Visual Arts Development Board Targets RM24 Million In Sale Through 1MCAT

KUANTAN, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The National Visual Arts Development Board has targetted RM24 million in sales from artworks collected through the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism (1MCAT) Festival, this year.

Its chairman, Datuk Mahadzir Lokman said the target can be achieved through a series of art exhibitions held throughout the country, including the ongoing one in the state currently.

"Since its inception in 2010, we have collected RM61 million in art-sale proceeds and hope the RM24 million target this year will exceed last year's sales of RM19 million," he told reporters after the launch of the state level 1MCAT by State Rural Development, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif at the Pahang State Foundation Complex here, today.

Held in collaboration with the Faculty of Heritage Tourism and IKIP International College of Creative Arts, Arts Association of Pahang and Rajawali Arts Group, the Pahang 1MCAT gathered 50 paintings and artworks from all over Pahang to be exhibited at the Pahang State Foundation Complex from Sept 17 to Oct 30.
-bernama.

Singapore’s Masia One To Thrill Hip Hop Fans At ASIA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014

KUCHING – Asia Music Festival is back for the 2^nd year running and this edition will present to you Female Rapper from Singapore, Masia One. She is all set to thrill the audience at the coming event to be held at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Miri from the 3^rd to 4^th October 2014.

In 2003, Masia One, began her own record label known as M1 Group (later renamed The MERDEKA Group) and subsequently released her debut album, Mississauga. The album was well received and the music video for the lead single "Split Second Time" was nominated in the category of best rap video by the Much Music awards. Masia's second studio album, "PULAU" was released in 2009. The album attained the number one slot on the Canadian College Radio Charts as well as charting on both CBC Radio 3 and South East Asian Radio.

Masia has developed into a well rounded multi-genre artist. Her sound reflects inspiration drawn from touring through North America, Jamaica and Asia and sharing the stage with acts such as The Roots, Floetry, Mos Def, DJ Neil Armstrong, Lady Saw & Ron Sexsmith.

Courted by Grammy Award-winning Aftermath producer Che Vicious (Produced for Lauren Hill, Kanye West and 50 Cent to name a few), Masia began working on what would later become the album "Bootleg Culture". "Bootleg Culture" was released in September 2012.
and is currently nominated for "Urban Recording of the Year" by the Western Canadian Music Alliance.

In February 2013 Masia One won three South East Asian VIMA Music Awards. Best Hip Hop Song (Warriors Tongue), Best Collaboration (Errrybody feat. Pharrell, The Game & Isis Salam) & Thank You For Existing Highest Honor Award. She was nominated in eight categories, including nominations for Best Overall Female Act and Best Pop Song - "Make Up". 

In May 2013 Masia One got the opportunity to perform for the first time in Europe. She did shows in Germany and Sweden as well as working with Swedish producer team Musicano. 

Watch Masia One performing on stage at Asia Music Festival. Other confirmed line-up this year includes SoulMate (India), Salammusik (Malaysia), Pancake80 (Philippines), Pisco (Taiwan), Retrospect (Thailand), Ras Muhamad (Indonesia) and Mad August (Malaysia).

Get your presale tickets now at only RM25 for adults and RM10 for children/student (aged 3-18) at www.asiamusicfestival.net . Tickets also available from all STB’s Visitors Information Centre located at Sarawak Tourism Complex, Kuching (+6 082-423600), Jalan Melayu, Miri (+6 085-434180) and Jalan Tukang Besi, Sibu (+6 084-340980). Door-sale tickets are priced at RM30 for adults and RM15 for children/students.

-Sarawak Tourism Festival.

World Tourism Day comes to Malaysia

MOTAC facebook

The national level celebration of World Tourism Day (WTD2014) will be held in Johor this year. Taking place from Sept 26 to 28, the event takes on the theme of “Tourism And Community Development” this year.

During the three-day festivities, numerous activities will be held at the Mall of Medini in Nusajaya, Johor. The lineup at the venue include interactive traditional games, cultural performances, one-of-a-kind exhibition of ancient manuscripts and a special display of the prehistoric Perak Man.

The WTD2014 Treasure Hunt – which brings participants to places of attractions around Johor – will also take place. In addition to that, state-level celebrations will also take place in Kedah and Pahang.

