KLCC To Organise New Year Countdown

photo: PelanconganKini

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd (KLCCH) together with Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) will feature a three-hour New Year countdown extravaganza at the Esplanade KLCC park on Dec 31.

Along with famed Malaysian singers to usher in the new year, the night will open with cultural performances that will showcase Malaysia to the world in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014.

KLCCH in a statement Monday said the event will also feature water screen display synchronizes with music and imagery that will enliven the park culminating into Kuala Lumpur's largest fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

The show is scheduled to start at 9pm and culminate into a fireworks display at midnight and KLCCH welcomes everyone to join in the celebration.
-bernama.

Tourism Malaysia Ups Marketing Efforts In North Indian With Malindo Air's Entry

www.malindoair.com

NEW DELHI, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia plans to intensify its marketing efforts in north India with Malindo Air's entry, which offers more capacity on the New Delhi-Kuala Lumpur route, said its Director, Amran Abdul Rahman.

The nine-month-old airline is starting New Delhi-KL route on Dec 30, 2013, using the Boeing B737-900ER. "Currently, only Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is servicing the route. Although demand is there, we are limited by the number of seats," he told Bernama in an interview here Monday.

Once Malindo Air started its operation, there would be additional 1,260 seats per week, he said. "With MAS' 4,720 per week, it will give us a total of 23,920 seats per month, which will enable us to expand our marketing efforts to second- and third-tier cities in north India," said Amran.

Tourism Malaysia, he said, planned to promote the country in North-East India as well as Jammu-Kashmir. "Malindo's move augurs well with Visit Malaysia Year 2014. Hence, we are planning roadshows in North East states such as Manipur as well as Jammu-Kashmir," he said. In fact, the travel agents in northern region have already started their promotions and advertisement about Malindo Air with their customers.

Asked if Tourism Malaysia was concern whether Malindo Air would be able to sustain the route amid higher operating cost, he said, this would not an issue in terms of passenger traffic as demand was tremendous for this sector. According to Amran, even during low season, MAS received 95 per cent load for the New Delhi-Kuala Lumpur route. "With our intensified promotions, Tourism Malaysia will also help in terms of load," he said.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi, is the busiest airport in India and also known to be one of the most expensive airports in the world amid its high-duty structure. AirAsia had scrapped its flights from Mumbai and New Delhi in 2012 citing high operating costs at these two airports.

Malindo will also start flying to Trichy, Tamil Nadu, on Jan 2, 2014 and Mumbai on Feb 15, 2014. "However, if similar situation (high cost impacting operation) is faced by Malindo Air. We hope they could operate from the nearest airport that is opening up, such as Chandigard Airport, where rates can be negotiated," he said.

Chandigard Airport, located about 260km away from New Delhi is listed as one of the major airports in North India. Works are under way for an international terminal. "But we are hopeful that Malindo can maintain the route as IGI is well-connected with all the major cities in India," he said.

For 2014, Tourism Malaysia is eyeing 780,000 tourists from India. As of July 2013, a total of 393,896 Indian tourists visited Malaysia.
-bernama.

AirAsia wants to be the 'Emirates' of low cost carriers flying to all corners of the globe

Co-founder/Director of AirAsia X, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes (right) and President and CEO of Airbus, Fabrice Bregier (left) holding a model of AirAsia X aircraft - Bernama

PARIS: AirAsia X Bhd hopes to be the Emirates of South-East Asia, return to Europe in 2016 and possibly spread its wings to the United States, according to co-founder and director Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.

He envisioned the carrier would become the equivalent of Emirates in the low-cost airline segment, saying Emirates had been very successful in carrying passengers between continents from Dubai.

“It’s time to really take that next step and build the equivalent of an Emirates in the low cost. “Emirates is amazing. They are flying everywhere. They’ve got a geographical advantage that it is in the middle of the world, half way between Asia and Europe,” Fernandes told Malaysian media after a signing ceremony between AirAsia X and Airbus for the firm order of 25 more A330-300s valued at US$6bil (RM19.55bil) last week.

This latest accord increases AirAsia X’s order to 51 from Airbus supplemented by an order for six A330-300s leased from the International Lease Finance Corp, bringing AirAsia X’s total confirmed fleet deliveries to 57 by 2019. “We have bases and hubs in many countries and potentially we can do much more,” Fernandes said.

AirAsia X has also set its sights on restarting European flights and the possibility of a one-stop service to the United States. AirAsia X used to fly to Paris and London, but suspended the flights in 2012.

