Asia-Pacific spearheads international travel growth

International travel between January and April 2013 rose 4.3 per cent year-on-year, with the Asia-Pacific region boasting the strongest growth.

The number of international tourist arrivals hit 298 million in the first four months of the year, up 12 million from 2012’s 286 million tourists, according to a United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) report.

“International tourism continues to show an extraordinary dynamism,” said UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai. “The 4.3 per cent growth in the number of international tourists crossing borders in the first months of 2013 confirms that tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors of our times, contributing in a central manner to the economy of a growing number of countries,” he added.

While all regions registered positive growth, Asia-Pacific led the pack with a six per cent rise in visitor arrivals. Europe and the Middle East followed at five per cent, trailed by Africa (two per cent) and the Americas (one per cent). 

Among the world’s sub-regions, South-east Asia took tops for its significant 12 per cent growth. Other star performers included South Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe, both with nine per cent.

The strong performance of South-east Asia and South Asia highlight the trend of emerging economy destinations outgrowing advanced economies as holiday spots in recent years. Worldwide, the number of tourists visiting emerging destinations grew 4.6 per cent, compared to advanced economies, which expanded 3.3 per cent.

Looking ahead to the peak tourism months of May to August, prospects remain positive and some 435 million tourists are expected to travel abroad. Business intelligence tool Forwardkeys has already noted a four per cent increase in international air travel reservations for that period.

For the full year of 2013, international tourist arrivals are expected to increase by between three and four per cent, in line with UNWTO’s long-term forecast of 3.8 per cent per year for the period 2010-2020.

-TTG Asia.

MAHTEC takes hospitality course to Brunei

The Malaysian Association of Hotels Training and Education Centre (MAHTEC) will introduce its hospitality course in Brunei for the first time, as the association explores new international markets for its programmes.

MAHTEC commences its one-year Diploma in Hotel Management course for staff of The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Brunei on July 29. “Twenty employees of the hotel have enrolled for the course,” said Reginald T Pereira, director, MAHTEC.

He added that the course was part of MAHTEC’s initiative in developing human capital within South-east Asia and beyond. The association is also exploring the possibility of offering its range of hospitality courses in Vietnam, India and Mauritius.

In January this year, MAHTEC announced its collaboration with the Lao Hotel & Restaurant Association and its training partner, V Serve, to run the Bartender Management Certificate Programme in Laos.

-TTG Asia.

http://www.hotels.org.my/mahtec/

Malaysia Durian Delights Hong Kong Travelers

HONG KONG, 24 JULY 2013 – The superb quality of Malaysian durians has smitten durian lovers here! A 4 days 3 nights Deluxe Durian Tour Package launched by Tourism Malaysia and EGL Tours has sold up to 800 packages, recording a sales revenue of approximately RM1,280,000 for 15 group departures to Penang scheduled in June and July alone.
The durian tour offers participants an opportunity to sample fresh, delicious high quality durians in Penang along with a tour of its popular heritage sites for the price of HK$2,989 upwards (approximately RM1,230). It’s an attractive price to pay as Malaysia durians are known to command high prices here due to their high demand and limited supply.

Visitors feasted on durian buffets and tasted various types of the Malaysian durian such as Cat Mountain King, Red Prawn and other luxurious durians whilst enjoying the sights of the UNESCO World Heritage George Town and surroundings on the island.

“We’ve been promoting Malaysia through durian packages for the past three years, knowing how much Hongkongites love good durians. This year’s durian tour promotion is extra special as it is also an opportunity to create awareness about the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign. It’s a memorable way to remind the locals of Malaysia whenever they taste or smell the durian,” said Baizuri Baharum, Director of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Hong Kong Office).

Promotional efforts for the durian tour packages began on May 9 when the organisers put together a durian buffet party on the famous Hong Kong tram, inviting the media, Facebook fans, and local trade members to sample the King of Fruits. Needless to say, the aroma of durians travelled the tram route of Whitty Street, Sheung Wan, Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, and served as a reminder to Hongkongites that the Malaysian durian season had started.

