my/attractions_city.php

Time to Travel with Malaysia Airlines - National Air Carrier Offers Irresistible Travel Deals

Subang, 25 October 2012 : Malaysia Airlines is sharing its 40th Anniversary celebrations with customers by offering not-to-miss deals for domestic and international air travel.

Great deals, under the banner of “40 Years of Amazing Journeys Together", with economy class airfares discounted up to 20% and 35% off current market fares for Malaysian domestic travel and international travel respectively are up for grabs from now till 5th Nov 2012. Likewise business class fares, discounted up to 40% for domestic travel and 45% for international travel from existing offers are available for bookings now. These fares are valid for travel with immediate effect till 30 June 2013.

These offers cover fares from Malaysia to various Malaysia Airlines’ destinations in South East Asia, North Asia, South Asia, Australia, North America and Europe.

Malaysia Airlines Regional Senior Vice President for Malaysia/ASEAN, Encik Muzammil Mohamad said, “It has been 40 wonderful years with numerous milestones for Malaysia Airlines. This year as we introduced the A380 into our fleet we had our 5-Star Airline status renewed by Skytrax, and in commemoration of the 4 decades of flying as Malaysia Airlines and delivering the world renowned Malaysian Hospitality, we have launched a series of year-long activities to celebrate the 40 years of support from customers and staff. This promotion is one of the many campaigns during the celebrations where we invite our customers to enjoy great deals and travel with us".

“The economy class fare to London starts from only RM3409. This is a promotional fare for travel on our latest flagship product, the A380 where customers can look forward to experiencing our premium services on-board the A380. The world-class meals, beverages, in-flight entertainment and other facilities will surely be a traveler’s delight”, added Muzammil.

Other European destinations that are up for grabs are Paris and Frankfurt which starts from an all-inclusive RM2889 for return economy class travel while business class travel from Kuala Lumpur to London starts from only RM11019.

In the South East Asia region, the economy class return fares to Medan starts from only RM369, to Singapore from only RM509 and to Brunei and Siem Reap from only RM569. Business class fares to Singapore starts from RM1379.

Travel to destinations in China such as Shanghai and Beijing are priced starting from RM1279 for economy class. For a fare starting from only RM1379, customers are able to fly to Kunming on economy class while economy class travel to Taipei is up for grabs starting from only RM1159 and RM1669 onwards to Osaka. Business class fares to Shanghai and Beijing is priced starting from only RM3179.

For South Asian destinations, customers can fly economy class to Mumbai from RM1609 and to Chennai for an attractive fare starting from only RM1169. Business class fares to Mumbai starts from RM5529 and to Chennai, fares are up for grabs from RM2439.

For this holiday season, customers can take a break down-under with attractive fares to Sydney and Brisbane from only RM2189 or to Melbourne from only RM2169. Business class fare to Sydney starts from RM6579.

The national carrier is also offering an amazing fare starting from only RM3909 on economy class to Los Angeles.

On the home-front, flying out from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Langkawi or Johor Bahru on economy class starts from only RM244, RM274 and RM254 respectively. This is an exciting offer for the school holidays season.

Fly to Kuching or Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur with fares starting from only RM458. On Business class, fares to both destinations start from only RM1568 and RM1968 respectively.

In conjunction with this 40th anniversary campaign, MASholidays, the travel arm of Malaysia Airlines has also designed all-inclusive attractive package tours for customers. A 5 days 4 nights London-Paris Eurostar package is priced from only RM5240 including the Eurostar train tickets. The 4 days 3 nights Hong Kong Disneyland tour package starts from only RM2540 and it includes the Disneyland day ticket. Malaysia Airlines is also promoting a skiing adventure with a 6days 4nights Korea Ski Spectacular package from only RM3740.

Encik Muzammil said, "The above mentioned offers are only a fraction of what this campaign has to offer. We urge customers to check out all our wonderful offers via all Malaysia Airlines distribution channels. Customers can also participate in the Spend & Win contest at the MITM Travel Fair from 26 October - 28 October 2012. To be in the running to win free holidays to Sydney, Hong Kong and Bali, all you have to do is purchase a Malaysia airlines ticket or a MASholidays package using your MasterCard.” he further added.

All the above and more offers are available in the MITM Travel Fair from 26-28 October 2012 at MidValley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur. MASholidays booth numbers are 2011/12 and 2021/22.