“We need to come back to Europe and this aircraft (A330-300) is the right aircraft for us to come back,” Fernandes said. He explained that margins were very thin on these routes.

“We don’t want to start and pull out again. We want to do it for the long term. Yes, we want to do it. As to when we want to do it, I can’t give you an exact date because there are a lot of factors to consider. “I can definitely say in 2016 we will do it because then the A330 can reach Europe,” Fernandes said.

He also said there was also possibility of AirAsia X going to the United States. “That A330 can do a lot of things. Azran had previously negotiated a fifth freedom from the UK government. We can stop here then go on to New York.” Azran Osman-Rani is the chief executive officer of AirAsia X.

Asked if the positive news would excite the market, Fernandes said: “Our share prices are in the toilet. But it has been in the toilet before.” He said there was a mass over-reaction to the competition in the industry but its share price went as low as 80 sen and bounced back to RM4.

“I’m not there to manage the share price. I’m in for the long term. I would love to give my shareholders great value. If we continue to deliver good results it will come. I cannot see an airline that’s anywhere close to us,” he said.

Fernandes reckons that if investors were in for long-term growth, AirAsia would be able to deliver capital and dividend growth. AirAsia shares closed at RM2.20 on Friday while AirAsia X closed at RM1.01.

“I’m an old fashioned guy. If we continue to deliver good results, people will come back to us. “We’re not the hot girl in town at the moment but we will be,” Fernandes quipped.

Going forward, Fernandes said that 2014 would be a big year for the AirAsia group and it would be introducing new duty-free business like a mall in the sky to boost its ancillary income.

He added that the outlook for the industry looked “positive”, while competition would be more rational next year. He said there was rising demand for air travel as well as positive economic growth.

“I think if competition is rational, which I believe it will be, the industry’s outlook will be positive. I think 2014 has huge benefits for Malaysia because AirAsia X’s growth,” he said.

Fernandes said the opening of KLIA2 next year would give a massive boost to the industry. “As long as we keep fares low, people will fly. There are three billion people in Asia,” he said.

-thestar online.

Miss Tourism International Participants Visit Putrajaya

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- Sixty participants of the Miss Tourism International 2013/2014 from 60 countries visited Putrajaya Sunday.

They were welcomed for their day-long visit to the country's administrative capital by Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) president Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat and the PPj senior management at Dataran Putrajaya in Precinct 3.

A PPj statement said the participants were taken in a convoy of 50 cars from Dataran Putrajaya via Lebuh Bestari and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman to the Millennium Monument. At the monument, they saw the topical rain forest saplings planted by the participants of the Miss Tourism International two years ago.

The Miss Tourism International 2013/2014 participants viewed the other tourist attractions in the city as they were taken on a cruise on the Putrajaya lake. The final of the Miss Tourism International 2013/2014 is scheduled to be held at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel and Spa on Dec 31.
-bernama.
http://www.misstourisminternational.com/home/

Take a holiday on two wheels

photo: Malaysia Truly Asia facebook

PUTRAJAYA: Tourism Malaysia has launched 104 cycling packages nationwide under the banner of Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia (CC1M).

The packages pair cycling activities with different attractions such as sightseeing, food hunts or homestays at various locations. The launch of the cycling packages has come ahead of the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY2014), which will start in less than two weeks.

“We have all cycled at some point in our lives, such as in our childhood, so what we are asking is for people to recapture those moments. “And there is no better place to be on a (weekend) than on a bicycle,” Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said after the CC1M Putrajaya Bike Ride 2013 flag-off, here yesterday.

Mirza said the CC1M cycling packages would be valid from now until the end of next year to attract both locals and international tourists. A total of 4,940 cycling packages worth RM817,070 have been sold throughout the country between January to November this year.

Brochures for the CC1M cycling packages are available at all tourist information centres, the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) and Tourism Malaysia state offices.

Malaysia has targeted to receive an estimated 28 million tourists and RM76bil in tourism revenue during the VMY2014. More information may be obtained from www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my.

-thestar online.

KL's tallest Christmas tree

Datuk Hashim Wahir (third from right) with the members of Suria KLCC’s management team and the beautiful tree in the background. Pic by Asyraf Hamzah

IMPRESSIVE: More than 500 people gathered for the lighting of the 20-metre high Christmas tree

KUALA LUMPUR: THE lighting of the tallest Christmas tree in Kuala Lumpur was met with cheers and admiration on a cool night at Suria KLCC recently. Hours before the lighting up, shoppers had already gathered outside to take pictures in front of the 20-metre high Christmas tree. The tree is located just outside the mall, facing Lake Symphony.