Part of the promotion was an eye-catching bus-wrap-around advertisement featuring large images of the durian on the vehicle’s body. The buses travelled around Hong Kong and Kowloon for an entire month from May 10 as a mouth-watering prelude to the durian package tours in Penang.

This is the third year that Tourism Malaysia has partnered with EGL Tours to offer this special package.  This year was extra special as it was also timed to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2014 to Hongkongites.

The durian tour was first introduced to Hongkongites in 2011 with 340 packages sold valued at RM544,000 in sale and the following year sales rose to RM1,120,000 with  700 packages sold.

The success of this innovative durian tour has also sparked the interest of other Hong Kong travel agents such as Morning Star, Wincastle, Miramar and Wing On Travel to offer similar tour packages to Malaysia.
-Tourism Malaysia.

Overwhelming response to MATTA fair

KUALA LUMPUR: Over 1,100 booths have been booked at the upcoming travel fair organised by the Malay-sian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), a phenomenon organisers descri-bed as nothing short of overwhelming.

According to MATTA fair chairman Jeffri Sulaiman, there would be 1,182 booths at the landmark event set to take place at the Putra World Trade Centre here from Sept 6 to Sept 8.

“The demand has been overwhelming. Last March, we had just 1,008 booths.
“We now have 154 exhibitors, and some are on the waiting list,” he said at a media briefing. MATTA, he added, was targeting over 100,000 visitors.

“We do not expect any drop in demand due to the upcoming festivities as most consumers will be purchasing packages for travel during the year end,” he said, adding that there would also be a blood donation drive during the fair.

Indonesia appears to be the fair’s favourite travel destination partner, although exhibitors also include 14 overseas tourism organi-sations as well as airlines and hotels.

Jeffri also encouraged consumers to purchase travel insurance which MATTA members are required to offer during the fair. “The insurance will kick in upon payment of the deposit,” he added.

To weed out unscrupulous travel operators, the list of exhibitors will be sent to the Tourism Ministry to determine if there are pending complaints against them.

In conjunction with the MATTA fair, there would also be the World Islamic Tourism Mart that features 79 booths.
-thestar online.
http://mattafair.org.my/

Yuna with National Symphony Orchestra @ Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur (6, 7 & 8 September 2013)

From her humble beginnings in the suburbs of Subang Jaya to the glamorous floodlights of Hollywood, Yunalis Zarai has proven time and time again that she is a world-class act in her own right.

Yuna's voyage to the United States has so far been a tale of wonders. After releasing her debut self-titled US album under the uber-hip Fader label, she got the attention of world-renown composer/producer David Foster and was recently signed under his Verve Music Group and now is a part of his stable of artists that boasts the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Carla Bruni, Diana Krall, Melody Gardot and so many more. Her latest offfering, the Sixth Street EP (featuring collaboration with Mike Einziger from the critically-acclaimed rock band Incubus) was a strong indication of an artist making her mark into the international music scene and heading towards greater heights making her much-anticipated second full-length album something to be excited about.

In collaboration with Istana Budaya and coinciding with the National Symphony Orchestra's (NSO) 20th year anniversary, Yuna's debut Istana Budaya solo concert promises 3 magical nights of sights and sounds as she and her band The Palauans presents the audience with a captivating, never-seen-before journey into Yuna's musical wonderland with the lush accompaniment of the NSO led by renowned conductor Mustafa Fuzer Nawi.

This 2-hour long concert will bear witness to Yuna's musical prowess delivering 20 of her self-written songs on the grandest of stages deep in the heart of Kuala Lumpur; where it all began for this humble girl with big dreams.

-www.AirAsiaRedtix.com

MASholidays Offers Irresistible Packages to Dubai

Burj Khalifa - The package will bring guests to experience several iconic landmarks in Dubai including the famous Burj Khalifa

22 July 2013, Subang: MASholidays, the travel and tour arm of Malaysia Airlines, is offering two exclusive yet incredibly affordable tour packages to Dubai in conjunction with the national carrier's commencement of services to the United Arab Emirates’ capital.