Introduced in 1980 by the World Tourism Organisation, World Tourism Day is celebrated on Sept 27 every year to commemorate the contribution and importance of tourism in shaping and influencing social values, culture, politics and the world economy. The global celebration for this year will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Malaysia hosted the global celebration of World Tourism Day in 2004.

To create awareness and increase participation from the public, MOTAC has launched a hashtag campaign – #MYWorldTourismDay – which encourages public to upload photos of their visits to tourist destinations in the country into their social websites to show their support for the tourism industry.

The celebration in Johor is open to the public and admission is free.

-thestar online.

Be Mesmerised With Reggae At ASIA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014

KUCHING – Reggae music is not new among listeners and music lovers. The 2^nd edition of Asia Music Festival this coming October 3-4 in Miri, Sarawak will bring you Reggae Ambassador of Indonesia, Ras Muhamad. He will entertain you with reggae music that will leave you mesmerized.

Ras Muhamad believes that through the power of music especially Reggae, people can share and learn each other’s cultures through the messages it conveys. To find similarities and common ground, setting aside petty differences and finally celebrating life and all its dynamics through music.  Such as the core and heart of Reggae, it’s a universal expression and a message of love.

Ras Muhamad musical influences other than Reggae, Ska, Dancehall and Rocksteady ranges widely from Hip-Hop, Indonesian traditional and pop music, Jazz, Metal and World Music.  Besides Bob Marley, his Reggae “heroes” are Lee Perry, Peter Tosh, Augustus Pablo, King Tubby, Sizzla, Garnett Silk Gregory Isaacs and a very long-list of others.  Lyrically, he draws many inspirations also from Hip-Hop icons such as Rakim, KRS-One, Nas and Wu-Tang.  If one listens closely to any of Ras Muhamad’s tune his rhyme structure has subtle undertones and akin to a Hip-Hop lyricist. 

Not just active in the Reggae Culture, Ras Muhamad challenges himself to collaborate with other genres in the Indonesian music industry.  To express himself as an artist and give the “Reggae breath” to other forms of music is challenging to an ever-growing and evolving artist.

As an example, Ras Muhamad collaborated and recorded music with Indonesian Pop Icons such as Glenn Fredly, Tompi and Element.  Indra Lesmana, a jazz legend in Indonesia also had experience in working with the Reggae Ambassador of Indonesia.  Renowned, Indonesian Punk Band Superglad also collaborated with him in 2013 for their album. 

Lyrically inclined, musically dynamic and Jamaican-influenced yet still Asiatic. Oneness Records boldly releases Indonesia’s first Reggae international album on July 25^th 2014, Ras Muhamad’s “Salam”.

Among the many awards he received are; 2013 Nomintaed Best Reggae Composition for “Negeri Pelangi” by “Anugerah Music Indonesia, 2013 Best Reggae Song “Prosa Tinju Lima Jari”, 2012 Best Reggae for Indonesia Cutting-Edge Music Awards.

Watch Ras Muhamad performing on stage at Asia Music Festival to be held in Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, Miri, Sarawak. Other confirmed line-up this year includes SoulMate (India), Salammusik (Malaysia), Pancake80 (Philippines), Pisco (Taiwan), Retrospect (Thailand), Masia One (Singapore) and Mad August (Malaysia).

Presale tickets is currently on sale only at RM25 for adults and RM10 for children/student (aged 3-18) atwww.asiamusicfestival.net . Tickets also available from all STB’s Visitors Information Centre located at Sarawak Tourism Complex, Kuching (+6 082-423600), Jalan Melayu, Miri (+6 085-434180) and Jalan Tukang Besi, Sibu (+6 084-340980). Door-sale ticket are priced at RM30 for adults and RM15 for children/students.

-Sarawak Tourism Board.

World Tourism Day - 27 September

World Tourism Day (WTD) is held annually on 27 September.

Its purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The event seeks to address global challenges outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in reaching these goals.

Establishment of World Tourism Day

It was at its third session (Torremolinos, Spain, September 1979), that the UNWTO General Assembly decided to establish World Tourism Day, beginning in 1980. This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism: the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970.

The timing of World Tourism Day is particularly appropriate in that it comes at the end of the high season in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of the season in the southern hemisphere, when tourism is on the minds of millions of people worldwide.

World Tourism Day theme and official celebrations

WTD is celebrated by events around the themes selected by the UNWTO General Assembly, on the recommendation of the UNWTO Executive Council.  