When the time came for the tree to be lit, over 500 people began the countdown to the lighting of the tree by Suria KLCC chairman Datuk Hashim Wahir. Thirty thousand environmentally friendly LED lights and hundreds of Christmas baubles made the tree shimmer and sparkle.

The spotlight was on the green giant, which stole the limelight from the towering Petronas Twin Towers.

Spectators were then treated to Christmas carols by the Dithyrambic Singers. As the tunes of Jingle Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas echoed through the night, more tourists and shoppers posed for pictures.

A visitor from Sabah, Clement Wong commented on how nice it was to look at the tree, saying that it was the largest tree he had ever seen.

For American Ron Frisinger, the tree was a sight to behold. "I have seen taller trees, but this one is certainly beautiful to look at, especially with the Twin Towers behind it," he said.

Meanwhile Hashim said that Suria KLCC is always looking for ways to spread festive cheer among its visitors. "Christmas is one of those festive seasons that many people find magical and special, so this Christmas we wanted to give our customers something special too. "By lighting up the tallest tree in the city, we hope it will brighten hearts with some magical moments," he said.

The tree which took five days to complete weighs 13,500kg. The majestic tree can be viewed by the public at Suria KLCC until Dec 25.

Suria KLCC will also be entertaining visitors with dazzling performances until Dec 26. 

Several lucky children will also get to see Santa Claus on stage and receive candy canes.

-nst online.

Hawker, Petty Trader Premises To Be Upgraded For VMY 2014

KUALA PILAH, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) will be working with district councils nationwide to ensure cleanliness of hawker and petty trader premises for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014.

Its Minister Datuk Hasan Malek said apart from ensuring cleanliness, the premises should also be upgraded and beautified with various facilities.

"We will focus on areas with high tourist traffic such as big towns and tourism spots in the country. The move is being taken to ensure tourists are comfortable, safe and captivated.

"At the same time, we will also look into the quality of products and food sold at hawker and petty trader premises," he told reporters after opening the 2013 Hawker and Petty Trader Day at Negeri Sembilan state level here Saturday.

Hasan who is also Kuala Pilah member of Parliament said as an example, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) already had a programme to standardise all hawker and petty trader stalls in the city which DBKL provided kiosks using solar energy at a price of RM38,000 each.
-bernama.

Masidi: Kota Kinabalu must work hard to justify status

KOTA KINABALU: The listing of Kota Kinabalu as among the top destinations in Asia by a well-known travel website is a blessing and a challenge for the Sabah tourism industry.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the TripAdvisor recognition also spoke volumes of the efforts to transform the state capital into an international destination of choice.

He said further efforts to promote Kota Kinabalu as a travel destination were now made easier with the city’s listing in TripAdvisor 2013 Travellers Choice Awards for Destinations on the Rise.

Such a recognition brought with it benefits and challenges to maintain and justify this newfound status, he told The Star. “It means tourism players will have to work harder to improve the overall quality of services that they offer to our visitors,” said Masidi.

He said the recognition was bound to spur those considering to invest in tourism-related projects, especially high-end resort hotels which had been found lacking in Sabah. “I am confident that the best is yet to come for the tourism industry in Sabah,” Masidi added.

TripAdvisor had ranked Kota Kinabalu as sixth in the list of destinations on the rise for Asia, capping a good year for the city based on other travel lists previously released.

The awards highlight 54 spots globally that have seen the greatest increase in positive traveller feedback and traveller interest, year on year. Havana in Cuba was the number one ranked destination for the top 10 in the world, and lists were also revealed for Asia, South Paci-fic, Europe, South America and the United States.

Topping the Asian list was Kathmandu (Nepal) followed by Sapporo (Japan), Hanoi (Vietnam), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Hua Hin (Thailand), Sanur (Indonesia), Macau (China), Jaipur (India) and Busan (South Korea).

-thestar online.

Langkawi Naturally Magikal Kedah show kicks off

LANGKAWI: The Langkawi Naturally Magikal Kedah 2013 carnival kicked off tonight with spectacular mix of show combining fireworks, laser show, water jet fountains and vertical jet fountains at Pantai Lagenda here tonight.

The carnival which will run until Jan 5,  also featured concerts by local and foreign artistes. Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir launched it tonight.