Beginning 5 August 2013, flight MH162 will depart Kuala Lumpur daily at 11.30pm to arrive at Dubai at 2.20am the next day. The return flight MH163 departs Dubai at 4.10am to arrive at Kuala Lumpur at 3.25pm. The Kuala Lumpur-Dubai return service will be mounted daily via MH162 and MH163 using the Boeing 777-200 aircraft that offers a total capacity of 282 seats in each flight, equivalent to 3,948 seats weekly.

Customers can choose from two attractive packages of either group or individual departure which are tailor-made to suit Malaysian travellers. These 5days/3nights packages are reasonably priced at RM3499 and RM2840 respectively for inaugural date departures.  

The group fixed departure series requires a minimum of 40 persons in the group. Customers can either choose to come with their own group of friends or relatives or even sign up individually. MASholidays will then assign them to a set of group that has reached minimum number of 40 persons. The first date of the group departure series is 5th - 9th August 2013, to coincide with the national carrier's inaugural flight out to Dubai.

The package will bring guests to experience several iconic landmarks in Dubai including the famous Burj Khalifa. They will be taken right to the top of the 124-floor building, to the observation deck to experience the grandeur and exhilaration of being on the top of this breath-taking building. Several famous eateries that serve sensational Middle Eastern and international cuisines are also in the list for this package. The Address in Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping and entertainment destinations in the world and The Palace Downtown are surely highlights of the trip. Located on the Old Town Island, The Palace Downtown Dubai is a resort within the city, at the heart of a traditional Arabian village, faced with a striking symbol of modernity. Built on the edge of a lake, The Palace Downtown Dubai is a harmonious blend of Middle Eastern heritage and contemporary Dubai.

Apart from the above mentioned, this group package includes return Economy Class air ticket on MH for the Kuala Lumpur - Dubai- Kuala Lumpur sector, return airport taxes and fuel surcharges, three nights’ accommodation at a 4-star hotel with breakfast, airport handling service upon arrival and send-off in Dubai, fascinating city tour of Dubai, English speaking tour guide, luxury coach transportation and travel Insurance (MHinsure). With this package, customers can also choose to include the Safari Dune Drive which is famous in Dubai. This is offered as optional tour and can be purchased separately.       

The other package that is being offered is the free individual travel package. The departure date for this package is flexible and customers can choose from any of Malaysia Airlines seven times weekly flights to Dubai. This package allows customers to take their own sweet time to explore the many wonders of Dubai on their own. These packages offer an amazing value for money and are available all year round with selected surcharges applicable during peak period.

For Business Class 5days/3nights Dubai city tour package, price starts from RM6565 inclusive of 3nights stay, Dubai City Tour, A New Dawn-Future of Dubai city tour, personalized meet & greet from the terminal, with luxury comfort and style.  

Dubai is a tourism, trade and logistics hub which has earned itself the reputation as being the gateway between the east and the west. Home to just over two million people of more than 200 nationalities, Dubai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. With world-class shopping and leisure facilities, Dubai is a preferred destination for business and leisure. It is also a hub for restaurants serving virtually every national cuisine from around the world, including many specializing in Dubai’s own Arabic delights.

More information about the packages is available at http://holiday.malaysiaairlines.com or at MASholidays telephone number +603-7863 4000 (during normal daily working hours only).

-Malaysia Airlines.

MAS ups frequencies, announces codeshare

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is stepping up expansion, having announced a codeshare deal with Xiamen Airlines and plans to increase flight frequencies to Yangon and Auckland.

The Malaysian carrier will increase flight frequencies on its Kuala Lumpur-Yangon route from 10 times weekly to 14 times weekly, or twice daily, effective August 1. The carrier will also increase Kuala Lumpur-Auckland services from six-weekly flights to daily on November 24.

Meanwhile, MAS has also announced a codeshare with Xiamen Airlines on two routes – Xiamen-Kuala Lumpur, currently operated by MAS and Xiamen Airlines, and the Fuzhou-Kuala Lumpur route, which is run solely by Xiamen Airlines. 

Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, CEO, MAS, said: “The codeshare with Xiamen Airlines is part of our strategy to develop commercial cooperation with key airlines of the world to expand our network offering.