These offers are also available to customers at all distribution channels mainly www.malaysiaairlines.com, Malaysia Airlines 24 hours toll free number 1 300 88 3000, MH Buddy in Malaysia Airlines Facebook, MHmobile, Malaysia Airlines ticket offices and appointed agents throughout Malaysia. MASholidays packages can also be booked online at holiday.malaysiaairlines.com and at MAS ticketing offices at KL Sentral and Skypark, Subang.

-Malaysia Airlines.

Selangor teams up with South-east Asian operators for homestays

Selangor is aiming to be the first Malaysian state to jointly market its 15 homestay offerings with other homestay operators across Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam by 2014.

Arshad Mustafa, director, Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, Selangor Office, explained that joint marketing efforts with overseas homestay operators would benefit homestay visitors to Selangor, opening up the possibility of visiting multiple homestays across different countries within a single itinerary.

“The first step is to create a portal for all 15 homestays in Selangor. We hope to have (the portal) ready in December,” he said. “We will (then) invite homestay operators overseas to participate in next year’s Selangor Homestay Carnival, scheduled for November (2013). There will be seminars where operators are able to exchange ideas, as well as a B2C event where the Malaysian public can purchase homestay packages.”

From January to August 2012, the 15 homestay operators in Selangor hosted 25,246 guests, of whom 3,416 were from overseas. Almost half of these foreign visitors were from Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Revenues received from homestay visitors during this period totalled RM1.14 million (US$374,000).

-TTG Asia.

http://www.go2homestay.com/

Woods still loves course he first graced at World Cup 13 years ago

Silihouette of a legend:Tiger Woods chipping the ball on the second hole during the pro-am Wednesday.

Tiger Woods will be looking to renew his love affair with the course and get over his Ryder Cup frustrations in the CIMB Classic, which begins at the Mines Resort and Golf Club today.

A large crowd followed the 14-time Major winner as he played the entire course with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the pro-am – with minders in tow – despite the blazing sun yesterday. But Woods clearly loved every minute of the attention.

The 36-year-old, whose mother is from Thailand, was happy to return to the venue where he partnered American Mark O’Meara to World Cup victory in 1999. “It’s great to be back. It’s been a long time. The course looks the same as it did 13 years ago,” said Woods. “To be able to hold off the Spaniards and win the World Cup ... my first one was a lot of fun and having to do it with Mark was even better.

“It’s not cold outside, so it will be a nice test this week. The golf course is in good shape even though it’s got a lot of rain on it. It’s very soft and a there’re few mud balls out there. But overall, it’s pretty good,” added Woods, who last played in Asia in 2010, finishing joint-sixth at the WGC-HSBC Champions.

He has since put the damaging sex scandal behind him and is back at world No. 2 after three wins on the PGA Tour this year. Woods is also glad to see that he still has such a good following despite his long absence from this part of the world.

“People sometimes forget that my mom was born here, in Asia, so to me Asia does feel like home. I’m very used to the culture, it’s how I was raised. “I’ve just really enjoyed my time, throughout the years, that I’ve spent in Asia. “I think in general, over the years, it’s been a maturing process. “When I first came out here, being 20, 21 years old, this was all new to me.

“This was very different than college golf and very different than amateur golf. It took me a few years to get used to it,” said Woods, who headlines a 48-man field after a year in which he made progress with technical changes but could not claim a Major or the Ryder Cup.

That was clearly not lost on him as he admitted to be “irritated” at failing to close the gap on Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 Majors. Woods’ last Major win was the 2008 US Open.

“I’ve always said winning one Major championship turns a good year into a great year. “I’ve had years where I’ve won five times on the Tour – it’s a really good year, no doubt, but winning a Major championship just makes it a great year.

“I think it’s very similar to what tennis has in the Grand Slams. Guys can have seven, eight, nine-win seasons, but if they don’t win a Slam, it’s not a great year. I think it’s the same thing in golf,” said Woods, who is heading to China after the weekend for an exhibition tournament with world No. 1 Rory McIlroy.

-thestar.

http://www.cimbclassic.com/

Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia NIGHT TOURISM FAIR Kembali Lagi!

SHAH ALAM, 23 OKT 2012: Tourism Malaysia menyasarkan seramai 70,000 pengunjung dengan jualan keseluruhan pakej pelancongan domestik sebanyak RM400,000 pada edisi kedua Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia (CC1M) Night Tourism Fair yang akan diadakan pada 2 hingga 4 November 2012 di i-City, Shah Alam.