 

Organiser Naturally Magical Sdn Bhd (NMSB) which promised to deliver a stunning and magical show, roped in H2O Events team which had worked with the stunt directors for Hollywood blockbusters Mission Impossible 2 and the James Bond thriller Quantum of Solace.

 

Laser specialists Oracle Attractions, which put together an amazing laser show at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2010 in New Delhi, will also addmore excitement to the event. The production will showcase works of award-winning laser artist, Glenn Turner, (Oracle Attractions) and water show director Jack Ellison (H20 Events).

 

The night show will use the latest special effects technology to manage and sync its main show components -- lasers, water jet fountain, ski show and fireworks.

 

The nightly shows will feature large-scale special effects using high power lasers, water jet fountains and vertical jet fountains (about 40m high), creating a stunning 183m wide display at Pantai Lagenda.

 

The shows will feature custom-components including the extensive use of wireless technology for lasers, water jet fountains, sound and lighting hardware -- on a 67m barge anchored 150m from shore and controlled from the beach.

 

Radio Frequency or "RF" transceiver firing mechanism will be used for fireworks display. The water show will be filled with theatrical effects using close proximity pyrotechnics and a unique water firing position to add another layer of excitement. These special effects display is the first of its kind in Malaysia.

 

Mukhriz in his speech said the 'Langkawi Naturally Magikal, Kedah' is yet another international-standard event to help place this island on the world tourism map. He said they planned to turn it into an annual event.

-nst online.

http://www.langkawimagical.com.my/

Malaysia Airlines Urges Guests to Self Check-in

Subang, 18 December 2013: Malaysia Airlines strongly encourages its guests who are travelling during this holiday season to perform self-check in to avoid long queues at the airport. Guests may choose to check in via web (malaysiaairlines.com), mobile (flymas.mobi) or fast-check kiosks (at KLIA). Malaysia Airlines web check-in is open 48 hours and up to 90 minutes before departure.

Malaysia Airlines Director of Customer Services, Dato' Mohd Salleh Ahmad Tabrani said, "There has been various complaints about guests getting stuck in long queues. The peak timings daily are from 7.00am till about 8.30am. Malaysia Airlines checks-in about 1500 guests in the span of 1 1/2hours and up to 5000 passengers between 6:00am to 10:00am during this peak period. As such, Malaysia Airlines strongly urges all guests to self check-in during this period as their kind cooperation will really make a difference.”

For domestic travelers, self check-in is compulsory.  

Besides the flexibility and convenience, the self-service check in options can be a great way for passengers to save time on their journey. The service is available to any e-ticket holder with a confirmed booking. Immediately after self check in, customers are shown to the baggage drop-off points where necessary, to hand over their checked-in baggage to the airline employees.

The web check-in is however not applicable for travel on sectors from Kuala Lumpur to Bandar Seri Begawan, Kunming, Xiamen, Kathmandu, Los Angeles, Tokyo–Los Angeles, as well as sectors and code share flights operated by partner carriers.

This consolidated airport check-in convenience is one of the many initiatives rolled out by Malaysia Airlines to improve customer experience when they travel with the national carrier.

-Malaysia Airlines.

http://malaysiaairlines.com/my/en.html

Christmas And Year-End Holidays: PLUS Urges Public To Follow TTA

PLUS urges the public to plan their Christmas and Year-End holidays based on its Travel Time Advisory (TTA) which is proven to contribute to smoother traffic flow during peak periods in the past.

“The TTA plays a crucial role in helping the public to plan their journey whereby PLUS expects the traffic on the North-South Expressway (NSE) will increase by 20 percent to 1.5 million vehicles per day during Christmas and 2014 New Year period as compared to 1.2 million vehicles on normal days,” said PLUS Head Corporate Communications, Mohd Nizam Ismail.

The TTA consists of recommended staggered travel times for various destinations from the Klang Valley to major states and cities in Kedah, Perlis, Penang, Perak, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan. It is aimed at distributing traffic and reducing congestion on the mainline, major toll plazas, rest areas and lay-bys during peak periods.

“We expect those in the Klang Valley to start travelling between 20 December to 28 December. As such, based on the TTA, we advise those heading to Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang and Johor to enter the North-South Expressway between 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Whereas, those heading towards other destinations such as Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Gerik, Jasin and Melaka can enter the highway between 10:00 am to 1:00 pm,” Nizam elaborated.

PLUS also issues a TTA for those coming back to the Klang Valley after Christmas and year-end holidays between 29 December to 1 January 2014.