“With 55 destinations, Xiamen Airlines is an established airline that holds a major market share of travellers travelling between Fuzhou and Kuala Lumpur. MAS can leverage this codeshare to give our guests more options between Xiamen and Kuala Lumpur.

“The codeshare is also part of MAS’ initiatives towards enhancing air connectivity with key priority markets overseas to increase tourist arrivals into Malaysia to support the Government’s Economic Transformation Programme.”

-TTG Asia.

Sanctuary for Bornean elephants

Jumbo family: A herd of Bornean elephants striding along a trail in Sabah.

 

KOTA KINABALU: A safe haven for the threatened Bornean elephants is taking shape in the wildlife-rich Lower Kinabatangan region at Sabah’s east coast – thanks to seven Japanese groups and companies.

The first phase of the Bornean Elephant Sanctuary (BES) project had seen the construction of an elephant handling paddock, staff quarters and a storage building at a cost of RM1.8mil.

Local non-governmental organisation Borneo Conservation Trust’s head of conservation and research Raymond Alfred said that the first phase of the sanctuary was built with funding from Asahiyama Zoo, Suraya, Hunting World, Tokio Marine, NTT Data Kirin, Taiseh and Yusen Logistics. “The endeavour is what the Japanese describes as an ongaeshi project, which means giving back to nature,” explained Raymond.

Work on the second phase of the BES on a 25ha land, and costing about RM30mil, has already begun. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Malaysian Palm Oil Council has allocated RM5.2mil for this phase of the project.

“The council is also providing financial support in the preparation of the BES master plan at Lot 8 of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary,” said Raymond.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Datuk Dr Laurentius Ambu said that the BES would be able to accommodate between 12 and 16 elephants at any given time.

He said that the role of the BES would be to nurse injured elephants back to health before they were released back to the connecting forest and wildlife reserves. “Rescued elephants will also be transported to the BES before they are released back to the wild,” he said.

Aside from elephants, BES will also serve as a transit centre to treat injured sun bears, proboscis monkeys, orang utan, clouded leopards and bantengs.
-thestar online.

ArtMalaysia Art Tourism Fair 2013

Date: 18 ~ 22 September 2013

Time: 10.30 am ~ 9.00 pm

Venue: Viva Home Shopping Mall, Kuala Lumpur

In the wide walkways of shopping malls, in hotel receptions, or the interiors of restaurants and cafes; from quiet corners to lobby areas, don't be surprised if you bump into an art exhibition! No longer confined within the walls of art galleries, clearly, art is now everywhere. And at the ArtMalaysia Art Tourism Fair, art is now for everyone!
 
Along with Malaysia's nationwide effort to promote our artists and artworks to emerge as an art hub of the region, ArtMalaysia is holding our inaugural Art Tourism Fair as a unique platform and ideal destination for artists and art lovers alike.
 
Our country's active arts scene is on the rise; Malaysian museums and galleries have been a scene of robust development for art. Ample space has been made available to nurture and display the most impressive artistic renditions and expressions from this region and beyond.
 
The expansion of art awareness and enjoyment can be attributed to the support of the leadership in this country. Indeed, art has held the attention – and affections – of many, and now, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture has launched the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival (1MCAT) to further that.
 
In a similar vein, local art galleries will be encouraged to hold more exhibitions. While this is good news for the art fraternity, it also has a downside – artists will have to wait longer for their turns to showcase their pieces, as the waiting list has increased. Still, this amounts to a “good problem” and will certainly foster greater anticipation from everyone… the more the merrier!
 
Likewise, art auctions are gaining momentum in this country. Small wonder then, as art is seen as a viable investment in the uncertain economic climate. Art auction houses in Kuala Lumpur continue to record healthy, sales-breaking figures. Furthermore, the frequency of art exchange among other countries is on the increase.
 
Amid this flurry of activities, ArtMalaysia presents the Art Tourism Fair to complement the dynamic art scene by offering contemporary art in a very accessible manner to the ordinary Joe. Hence our theme – Now Art is for Everyone!
 