Sasaran yang ditetapkan ini adalah bersandarkan kepada sambutan memberangsangkan daripada orang ramai pada edisi sulung CC1M Night Tourism Fair pada tahun 2011 yang melibatkan 66 pempamer daripada pelbagai agensi pelancongan dan pengusaha produk pelancongan yang telah berjaya menjual sebanyak 992 buah pakej jualan bernilai RM218,024.82 sepanjang tiga hari pameran berlangsung, manakala dianggarkan sebanyak 40% lagi terjual selepas pameran berlangsung.

Pada tahun ini, 68 organisasi yang terdiri daripada pelbagai agensi pelancongan tempatan, organisasi perhotelan, sektor pengangkutan serta agensi-agensi berkaitan akan menyertai pameran pelancongan domestik waktu malam ini.

CC1M Night Tourism Fair kali ini akan turut menyelitkan acara ‘Karnival Homestay Selangor’ bagi meningkatkan promosi inap desa di kalangan para pelancong domestik dan ekspatriat. Para pengusaha inap desa yang terlibat akan mempamerkan pelbagai produk dan pakej sambil membuat demonstrasi kraftangan serta persembahan kebudayaan tradisional yang menjadi tarikan di kampung masing-masing seperti kuda kepang, cempuling, ghazal dan sebagainya.

Para pengunjung pameran pelancongan ini akan turut dihiburkan dengan pelbagai segmen menarik seperti persembahan pelbagai artis tempatan, alunan permainan angklong, persembahan kebudayaan Mah Meri dan persembahan Boboiboy selain terdapat pertandingan mewarna, melukis karikatur, seni lukisan pasir, kuiz pelancongan dan pelbagai lagi persembahan menarik.

CC1M Night Tourism Fair merupakan salah satu usaha Tourism Malaysia untuk membantu mempromosikan pelbagai produk pelancongan domestik secara lebih bersepadu di samping memperkasakan lagi kempen domestik Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia di kalangan masyarakat tempatan.

Pameran pelancongan domestik ini juga diadakan pada waktu malam supaya lebih santai dan memudahkan orang ramai untuk membeli pelbagai pakej pelancongan domestik secara terus pada harga yang kompetitif dan berpatutan. Pameran selama tiga hari ini akan bermula dari jam 5.00 petang dan berakhir pada pukul 12.00 tengah malam.

Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan Malaysia, YB Dato Dr. James Dawos Mamit dijangka akan merasmikan pameran pelancongan Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Night Tourism Fair pada 2 November 2012, jam 8.00 malam bertempat di i-City, Shah Alam, Selangor.

Untuk sebarang maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Tourism Malaysia - Selangor di talian 03-5510 9100.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Air France to fly to KLIA in April 2013

PETALING JAYA (Oct 24, 2012): Air France will start flying to Kuala Lumpur from the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in France on April 22 next year, with an initial schedule of three weekly departures. In a statement today, Air France said it will be mounting a B777-200, which has a seat capacity of 247, on the new route.

In Asia, Kuala Lumpur will be the 15th destination served by Air France. This new service is in addition to the 205 weekly flights operated between Paris, Amsterdam and Asia by Air France and KLM. This flight complements the flight offering between Malaysia and Europe, with the daily flight already operated by KLM from Kuala Lumpur.

In combination with KLM flights, Air France-KLM Group offers 17 weekly flights from Malaysia to Europe; seven of them with KLM codeshare partner Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam.

Air France-KLM country manager for Malaysia, Estee Ng, said ticket booking will open on Nov 9 2012. "With 110,000 French tourists visiting Malaysia last year and the strong trade relations with France, it is a growing market and there is a tremendous potential for Air France-KLM to use it as a tactical location for our presence in Southeast Asia.

"Customers wishing to travel to Indonesia from Europe will also benefit from connecting opportunities to Jakarta offered by KLM," she added. Air France-KLM is a result of a merger between Air France and KLM in 2004.

-thesundaily.

Royal Brunei ups frequencies to Kuala Lumpur

From December 13, Royal Brunei Airlines will add three more flights a week to its Bandar Seri Begawan-Kuala Lumpur route, bringing the total number of weekly flights from seven to 10.

The three extra flights depart on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, doubling the number of flights to the Malaysian capital on these days. Scheduled to leave Kuala Lumpur at 12.20, they will touch down at Bandar Seri Begawan at 14.40.