“The high adoption rate of the TTA during the previous festive seasons helped to promote smoother and safer travel on the highways. As such, we hope that the public will continue to give their co-operation in following the TTA for their balik kampong as well as during their journey back to the Klang Valley,” Nizam said.

“We also advice the public to plan their journey and call the toll free PLUSLine at 1800 88 0000 or follow the PLUSTrafik Twitter service for latest traffic update,” he added.

-PLUS.

Penang Target 5.5 Million Tourist Arrivals Next Year

BUTTERWORTH, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- The Penang branch of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board are targeting 5.5 million tourists to visit the state in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014.

Its deputy director Haryanty Abu Bakar said to achieve the target the board was expanding its network with tourism industry players to urge them to join the board's promotion initiatives throughout the country.

"We have launched 33 tourism packages that involve sports, arts, culture, food and the latest deep sea fishing involving 13 islands and beaches available in the state.

"By introducing unique packages, we are confident of achieving the 5.5 million tourist arrival target," Haryanty told reporters after distributing 1,000 VMY stickers at the Penang Bridge Toll Plaza, here today.

Haryanty said the state had recorded 706,044 tourist arrivals until November, including 198,881 domestic tourists, with Indonesians accounting for the highest number with 126,550 followed by Singapore with 57,003.

The highlight of the VMY promotion would be the 2014 Countdown Carnival at Queensbay on Dec 28 and 29 which would also feature 13 booths comprising travel agents, tourism products and other traditional and cultural activities.
-bernama.

AirAsia X To Buy 25 More A330-300s For US$6 Billion

PARIS, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- AirAsia X, the long-haul, low-fare affiliate of AirAsia Group, has placed the largest single airline firm orders for 25 more A330-300s with Airbus valued at US$6 billion.

These increase AirAsia X's orders to 51 from Airbus, supplemented by orders of six A330-300s leased from the International Lease Finance Corp, bringing its total confirmed fleet deliveries to 57 by 2019. AirAsia X will start taking delivery of its A330-300s in 2015 as it begins a major expansion of its network across Asia-Pacific.

The new orders include the latest extended range versions of the A330-300, providing the carrier with the ability to offer non-stop services to destinations in Europe or one-stop services to the US.

Co-founder/Director of AirAsia X, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, said the orders showed the company's firm intent to dominate the long-haul, low-cost carrier space. "Our commitment would allow us to remain as the youngest wide-bodied fleet in the region at under five years throughout 2019, with corresponding competitive fuel efficiency, reliability and cabin comfort benefits," he said at the signing ceremony with Airbus for the purchase order here today.

Fernandes said the aircraft orders would further cater to expansion plans in Malaysia, and the proposed new Thai AirAsia X hub as well as other long-haul ventures planned across Asia. "The developments will complement the group's long-term vision of developing its presence in key markets in Asia and strengthen the connectivity between long-haul and short-haul low-cost network," he said.

AirAsia X currently operates 15 A330-300s on services linking its Kuala Lumpur base to 18 destinations in Asia, Australia and Saudi Arabia. In addition to A330s, the carrier has 10 A350-XWB aircraft on order for future delivery. The latest orders from AirAsia X further consolidate the position of the AirAsia Group as one of Airbus' largest airline customers in the world.

In total, the group has now ordered 536 aircraft from the manufacturer. These include 475 A320 Family single-aisle aircraft for AirAsia's short-haul operations based out of Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta and Manila, plus the 51 A330s and 10 A350 XWBs for AirAsia X.

Meanwhile, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airbus, Farbrice Bregier, said the A330 was the perfect platform for such operations, with the lowest operating costs, true long range flying capability and a proven track record track of exceptional technical reliability. "We look forward to working with AirAsia X as it continues to innovate in the low-cost long-haul market," he said.

CEO of AirAsia X, Azran Osman-Rani, and Bregier signed the agreement. Also present were Fernandes and Chief Operating Officer, Customers of Airbus, John Leahy. The signing ceremony took place at the Shangri-La Hotel here, attended by Airbus and AirAsia X representatives and members of the media.
-bernama.

Tourism Malaysia Launches VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR 2014 Sticker Photo Contest

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 December 2013 – Tourism Malaysia launched the “Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY 2014) Sticker Photo Contest” today to raise awareness of the celebration of VMY 2014 among Malaysians and expatriates.

The contest will be held for a period of three months beginning 1 January until 31 March 2014. Each month, 30 lucky winners will get to bring home attractive prizes, including domestic travel packages.