Outstanding paintings by Malaysian artists are marketed and sold at very high prices, and rightly so. This however, alienates them from many young art collectors. During the ArtMalaysia Art Tourism Fair, art galleries are coming to town in support of putting art into every home and office. The beauty is that you don't need to have deep pockets or dent your bank account to own a masterpiece from a renowned artist. With our 'Now Art is for Everyone' campaign, participating art galleries are selling paintings from RM1,000 to RM30,000.
 
Art collectors, this is your opportunity. Look out for the ArtMalaysia Art Tourism Fair!

-ArtMalaysia.
http://www.artmalaysiagroup.com/international/years/2013

MyCEB Advances Into China Market

Kuala Lumpur, 18 July 2013 – In tandem with the rapid growth of Malaysia’s business tourism sector, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has carved another milestone with the opening of its representative offices in China. Travel Link Marketing (TLM) has been appointed as MyCEB’s representative in China with offices in three of the largest cities in China namely, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. 

TLM, an established and notable marketing company is also planning to open a new office in Chengdu. With a strong local Chinese team who truly understands the goals and objectives of MyCEB, TLM possesses the full capacity and expertise of developing leads and providing extensive contact networks with the country’s business events stakeholders. 

According to Mr Zulkefli Sharif, CEO of MyCEB, “We feel that this advancement into China, one of the largest economies in the world is in line with Malaysia’s growing business events industry. We look forward to working with TLM in this endeavour, which will be representing MyCEB starting from 1 July 2013. We are confident that this partnership will further assist MyCEB in our mission to position Malaysia as Asia’s business events hub.”

“We are pleased for the opportunity to represent Malaysia to the business events market in China. We appreciate the trust placed in us, and the team will work diligently and enthusiastically to secure many wins for Malaysia,” said Brenda He, Director of TLM. 

The appointment follows MyCEB’s strategic plan for the business events industry’s expansion into China, solely focusing on the Great China region. MyCEB’s decision to increase its presence internationally is to build on its current success. The year 2012 witnessed MyCEB’s achievement in securing 26 association meetings to be held in the country over the next five years. With an estimated 35,482 delegates, approximately RM 359 million (USD 111.29 million, Euro 85.44 million) worth of economic impact would be generated from the successful bid wins.

The year in review also saw MyCEB securing 109 corporate and incentive meetings for Malaysia, thus welcoming 25,604 delegates which will translate to an estimated RM 275.6 million (USD 85.44 million and Euro 65.32 million) in economic impact. 

The appointment of TLM by MyCEB is also timely to assist the national bureau’s endeavour in supporting Tourism Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia Year 2014.
-MyCEB.

Linkin Park - Living Things World Tour (19 August 2013)

After nearly a decade of anticipation, LINKIN PARK returns to Malaysia to kick off their LIVING THINGS World Tour on August 19th at Stadium National, Bukit Jalil at 8:00pm.

The award-winning, multi-platinum alternative rock band, LINKIN PARK is comprised of co-lead vocalist, Chester Bennington, drummer/percussionist, Rob Bourdon, guitarist Brad Delson, bassist Dave 'Phoenix' Farrell, DJ and programmer Joe Hahn and Mike Shinoda, co-lead vocals, keyboards, guitar. The band has sold over 50 million albums worldwide, and is the biggest band on Facebook - with over 53 million fans and counting.

In the span of time since 2000, when LINKIN PARK released their debut album, Hybrid Theory, no other artist has had more top 10 singles on the US Alternative radio chart. Now with the release of their latest album, LIVING THINGS (Machine Shop Recordings /Warner Bros), which reached #1 in over 20 countries, no other band has achieved more #1 albums this century.

In 2005, LINKIN PARK founded Music For Relief, a 501 © (3) non-profit organization that has raised over 5 million dollars for victims of natural disasters and environmental projects. For more information go to: www.musicforrelief.org From surreal videography to an unforgettable, iconic stage show, LINKIN PARK have always possessed a visual presence that befits the power of their music. LINKIN PARK 'LIVING THINGS' World Tour Live in Malaysia 2013 is organized by The WonderLand+.