M Nantha Gopal, managing director, Nantha Travel & Tours Kuala Lumpur, said the additional flights would benefit traffic both ways, with Bruneians using Kuala Lumpur as a transit point, and Malaysians flying Royal Brunei Airlines to connect to Bandar Seri Begawan and other cities in the airline’s network. Gopal added that Royal Brunei Airlines offered attractive connections via Bandar Seri Begawan “where airfares could be a bit cheaper compared to other commercial carriers”.

Ganneesh Ramaa,  manager, Luxury Tours Malaysia, said the additional flights are also an avenue for travellers from Australia, China and the UK to travel to Kuala Lumpur and beyond via Bandar Seri Begawan. He said: “(The increase in frequencies) is timely for the peak inbound year-end travel season. We will promote city tours in Kuala Lumpur as well as nature tours to Taman Negara National Park, Cameron Highlands and Penang.”

-TTG Asia.

Asia’s grandest luxury watch and jewellery showcase returns for sixth consecutive time

Coming exhibit: Yeoh (left) with Tourism Ministry deputy secretary-general Dr Junaida Lee Abdullah at ‘A Journey Through Time VI’ press conference.

For the first time in Asia, world renowned brands such as Garrard, Maitres du Temps, Cecil Purnell and Gubelin boutiques will be launched at Starhill Gallery in conjunction with A Journey Through Time VI.

Dubbed Asia’s grandest luxury watch and jewellery showcase, A Journey Through Time VI is set to take place from Nov 22 till Dec 1.

Endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, this year’s event is themed ‘A Masterpiece of Creation’ and throughout the 10 days, the latest and most innovative collections from many of the world’s leading brands will be featured.

Founded by Steven Holtzman, Maitres du Temps aims to make its mark in Kuala Lumpur by not only launching its first Asian boutique but also unveiling the elegant Chapter TWO TCR – Big Date Instantaneous Triple Calendar and the stylish Chapter Three Reveal – It’s a revelation.

The event will also be the platform for Starhill Gallery’s existing tenants to unveil their limited-edition watches including limited-edition 8 pieces of Snake Tourbillon by Boucheron, The “5 Million” Big Bang by Hublot, New Duomètre Sphérotourbillon Dual-Wing by JLC, Pontos S by Maurice Lacroux, Madagascar Collection by Gübelin, Extravaganza Ref 887 by Bedat & Co, Pac Man by Romain Jerome, Precious Temptations Haute Joailler by Chopard and Lacroix by Cecil Purnell.

This year, luxury watch aficionados from around the world can look forward to uncovering the details of how each watch was crafted as well as what makes each separate timepiece unique to others with interactive watch workshops taking place throughout with leading Swiss watchmakers. Additionally, rare private collections will also be on display for the first time so visitors can admire some of the world’s most sought after timepieces.

YTL Corporations Bhd managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh said the Malaysian luxury watch sector is set to soar as Kuala Lumpur continues to position itself as the place to be for a luxury watch aficionado.

“For the last five consecutive years, Starhill Gallery has hosted this spectacular event and has allowed it to grow to become Asia’s most highly anticipated watch and jewellery showcase,” said Yeoh who added that the luxury watch market is recession proof.

Besides the showcase, The Watch of the Year awards ceremony will also be held on the final night of the event with a Gala Dinner.

The winners are selected in seven different categories which include the Favourite Men’s Watch award, the Innovative Design award and the Tourism Malaysia’s Most Revered award to just name a few. The winners will be determined by a panel of judges comprising Yeoh, Dr Bernard Cheong and Dr Frank Müller along with several other highly respected timepiece experts.

With each year passing year, A Journey Through Time has grown from strength to strength and this year the iconic event will feature over 120 leading brands that will participate by exhibiting first-in-market editions of luxurious watches and jewellery pieces amounting to approximately RM1bil in value.

Starhill Gallery’s Adorn floor is the biggest dedicated watch floor in the world and features renowned brands such as Rolex, Franck Muller, Mouawad, Richard Mille, Bedat & Co, Chopard, Van Cleef & Arpels, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Omega, Carrera Y Carrera and Boucheron.
-thestar online.
http://www.ajourneythroughtime.com.my/

Penganjuran Corporate Travel Bazaar 3 / 2012 Dijangka Pikat Komuniti Korporat Tempatan

SHAH ALAM, 23 OKT 2012: Tourism Malaysia akan menganjurkan program Corporate Travel Bazaar (CTB) buat kali ketiga pada 1 November 2012 di Hotel Grand Bluewave, Shah Alam bagi mempromosikan pakej mesyuarat, insentif, konvensyen dan pameran atau MICE kepada pasaran perniagaan domestik.