“Through this contest, Malaysians and expatriates will get to join us and assist us in promoting VMY 2014. At the same time, it will also prepare them to be the host during the celebration of this much-anticipated event,” said the Director General of Tourism Malaysia Dato’ Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, during the launching of the VMY 2014 Sticker Photo Contest at the Sungai Besi PLUS Toll, where a total of 150,000 stickers were distributed to road users around the country. The event was also attended by the Senior General Manager of PLUS Ir. Mohd. Zulastri Mohd. Amin.

The VMY 2014 stickers, depicting the proboscis monkey (the mascot of VMY 2014), were distributed at 15 locations – seven toll plazas and one PLUS R & R outlet – Sungai Besi Toll in Selangor, Skudai Toll in Johor, Ayer Keroh Toll in Melaka, Pulau Pinang Bridge Toll, Senawang Toll in Seremban, Batu Tiga Toll in Shah Alam, Hutan Kampung Toll in Kedah, and Tapah R&R in Perak.

Besides that, the stickers were also distributed in states that are not connected via the PLUS Highway, such as Jabor Toll in Terengganu, Tun Salahudin Bridge Toll in Sarawak, Kuala Perlis Jetty, KB Mall in Kelantan, Kota Kinabalu Airport in Sabah, Kuantan Sentral and Urban Transformation Centre in Bentong, Pahang.

Aside from highway locations, stickers for the VMY 2014 Sticker Photo Contest can also be obtained at Tourism Malaysia state offices and Tourist Information Centres (TIC) around the country.

This contest is also expected to increase the number of followers on Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Facebook (FB CC1M) at http://www.facebook.com/CutiCuti1Malaysia. To date, the page has approximately 1.8 million followers. To participate in the contest, participants are required to place the sticker on their vehicles and take a creative picture of the vehicle against the background of any tourist attraction in Malaysia. Contest entries can be submitted via CC1M FB.

The participants also need to “Like” the CC1M FB page before uploading their photos on the VMY 2014 Car Sticker Photo Contest app. The photo also needs to be shared with 10 friends. Unsuccessful entries for the first month will be carried forward to the second month’s draw and so forth.
-Tourism Malaysia.

Najib: Strive for quality tourism

Future theme park: Najib (centre) speaking to (from left) Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products president Jeffrey Godsick, Lim, Genting Malaysia deputy chairman Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar and Genting Malaysia president and chief operating officer Datuk Seri Lee Choong Yan at the launch of the Genting Integrated Tourism Plan.

GENTING HIGHLANDS: Visit Malaysia Year 2014 is not just one event but a nationwide year-long event to mobilise the entire tourism industry, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He urged industry players not to merely focus on the number of visitors but to look into ways to improve the tourism sector as a whole.

“We need to ask ourselves, ‘Are we ready with infrastructure? Are we ready to put in investments? Are we ready to absorb the level of growth?’ Instead of focusing on tourist numbers, we must look at ways of improving tourism receipts while providing value-added products and services,” he said when launching the Genting Integrated Tourism Plan (GITP) and officiating at the ground-breaking of the 20th Century Fox World theme park here yesterday.

Najib said as the second largest foreign exchange earner (after manufacturing), tourism contributed RM47.2bil to the gross national income and the Government had set a target of 36 million tourist arrivals, with tourist receipts of RM168bil by 2020.

In the meantime, the development of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) received a boost following the launching of the RM5bil GITP and the first studio-branded theme park in the country by 20th Century Fox.

Najib said the GITP would help attract both local and foreign investments to the ECER, resulting in greater infrastructure development of the region.

“I believe the plan will help address the regional economic imba­lance in infrastructure and encourage both local and foreign investment flow into the east coast,” he said.

Najib added that the GITP would complement the Government’s 12-year initiative launched in 2007 to develop and transform the east-coast region into a manufacturing and trading hub as well as major tourist destination.

He said the move by Genting augured well for the country to attract more tourists in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

Besides the RM1bil international theme park by 20th Century Fox, Najib said the country’s second Premium Outlet Centre (after the one in Johor) would be set up here, offering world branded goods.

It is learnt that the park will include rides and attractions based on films like Ice Age, Rio, Alien Vs Predator, Planet Of The Apes and Night At The Museum.

Earlier in his speech, Genting Malaysia Bhd chairman and chief executive Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said although Resorts World Genting is a world renowned tourism destination with more than 20 million visitors over the last two years, the company was still not contented with its achievements.

He said the RM4bil under the GITP would be used to develop new hotel properties, infrastructure and amenities and modernise existing hotels by 2016.

-thestar online.