While UNWTO invites people of all ages and backgrounds to hold and take part in celebrations in their respective country or holiday destination, official WTD celebrations take place in a UNWTO Member State, on the basis of geographic rotation.

-UNWTO.

Strong demand brings BA back to Kuala Lumpur

British Airways (BA) will resume direct daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to London from May 27, 2015, after suspending services to Kuala Lumpur in 2001 as global travel slowed after 9/11.

The service will be operated by a four-cabin Boeing 777-200ER, featuring 12 seats in first class, 48 in Club World business class, 32 in World Traveller Plus premium economy class, and a further 127 in World Traveller economy class.

Flights will arrive at and depart from London’s Heathrow Terminal 5. BA034 will leave Kuala Lumpur at 23.05 and arrive in London at 05.25 the next morning. BA033 will depart Heathrow at 20.15, arriving into Kuala Lumpur at 16.00 the next day.

Jamie Cassidy, BA’s area general manager for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, said in a press release: “It’s wonderful to be back in Malaysia. We are starting the new flights in response to strong customer demand for direct flights to Kuala Lumpur.”

Badlisham Ghazali, managing director of Malaysia Airports, added: “I greatly welcome the return of BA to Malaysia. This announcement underlines the strength and vibrancy of the air travel market between the UK and Malaysia, and I believe that this new route of BA will bring about positive impact of great proportions to both countries from the economics, political, social and cultural standpoints.”

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia Tourism Highlights – OCTOBER 2014

PUTRAJAYA, 19 September 2014 – A line-up of well-balanced events comprising food, sports, and culture will kick off the final quarter of 2014! Among the noteworthy events that will take place in October are:

14^TH MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL GOURMET FESTIVAL (MIGF) 2014

Held throughout the month of October, the top chefs from hotels and restaurants nationwide will try to outdo one another to entice and excite food lovers with their most innovative menus!

With the theme “Red Hot Chefs!”, the cuisines on offer during MIGF 2014 include Cantonese, French, Indochinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Sichuan, Sri Lankan, and Thai. Building on the success of 14 consecutive years, the MIGF is an integral part of Tourism Malaysia’s “Fabulous Food 1Malaysia” initiative.

Get ready to enjoy a delectable feast!

Note: The special MIGF preview event - Taste MIGF - will take place from 27 to 28 September 2014, 11am to 10pm at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre. Food lovers are invited to indulge in a “Super Gourmet Safari” as the Festival Restaurants gather in a specially created “Theatre of Cuisines” to serve up tasting portions from their Festival Menus. There will also be an Epicure International Gourmet Village, Cooking Classes, Lifestyle Workshops and a LuxuryPlus Showcase. See www.tastemigf.com for more details.

Organiser:       Asia Reach Events Sdn. Bhd.

Date:               1 – 31 October 2014  

Venue:            Kuala Lumpur

Contact:          +6 03 2282 8028

Email:              info@migf.com

Website:         www.migf.com

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Is The Best Example In Agrotourism - APO

ALOR SETAR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is the best example for developing the agrotourism industry as it has managed to help people involved in agriculture to improve their quality of life.

Director of the Agriculture Department, Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) Joselito Cruz Bernardo said many countries were trying to find ways to improve the income for small farmers as the land for agriculture has become smaller.

"Malaysia has the best solutions through agrotourism. The only way to improve the income of small farmers is to find a way to diversify their economic activies.

"We have to introduce new activities. In doing this, Malaysia is the best example for agrotourism in Asia, and it also includes homestay programmes. I have been travelling around...Malaysia has the best, well organised agrotourism programme," he told reporters during the welcoming dinner for a Training Course on Development of Homestay and Agrotourism Programme, here Sunday night.

He said it was proven that Malaysia's effort to develop agrotourism managed to provide more income for the people in the rural area. Bernardo said APO is a regional organisation based in Tokyo, composed of 20 member countries with Malaysia is one of the very active member.

"We support member countries in terms of economic development to improve productivity. We are here in Kedah as a way to improve the agricultural sector. The participants will study your agricultural practices in developing agrotourism and try to implement them in their respective countries after this," he said. He said agrotourism was one the major programs for APO for the last five years and the best practices were in Malaysia.

"After this training course some participants will organize programmes in their respective countries and maybe they will be inviting some experts from Malaysia. What we do at APO is to facilitate, share knowldege and encourage partnership between various organisations and member countries," he said.