LINKIN PARK is exclusively touring Malaysia in this part of the SEA region as Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore are not included in the tour due to limited of time available from the band.

Ticket prices are categorized into free seating - RM95, RM195, RM295; and free standing - RM350 (Playground Zone), RM450 (Rock Zone), RM550 (The Pit) and RM680 (VIP).

-www.AirAsiaRedtix.com

Air Supply World Tour - Malaysia 2013 (17 August 2013)

In 2010, the legendary duo, Air Supply played three sold out shows in Malaysia and gave Penang and Kuantan its first exposure to a full-scale concert by international artistes. After 3 years, this hits-making band will return to Malaysia to dazzle audiences with their romantic and everlasting songs on August 17th, at 8pm at the newly launched Calvary Convention Centre, Bukit Jalil(CCC).

Air Supply is celebrating their 38 years of togetherness this year. It has been a fantastic ride for both Graham Russell (composer-cum-guitarist) and Russell Hitchcock (lead vocalist) as both continue to share similar passion for music and enjoy their amazing career. Their music has endured the test of time and their love songs continue to pull the heartstrings of fans worldwide. 

Each year, Air Supply travels more than 80 cities and performed in front of hundreds of thousands audiences and they continue to impress and command strong popularity. Apart from some witty storytelling, both like to get close to their audiences by strolling down the walkway onto the floor and mingle with them during songs.

"It's always exciting for us to play for audiences and have these extra-musical adventures that most people never have the chance to experience," Hitchcock said in a statement. "After all these years, we love when the fans are having fun at our shows and are touched by our music. That's the whole reason we're out there." 

Air Supply has produced eight global #1 hits and sold more than forty million albums - Love and Other Bruises, All Out of Love, Every Woman in the World to Me, The One That You Love, Making Love Out of Nothing At All, Here I am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You), Even The Nights Are Better, Two Less Lonely People in the World, Sweet Dreams, Chances, It's Never Too Late and more. 

Presented by Kenanga Investment Bank, organized by Star Planet, tickets for Air Supply World Tour Live in Malaysia 2013 are priced at RM650, RM450, RM300 and RM180 (*excluding RM3 processing fee). For more information, call Star Planet 0392233667 or Ticket Charge 0392228811.

CALVARY CONVENTION CENTRE, BUKIT JALIL

Recently completed, the Calvary Convention Centre (CCC) is dubbed one of the largest convention centres in the South East Asia. Within a mere 1.5 kilometre distance from the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, CCC spans around 600,000-square-feet and boasts a 5,000-seater auditorium, a multi-purpose hall, lecture halls, classrooms, a nursery and other spaces which are versatile to be converted to retail stores.

-www.ticketcharge.com.my

1MCAT 2013 'Contemporary Art - The Futurists' Art Tourism Challenge

For more information, please visit below site:-
http://www.artmalaysiaassociation.com//assets/2013_MCAT_Art_Competition_e_form.pdf

-1MCAT facebook.

Culture Japan Convention Penang 2013 (17~18 August 2013)

The first ever Culture Japan Convention (CJC) 2013 comes to Penang this year, aiming to bring fans and celebrities of the Japanese pop culture industry closer together as a community over an exciting weekend of activities and showcases.

Following the concept of Culture Japan Night (CJN), a quarterly event hosted in various countries by blogger and TV presenter Danny Choo, CJC will attempt to break barriers between fans, celebrities, and retailers. Fans can look forward to a relaxed environment where they can interact freely with cosplayers, illustrators, retailers, card gamers, and guests from Japan and around the world.

Jointly organized by Penang Global Tourism and Culture Japan, CJC will take place on the 17th and 18th of August at Straits Quay Convention Centre in Penang, Malaysia.

More details at www.culturejapancon.com

Additional info
Please redeem your tickets during the event days at the Redemption Counter for:
- Ticket Wristbands for 2 days
- Free Comrade Lanyard
- Free Mirai Suenaga Uchiwa (Hand Fan)
- CJC Event Guide
- Automatic entry into Grand Lucky Draw for a pair of tickets to Japan!