Seramai 103 orang pengusaha pelancongan (sellers) dari seluruh negara yang terdiri daripada para pengusaha agensi pelancongan, pengusaha hotel dan resort, konsultan latihan dan pengusaha produk pelancongan akan mengambil bahagian dalam program yang semakin diminati di kalangan penggiat Industri.

Program sehari ini akan melibatkan pertemuan dua hala yang berkonsepkan perniagaan ke perniagaan (B2B) antara para pengusaha pelancongan dan para pembeli (buyers) daripada sektor-sektor awam dan korporat di sekitar Lembah Klang; khususnya di Selangor dan Putrajaya.

Antara pakej-pakej yang ditawarkan kepada para pengunjung termasuklah pakej perjalanan insentif, program hari keluarga korporat, program pembinaan pasukan (team building), pakej pelancongan perniagaan dan sebagainya.

Para peserta CTB 3 juga berpeluang untuk mendengar ceramah bertajuk "How to Manage Corporate Events Successfully" yang akan disampaikan oleh Cik Chum FP, pengasas syarikat Events Mastery pada jam 11.00 pagi, 1 November 2012, di Dewan Rebana, Tingkat 1, Hotel Grand Bluewave di Shah Alam.

Menurut Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia, YBhg Dato' Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, penganjuran program CTB 3 ini adalah sejajar dengan misi Tourism Malaysia untuk merangsang pertumbuhan pelancongan domestik dan pendedahan kepada pentingnya sektor MICE.

"Kami berharap agar program ini akan dapat meningkatkan minat komuniti perniagaan tempatan untuk menganjurkan acara-acara korporat mereka seperti mesyuarat, seminar, persidangan, program mencari ketenangan (retreat), perjalanan insentif dan sebagainya di dalam negara sendiri," jelas beliau semasa sidang media Pra-Pelancaran Program Corporate Travel Bazaar 3 2012 di Hotel Grand Bluewave di sini, hari ini.

"Saya percaya bahawa pakej-pakej MICE yang dibangunkan oleh para peserta CTB 3 ini menawarkan fasiliti yang lengkap serta canggih, perkhidmatan yang cemerlang dan berkualiti, tempat-tempat yang menarik dan tinggi mutunya," sambung Dato' Mirza lagi.

Program Corporate Travel Bazaar 3 2012 ini merupakan kesinambungan kepada dua program Corporate Travel Bazaar yang pernah diadakan sebelum ini iaitu di Hotel Hilton, Petaling Jaya pada 2009 dan di Hotel Empire, Subang pada 2011.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines Increases Capacity & Flights Between Malaysia and Taipei

Subang, 23 October 2012 : Malaysia Airlines is pleased to announce the introduction of B737-800 services on its Kota Kinabalu - Taipei route and increased weekly frequencies between Kuala Lumpur and Taipei during the 2012/3 Northern Winter operating schedule, to cater to the growing demand for air travel on this network.

Effective 15 November 2012, its daily flight between Kota Kinabalu and Taipei will be upgraded from the present 144-seater B737-400 to the 160-seater B737-800 aircraft, offering an extra 112 seats weekly in each direction. The B737-800 aircraft with a configuration of 16 business and 144 Economy seats, provides premium travel experience with on-demand in-flight entertainment system at every seat.

Effective 19 February 2013, Malaysia Airlines will also introduce an additional 4 weekly B737-800 flights to the existing daily B737-800 services between Kuala Lumpur and Taipei.

The new flights depart Kuala Lumpur at 1.35am and arrive Taipei at 6.20am every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The inbound flights depart Taipei at 7.55am and arrive Kuala Lumpur at 12.45pm on the same days

Malaysia Airlines Regional Senior Vice President for Malaysia/ASEAN, Encik Muzamil Mohammad said, "With the change of aircraft type and increased services, we will offer 11 flights weekly from Kuala Lumpur and 7 flights weekly from Kota Kinabalu to Taipei, providing a total weekly capacity of 5,760 seats between Malaysia and Taiwan in both directions. This development was also possible due to the significant improvements in the manner we deploy our narrow body aircraft. It has brought the double benefit of allowing us to operate more services for increased revenue generation and by flying the aircraft more often we reduce the cost of every seat kilometre flown”.