The Training Course on Development of Homestay and Agrotourism Programme started yesterday until Sept 27, organised by APO and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), with the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) as the local host. The course is being attended by 17 participants from 13 countries.

APO was established on May 11, 1961 as a regional intergovernmental organization. Its mission is to contribute to the sustainable socioecomic development of Asia and the Pacific through enhancing productivity.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Secretary-General (Development) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Azini Mohd Shahid hoped that cooperation between the Asian countries through APO could develop a more advanced business activity, based on agricultural activities.

He said Malaysia was prepared to highlight existing expertise in certain fields and at the same time learn with the other nations on the expertise possessed by a particular country. He disclosed this when met at the program.
-bernama.

Sarawak boasts South-east Asia's first country music festival

Sarawak-based professional conference organiser, Planet Conventions and Events, has created an international music festival to promote Miri, a secondary destination in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on Borneo Island, and help the local communities promote their events.

Miri Country Music Fest, unique for being the only country music festival in South-east Asia, was first held in February this year. The second edition will be held on February 17, 2015.

Planet Conventions and Events director Gracie V Geikie, said: “There will be a total of eight country bands performing at this one day event comprising local bands from Sarawak as well as international bands from around the world.”

Gracie, former CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board (2005 to 2009), is no stranger to using music to promote her native state as she was also instrumental in being the founder of the annual Miri Jazz Festival and for growing the acclaimed annual Rainforest World Music Festival, which is a homegrown product of the Board.

Gracie said next year the event will also be used as a platform to promote community-based events, such as the 10th anniversary of the Bario Food & Cultural Festival, to be held in July 2015. It will also be a platform for a local community of ladies from Lawas to promote hand-made beads made from clay.

The inaugural Miri Country Music Fest drew 1,900 visitors and attracted media coverage from local and international media.

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia's 1st Wellness Festival @ Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel ( 7~9 November 2014 )

-www.ticketcharge.com.my

'Malaysia, Truly Asia' Video Wins PATA Gold Award 2014

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia's promotional video, 'Malaysia, Truly Asia - The Essence of Asia', won the 2014 Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) Gold Award for Best Promotional Travel Video under the Marketing Media category.

It is the fifth award bagged by Tourism Malaysia since the video was made public in January this year as part of efforts to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2014. It was a joint effort between Tourism Malaysia and its advertising agency M&C Saatchi.

In a statement here Friday, Tourism Malaysia said the award was received by Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Datuk Azizan Noordin at a ceremony that took place at the Diamond Island City Hall in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, today.

This year's Pata Gold Awards attracted a total of 181 entries from 66 travel and tourism organisations. The Pata Travel Mart 2014 was attended by over 1,000 delegates from close to 60 countries.

The statement said Tourism Malaysia also hosted a dinner for local travel industry players and media promoting Malaysia.

Last year, Malaysia recorded 64,534 tourist arrivals from Cambodia and, for the first five months of this year, the number of arrivals from this market was 30,685 (an increase of 11.5 per cent).
-bernama.

Fresh Music For Your Ears By SALAMMUSIK

KUCHING – When you fuse cultural and modern beats, you’ll get Salammusik. One of the bands that gives music in Malaysia a breath of fresh air which not only addictive rhythms, but also with lyrics that yearn to be heard.

Formed in 2010, this award-winning band from Malaysia will be presenting all music styles at the 2nd edition of Asia Music Festival this coming October 3-4, at the Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club in Miri, Sarawak. 

The band will play Rock, Reggae, Pop, Hio-Hop, Modern and cultural beats and making it into one fresh style. Salammusik always know how to make the people move and enjoy themselves. In 2012, their first album called Salam Musik had won the ‘Best Album Category’ in the 19th Malaysian Music Industry Award in Kuala Lumpur. 

Their music is inspired by the tranquility of nature so-to-speak; how history and reality revolves around the writing process. It speaks of basic human needs such as peace, environment, love and unity. Salammusik managed to capture time and thoughts in life and delivered them well through their music.

Salammusik believe that there are so many things going on that needs to be heard and they use music as a platform to express themselves by write the lyric based on their experiences.

The radio stations picked up their sound and everyone in the country as well as in Indonesia and Singapore was introduced to Salammusik. The tunes of Salammusik are not foreign to the ears of music listeners.