-http://redtix.airasia.com/Events/CultureJapanConvention/

Malaysia Airlines Moves Medan Operations to Kuala Namu International Airport

Subang, 19 July 2013: Malaysia Airlines will move its 14 times weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Medan to Kuala Namu International Airport effective 25 July 2013.

Kuala Namu International Airport, which will be replacing the current airport, Polonia International Airport is the second largest in Indonesia after Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta. The 70-year old Polonia International Airport is already the fourth busiest airport in the country after Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH860 departs Kuala Lumpur daily at 8:50am and arrives in Medan at 8:50am local time. Malaysia Airlines’ second daily flight MH864 departs Kuala Lumpur at 3pm and arrives in Medan at 3pm local time.

The daily return flight, MH861, departs Medan at 9:30am and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 11:25am, while MH865 departs at 3:45pm and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 5:40pm.

Passengers may contact Malaysia Airlines’ call centre at 1 300 88 3000 or visit www.malaysiaairlines.com for more information.

-Malaysia Airlines.

MAHTEC grants INTI graduates industry recognition

Inti Universal Holdings and the Malaysian Association of Hotels Training and Education Centre (MAHTEC) signed an MoU yesterday, which will see MAHTEC give INTI's hospitality graduates industry certification.

Effective immediately, the MAHTEC certificate is an additional award INTI students will receive upon graduation. As an award given by the industry, the certificate is set to strengthen graduate employability, said Rohit Sharma, INTI’s chief operating officer.

He added: “This agreement with MAHTEC is the first step of many that we will take to elevate the standards of INTI’s hospitality programmes and raise the bar for hospitality education, training and development. It will lead to a greatly enhanced learning experience for students and (equip them with) work skills that will prepare them for a career with the best hospitality establishments in Malaysia and abroad.”

Students of hotel management or culinary arts will receive the MAHTEC certificate in addition to their diplomas upon graduation. INTI's Diploma in Hotel Management programme is affiliated with Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, while its Diploma in Culinary Arts course is affiliated with Kendall College.

Reginald T Pereira, COO, MAHTEC, added that MAHTEC would also use INTI campuses in Sabah and Penang to offer short hospitality-related programmes for professionals in the industry.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia’s Tourism Highlights – SEPTEMBER 2013

PUTRAJAYA, 16 July 2013 – The month of September is set to offer local and foreign visitors a series of exciting sports and cultural events. Some of the highlights include:

RUNNING “YELLOW” MAN?
Heading to the east coast for a holiday? Go Kuantan and join the Digi Teluk Chempedak Run 2013! Enjoy the 10km run with the fresh sea wind blowing in your face.

The run starts at Teluk Chempedak, passing through Jalan Teluk Sisek, Jalan Beserah, Jalan Tengku Muhammad and ends at Teluk Chempedak beach. Digi, I will follow you!

Organiser:    Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd
Date:        1 Sept 2013
Venue:        Teluk Chempedak, Kuantan, Pahang
Contact:    +6 09 567 0159
Website:     www.digi.com.my

WHICH BOAT IS THE FASTEST?

It is Sarawak’s turn to host the Regatta! With the theme ‘Race for Harmony’ this year, the Sarawak Regatta 2013 involves 44 boat races including 5 races under the international events.

The main highlight of the event is the Dragon Boat Race which involves participants from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Aside from boat races, there will be side attractions like “Brooke Swim”, kayaking and duck catching competitions.

Organiser:    Resident Office Kuching Division & Ministry of Tourism Sarawak
Date:        6 – 8 September 2013
Venue:        Kuching Waterfront, Kuching, Sarawak
Contact:    +6 082 422 263/ +6 082 243 301/ +6 082 241 660
Website:    www.sarawakregatta.com/

Only Marlin and Sailfish!

Yes, the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge 2013 only accepts Marlin (1000 pts) and Sailfish (600 pts) in their annual off-shore catch and release fishing competition.

Angling enthusiasts from as far as the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan are coming to participate in this adventurous and eco-friendly sport. The billfish are on their active migration passing through the Rompin area to Australia. Come and catch them all!