“The Malaysian tourism industry is targeted to contribute RM104 billion to the country’s Gross National Income by 2020. To achieve this ambitious growth target, Malaysia will need to achieve 36 million tourist arrivals in 2020 from 24 million in 2009, at approximately 1.5 times growth. Malaysia Airlines will continue to contribute improved tourist arrivals to Malaysia by gradually increasing international connectivity through its own flights and also by leveraging on existing code share arrangements with other full service carriers." added Muzammil.

Malaysia Airlines is also offering attractive offers to Taipei from now till 5 Nov 2012 for the travel period from now till 30 June 2013. The all-inclusive promotional return economy class airfare from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei starts from only RM1159 and starts from RM969 from Kota Kinabalu to Taipei.  The all-inclusive return fare on business class from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei starts from only RM3179 and starts from only RM2679 from Kota Kinabalu to Taipei.

Customers planning their travel on the above services can book and pay through all distribution channels mainly www.malaysiaairlines.com, Malaysia Airlines 24 hours toll free number 1 300 88 3000, MH Buddy in Malaysia Airlines Facebook, MHmobile, Malaysia Airlines ticket offices and appointed agents throughout Malaysia.

-Malaysia Airlines.

Promote Lenggong Valley's eco-tourism actively, says Yen Yen

Dr Ng (second from left) presenting a coffee-table book to Lenggong District Council president Faizal Nizam (second from right)

LENGGONG: Tourism industry players should be actively involved to promote eco-tourism in the Lenggong Valley, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

She said the Lenggong District Council should meet the industry players and come up with packages to attract nature-loving tourists. She said while the ministry plays an advisory role in developing an overall tourism master plan, the local authorities have a better picture of programmes they wish to introduce.

"The ministry can help by installing "Welcome to Lenggong" signboards in the district," she told reporters at Tasik Raban Resort here Tuesday. Dr Ng said the Lenggong Valley was already a marketable eco-tourism product because of its pristine archaeological sites and natural environment.

"It is now time for the local council and tourism players to step up their promotional efforts," she said, adding that tourism packages introduced must not damage the original appearance of the archaeological sites and early cave settlements. Some of the important sites in the Lenggong Valley are Kota Tampan, Bukit Jawa at Kampung Gelok and Kampung Temelong.

The Lenggong Valley, about 100km north of Ipoh, was recognised as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in July this year. On the performance of eco-tourism promotion, Dr Ng said Sabah and Sarawak were two exemplary states.

"The local industry players work hand in hand with the authorities to organise local events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival and marathon at Mount Kinabalu," she said.

-thestar online.

M'sia implements new visa application process for visitors coming through S'pore

Travel consultants in Singapore were caught unawares last Thursday when the High Commission of Malaysia issued a notice on the appointment of Third Link as its one-stop visa application vendor in the country, effective today.


The notice informed the travel agencies that the High Commission of Malaysia would no longer be accepting visa applications “directly from agents” from October 19. In a subsequent email, Third Link indicated that it would impose a S$20 (US$16) service fee per visa application.

Travel consultants whom TTG Asia spoke to lamented the fact that neither Tourism Malaysia nor the High Commission of Malaysia had given adequate warning or explanation for the change in visa application standards.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a sales and marketing manager of a Singapore-based inbound operator that often handles trip extensions to Johor and other parts of Malaysia, said: “I wish the relevant authorities had given us a heads up before this happened, and at least tell us why this change is necessary and how it is supposed to benefit our customers, especially since they will have to pay two layers of service fees for visa application from now on.”

The manager added: “When the visa application was handled by us, we would charge the customer S$20 plus the visa fee levied by the High Commission of Malaysia. Now, to help the customer collect, prepare and deliver visa application documents to Third Link, a task that takes time and manpower on our part, we would still have to charge a service fee on top of the amount demanded by Third Link and the High Commission of Malaysia.

“We have yet to determine how much our service fee will be, but it could be the same amount we used to charge. That means the traveller will have to pay more just to go over the border to look-see, and I expect such demand to fall once the new visa application process is implemented.”

According to Lotus Ooi, general manager of Konsortium Express & Tours, demand for day tours to Malaysia might take more of a hit than overnight programmes, but travellers who “really want to see Malaysia will have no choice but to pay the higher cost of getting a visa”. “More importantly, if the establishment of Third Link can ensure a quicker and smoother visa application process, customers will accept the higher fees. The processing time has been very vague. It can sometimes take more than a week, making it hard for travellers to book their tours for Malaysia,” she said.

When contacted, Ivan Hoong, a representative of Third Link, told TTG Asia that the company would strive to reduce the current seven-day processing norm to three days.
-TTG Asia.