They have now launched their latest album titled O in January 2013. They were planning to run a tour to European countries as part of their music promotion with the local sponsor, Biskut Cap Ping Pong.

Other confirmed line-up for Asia Music Festival this year includes SoulMate (India), Ras Muhamad (Indonesia), Pancake80 (Philippines), Pisco (Taiwan), Retrospect (Thailand), Masia One (Singapore) and Mad August (Malaysia).

Presale tickets is currently on sale only at RM25 for adults and RM10 for children/student (aged 3-18) at www.asiamusicfestival.net. Tickets also available from all STB’s Visitors Information Centre located at Sarawak Tourism Complex, Kuching (+6 082-423600), Jalan Melayu, Miri (+6 085-434180) and Jalan Tukang Besi, Sibu (+6 084-340980). Door-sale ticket are priced at RM30 for adults and RM15 for children/students.

-Sarawak Tourism Board.

Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2014 Officially Begins Tomorrow With Local Tennis Stars Set To Feature In The Qualifiers

With an enhanced court colour scheme and a host of top international tennis stars, including top seeded world No. 8 and 2014 US Open finalist Kei Nishikori, world No. 13 Latvian Ernests Gulbis and the ‘1/2 kampung kid’ Nick Kyrgios set to light up the stage, the nine-day Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2014 ATP 250 tournament kicks off tomorrow with the singles qualifiers here at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil. 

In keeping with tradition, the tournament has once again provided wild cards for up and coming local tennis players to participate in the singles qualifying event. This year, opportunities were given to Syed Mohd Agil Syed Naguib, Mohd Assri Merzuki, Mohd Ashaari Zainal Abidin and Koay Hao Sheng. Mohd Agil will also team up with Nick Kyrgios to play as a wild card pairing in the doubles main draw.  

While all four boys are amongst the top tennis players in the country chosen by the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) to participate, 20-year-old Mohd Agil and 19-year-old Assri Merzuki are the only two who boast ATP Tour rankings, making it the first year that Malaysia has two ATP ranked players participating in the Malaysian Open. 

“My previous experiences in the Malaysian Open has definitely has given me more confidence and I believe I am a stronger player now,” said Assri Merzuki, who is the highest ranked Malaysian singles player at No. 1358. 

“I feel very happy to have been given this opportunity. I have heard a lot of things about Nick (Kyrgios) and am looking forward to teaming up with him,” said the world No. 1621 Agil.  Ashaari made headlines last year after becoming the first local player to win a match against foreign opposition in the Malaysian Open and hopes to go one better this year.  

“This is my second year playing and I feel more confident this year. I have had more training and have improved my fitness, so hopefully I can go one or maybe even two rounds this year,” said the 25-year-old. 

At just 16-years-old, Perlis-born Koay Hao Sheng is the youngest member of the Malaysian contingent and will be making his maiden appearance at the tournament. Two new national tennis coaches, Australian James Peach and Dutchman Eric Pietersz, have also come on board recently to further elevate the level of tennis in the country and will be on hand to offer the boys valuable experience and advice.  

Qualifying matches begin tomorrow at 10am, with the confirmed schedule of play to be released later tonight once the draw has been made. 

Meanwhile, the official main draw ceremony is slated for 3pm tomorrow afternoon at the main entrance of the Putra Stadium. The draw is open to the public and may feature appearances from marquee players.  

Tournament director Nick Freyer expressed his excitement at the tournament build-up during this afternoon’s media briefing: “Tickets sales are 50% better compared to previous years and there is a truly positive buzz around the tournament. After a difficult year for Malaysians, we hope to give the country something positive to cheer about and have taken additional efforts to market the event. Television coverage around the world has been increased and we have even brightened the court colours for an enhanced appearance on TV screens. If you look closely, you will also see “I Love Malaysia” painted on the player benches. More than 5000 school going and underprivileged children will be invited over to enjoy the matches during the week and perhaps we can 

even inspire some of them to pick up the sport. We are also looking forward to 

welcoming Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin during the finals of the event next week.” 

The tournament is proud to welcome back its suite of official sponsors. In addition to the distinguished support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia as well as the Ministry of Youth & Sports, the event is proud to have prestigious commercial sponsors that include Rado, CNN International, the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Wilson, the Albukhary Foundation, Astro, the ATP World Tour’s Premier Partner Corona, as well as welcome on board KPJ Healthcare Berhad, making its first foray into sponsorship of professional tennis.  Other supplier level sponsors include House Restaurant, Cream & Fudge, Pizza Hut, 100Plus, KFC and KiekLover.KL. 