Organiser:    Persatuan Memancing Malaysia (PeMM)
Date:        13 – 15 September 2013
Venue:        Pantai Lanjut, Rompin, Pahang
Contact:    +6 09 4191 242

UP, UP AND AWAY!

Glide across the sky, feel the earth beneath you and finally swoop down like an eagle at the Kokol International Paragliding Race 2013!

The event has attracted many local and foreign pilots from as far as Russia, Poland and Switzerland every year due to the beautiful natural landscape of Mt Kinabalu. Gliders will definitely enjoy the panoramic view of the coastal area in Sabah.

Organiser:    Kinabalu Paragliding Club
Date:        16 – 18 September 2013
Venue:        Kampung Kokol, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact:    +6 019 860 8700
Website:    www.sabahtourism.com

LIGHT UP YOUR LANTERN!
The Central Market of Kuala Lumpur will be gaily decorated with thousands of colorful and brightly lit lanterns lining up the streets to celebrate the 1Malaysia Lantern Tourism Festival 2013.

Also known as the Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival, highlights of the Lantern Festival include the lantern procession, acrobatic performances, as well as festive delights such as moon cakes and baby yams. It’s a celebration not only for Malaysian Chinese but everyone in the country as well!

Organiser:    Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia
Date:        19 September 2013
Venue:        Central Market, Kuala Lumpur
Website:    www.motac.gov.my
Contact:    +6 03 8831 7580


MOONCAKE FESTIVAL LABUAN 2013
Besides West Malaysia, the Mooncake Festival is also being celebrated in Labuan!

Come to the Labuan Mooncake Festival 2013 and enjoy the programmes such as lantern procession, lion dance, fireworks and more. Take delight in the colourful lanterns displayed during the event while enjoying the variety of mooncakes available.

Organiser:    Persatuan Belia Beliawanis Tiong Hua Kampung Sungai Keling
Date:        19 – 21 September 2013
Venue:        Kampung Sungai Keling, Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan
Contact:    +6 012 833 0560 (Mr. Lim Chee Hong)
Website:    www.labuantourism.my

TENNIS FEVER IS HERE!The ATP World Tour’s Asian swing begins in Southeast Asia at the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2013, welcoming the best men's tennis players.

Other than world-class tennis action, highlights of the event include the signature catch-the-ball promotions with prizes, the on-court coin toss and also daily autograph sessions with the players. Come and support them.

Organiser:    Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia
Date:        21 – 29 September 2013
Venue:        Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Website:    http://www.malaysianopentennis.com/
Contact:    +6 03 8891 7517 / +6 017 361 5229



LABUAN ARTS FESTIVAL 2013

Labuan Arts Festival 2013 is back with a combination of arts and music as the major attractions of the event. The festival aims to promote the unique local cultures especially the ethnicities in Borneo including Labuan, Sabah and Sarawak.

Highlights of the festival include the Top Spinning Tournament (gasing pangkah), Graffiti Spray Art Competition and Pearl of Labuan Busking Competition. Besides that, visitors will also be able to enjoy stage shows by local artistes, cultural dance and handicraft exhibition.

Organiser:    Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Labuan Office
Date:        27 – 29 September 2013
Venue:        Labuan International Seasport Complex
Contact:    +6 087 422 622
Email:        dewi@motour.gov.my

GUNUNG JERAI MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE 2013

Catch the next mountain bike challenge in the nation at Gunung Jerai Mountain Bike Challenge 2013!

The race requires participants to tackle a 48km course comprising an array of challenging terrain including roads, rural area, rubber and palm oil estate. The toughest part which will put their fitness to test is to overcome the 781 metres of ascents and descents throughout the race.

Organiser:    Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Kedah Office
Date:        28 – 29 September 2013
Venue:        Gunung Jerai, Kedah
Contact:    +6 04 735 1030

All information is correct at time of publication. Visitors are advised to contact the event organiser for the latest updates.
-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2013, ATP World Tour 250

-Ministry Of Tourism And Culture.
http://www.malaysianopentennis.com/2013/