Joint venture expected to raise the number of tourists from South Korea

Tourism boost: Country Heights Holdings Bhd deputy chairman Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew speaking at the signing ceremony for the joint venture.

Mines Marketing recently signed a joint-venture agreement with leading South Korean travel agency, JaU Tour, to form Mines Global Holidays Sdn Bhd.

The venture will boost South Korean and foreign tourist arrivals to Malaysia and in particular, the Country Heights hospitality properties. It will see the two companies working in close collaboration to promote golf and medical tourism and leisure packages to South Korean and other foreign tourists.

JaU Tour CEO Bhang Gwang Sik signed the joint venture on behalf of his company while Mines Marketing was represented by its director and general manager Ricky Yip. The 50/50 joint venture to form Mines Global Holidays will have a paid-up capital of RM600,000 and share capital of RM1mil.

JaU Tour is a Kosdaq-listed company, and handles 350,000 tourists a year with sales turnover of US$50mil (RM153.7mil).

Mines Marketing Sdn Bhd was established in January 1999, as a marketing agency under Country Heights Holdings Bhd for five business divisions: Palace Vacation Club, Golden Horses Health Sanctuary, Country Heights Growers Scheme, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) and Mines Global Holidays, with annual sales turnover of RM50mil.

Following the joint venture, both parties will study the types of collaborative efforts that can be made for inbound tours directly to Mines Resort City and Borneo Highlands Resort-Kuching, among others.

“This collaborative effort is timely and in line with the Government’s efforts to boost tourist arrivals through Visit Malaysia Year 2013/2014,” said Yip. “We believe that the collaboration with a market leader such as JaU Tour will contribute to the Government’s target of 26.8 million tourist arrivals for 2013,” he added.

Bhang said South Korean tourists were attracted to Malaysia, especially for golf as it is a very expensive sport back home.

“Malaysia’s congenial climate, the safe and secure environment, as well as its intrinsic natural beauty has made Malaysia an appealing tourist destination for South Koreans. With this collaborative effort, JaU Tour will be able to increase the tourist handling numbers beyond the current 350,000” he said.
-thestar online.

Accor debuts ibis Styles in Kuala Lumpur

ACCOR is ramping up its footprint in Kuala Lumpur with the introduction of its premium economy brand – ibis Styles.

The 156-room ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Cheras opened on October 1, while the 500-key ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Fraser Business Park is slated to launch on October 25. Both hotels offer all-inclusive accommodation, which is packaged with breakfast and Internet access.

Located in the South Cheras commercial and light industrial district, ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Cheras features a restaurant, a bar and five meeting rooms.

Situated in Sungei Besi, ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Fraser Business Park offers convenient access to Chan Sow Lin Light Rail Transit Station for an easy commute to business areas, shopping malls and attractions within Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle.

Gerard Guillouet, senior vice president, Accor Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, said: “The arrival of ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Fraser Business Park and ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Cheras will mark the first international premium economy brand hotels in Malaysia. Guests can experience two new styles with one international identity in two different locations.”

Andy Muniandy, director of sales & business development, Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel, said: “As ibis Styles is a well-known brand abroad, it will be an easy sell to partners overseas. There are not many international brands in the premium economy category in Kuala Lumpur. Both properties are also good for groups as we have our own vehicles to ferry them to the hotels.”

Adam Kamal, managing director, Tina Travel & Agencies, said: “The big inventory at ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Fraser Business Park will be good for incentive groups. Complimentary Wi-Fi in both properties is a plus factor, as it is still a novelty in Kuala Lumpur hotels.”
-TTG Asia.

AirAsia largest foreign airline in China, adds Kunming

Aireen: ‘AirAsia is the largest foreign airline into China at the moment, and we will continue to work hard to maintain this.(File pic of June 18 shows shows Aireen and Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes)

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia has added Kunming, the southwestern capital of Yunnan Province, as a new destination to strengthen its existing 23-route network in China.

The new route, which takes off from Kuala Lumpur, will commence operations on Dec 10 with weekly flights on alternate days Monday to Sunday. A promotional all-in fare of RM88 onwards one way is good for booking from today until Oct 27.

“According to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), AirAsia is the largest foreign airline in China at the moment, and we will continue to work hard to maintain this,” AirAsia Bhd chief executive officer Aireen Omar said at a press conference yesterday.

Over the last few years, AirAsia has been reaching into second-tier cities in China, a move that has yielded promising results for the low-cost airline. “The Chinese truly appreciate it. Diving is getting increasingly popular there and they yearn for beach holidays at East Malaysia and east coast of the peninsular,” AirAsia commercial director Jasmine Lee said. “Our flights from China give them easy access to out hot spots.”

Likewise, a cooler climate and notable attractions such as UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village in Kunming are expected to appeal to Malaysians.

Recently, AirAsia announced three other routes Bangkok-Wuhan, Bangkok-Xian and Kuala Lumpur-Nanning, which flies on alternate days Tuesday to Saturday. Fast-selling tickets were another motivating factor for the airline company to fly into Kunming; Nanning, being a popular business destination for Malaysians, would encourage passengers to connect via Kunming for sight-seeing.

With just four weekly flights to the new destination, impact on earnings is expected to be insignificant. “Rather, it is the overall frequency and many routes into China that matter. Our audience there makes up half of our top 20 most profitable flights,” she said.

In conjunction with the new destination, AirAsia's flights to other cities in China are bookable from November to January for all-in fares starting from RM199. The new route to Kunming will be operated on AirAsia's Airbus A320 with a capacity of 180 seats.
-thestar online.

Putrajaya wants to be a tourist hot spot

PUTRAJAYA: PUTRAJAYA Corporation (PPj) has targeted five million domestic tourists to visit the federal administrative capital next year under its Experience Putrajaya Programme (AL1P). The programme's objective is to bring those who have never come here for a tour and to appreciate its beauty.

Launched yesterday by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and PPj president Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat, the programme also involved about 440 people residing in the People's Housing Project in Lembah Pantai being taken on a tour here in Nadi Putra buses.

Among the spots they visited were Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, Seri Perdana Complex, Putra Boulevard and Botanical Gardens.

Raja Nong Chik said the programme not only promoted Putrajaya, but would also generate income for the traders here. "Aside from promoting Putrajaya in the tourism sector, PPj can also help traders as there are not many visitors to the capital even during the weekends. "It is hoped that the programme would enable the traders to earn extra income."

He also said although two million tourists visited the capital here this year, it was not something to shout about. "Putrajaya was only a passageway for them and they did not stay long. "Hopefully, with AL1P, visitors will be encouraged to stay longer."

Programme participant Tan Kuan Eia, 57, said it was his first time visiting here. "I never had the opportunity to visit. "But with the introduction of this programme, I am able to see Putrajaya with my own eyes. "AL1P must be introduced to everyone because it showcases the beauty of the capital."

Those who are interested in AL1P can apply by calling 03-88877350, or email to nazt@ppj.gov.my. The tour will be held every Wednesday to Sunday and the time slots available are from 9.30am to 12.30pm, or 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

In a related development, the Tourism Ministry is encouraging more domestic travels among Malaysians to further boost the sector. Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit yesterday urged tour operators to come up with more packages to cater to local tourists.

"By coming up with more packages, tour operators will be able to attract more tourists -- both locals and foreigners," he said in his speech at the flagging off of the Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia MotoGP Ride 2012 convoy here. About 150 riders from various motorcycle clubs took part in the convoy travelling to the Sepang International Circuit for the Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) 2012 race.

The convoy was a collaboration between Malaysian Motorcycle Getaways and Tourism Malaysia. Participants received MotoGP grandstand tickets, selected hotels and homestay discount vouchers, refreshments and merchandise.

Mamit said motor sports, such as the MotoGP, had the potential to generate income for the country. He also said Malaysia recorded 131 million domestic tourist arrivals last year. They spent RM43.3 billion.
-nst online.

Great all-in fares deals with AirAsia

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia is offering all-in fares from RM49 one way to domestic destinations and from RM79 one way for international flights. Bookings are open from tomorrow to Nov 4 for the Nov 5 to Jan 31, 2013 travel window.

All domestic destinations to Penang, Johor Baru, Langkawi, Kota Baru and Terengganu are from RM49 one way, while flights from Kuching to Sibu, Kota Kinabalu to Miri and Sandakan are from RM59 one way.

“Guests can book their flights via AirAsia’s mobile apps which are available for download at Apple’s App Store for iPhone, Google’s Play Store for Android phones, or at mobile.airasia.com for WAP enabled phones,” AirAsia said.

Meanwile, AirAsia X is also offering deals with all-in fares from as low as RM349 one way to destinations like Beijing, Taipei, Perth, Tokyo, Osaka and Kathmandu.

For more information on the promotions, visit airasia.com or connect via Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia) or Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia).
-thestar online.