Tickets prices remain very reasonable and range from RM 10 to RM 160.  There will be free admission between Saturday, September 20 and Tuesday, September 23. Tickets can be purchased now on-line via the tournament website http://www.malaysianopentennis.com/2014/tickets.php, at TicketCharge outlets or through the ticket hotline at TicketCharge Ph: 603-92228811 

   

For more information on the tournament, visit www.MalaysianOpenTennis.com or  https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianOpen.KualaLumpur  or 

https://twitter.com/KLopentennis.  

-www.MalaysianOpenTennis.com

Register Now: PATA Hub City Forum

PUTRAJAYA, 11 September 2014: With the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to be implemented effective 1 January 2015, is our regional travel trade ready for it?

Covering 10 nations in South-East Asia (including Malaysia), the AEC-2015 aims to transform the region into a single market and production base with a highly competitive advantage to make it a stable and prosperous region. How will the AEC affect and impact tourism businesses in the region and in Malaysia? 

Hub City Forum featuring the theme ‘AEC 2015 – Where is Tourism Heading?’ aims to answer this question!

PATA Malaysia Chapter (PMC) in collaboration with PATA Headquarters and supported by Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia (MOTAC) and TOURISM MALAYSIA, is taking the lead to shed light on this very important topic via the Hub City Forum featuring the theme ‘AEC 2015 – Where is Tourism Heading?’ The forum is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 15 October 2014 at The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur and will be officially launched by the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia. 

It will look at some of the issues faced by Malaysia in the making of the AEC and explore new paths of growth for the travel and tourism industry. Among the topics addressed are the policies and implementation of AEC and the opportunities and challenges for stakeholders. With ASEAN being the largest contributor with 19.1 million arrivals, representing a 74.3% share of the overall tourist arrivals to Malaysia in 2013, it’s a timely forum for those in the tourism fraternity. And, in line with the broad objectives of the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) and Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan (MTTP) to increase yield per tourist, the forum will certainly address and shed light on the way forward.

The forum could very well be the “last call” to update stakeholders on this game-changing AEC. Tourism and hospitality players, airlines, transport operators, and those with business interests in the industry within this region should not miss this opportunity.
 
For registration, visit www.pata.org, or contact the PATA Malaysia Chapter (Mr. GP Subramaniam) at 019 339 3162 or email patamalaysia@gmail.com.
-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysian trade diversifies markets to ride out Ramadan slump

Inbound tour operators in Malaysia are diversifying their source markets in the face of a decline in the lucrative Middle Eastern market, as the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan will coincide with the Gulf’s peak summer travel season until 2017.

“We don’t think the market will improve much for the Middle East summer next year,” said Ally Bhoonee, World Avenues Malaysia’s executive director, who saw a 10 per cent drop in business from the GCC countries this year.

“We have started to promote to Maghreb countries in North Africa – Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco – which are a good diversification alternative as most travellers from these countries spend seven to eight days in Malaysia and buy full-board packages.” World Avenues has also opened a representative office in Paris in July to attract more business from France.

Likewise, Ganneesh Ramaa, manager at Luxury Tours Malaysia, has started promoting Malaysia to the East African states of Kenya and Tanzania to offset the arrivals decline.

Meanwhile, Yap Sook Ling, managing director at Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel, saw a 15 per cent year-on-year drop in business from the GCC market, in addition to an ongoing price war among tour operators eager to seize a piece of the market. AOS is therefore intensifying efforts to get more regional business. “ASEAN is a volume market. Stays are shorter, but you get volume year-round,” she said.

Tourism Malaysia’s deputy director-general (promotion), Azizan Noordin, believes the Middle East market will recover in 2018, when Ramadan no longer clashes with the summer season.

Meanwhile, to attract Middle Eastern travellers to experience Ramadan in Malaysia and make them feel at home, the Malaysian NTO has rolled out efforts to educate hoteliers and inbound tour operators on how they can fulfil the needs of this market.

“We also worked with the religious department in Malaysia to invite imams from the Middle East to lead the Tarawih prayers in key mosques in Kuala Lumpur,” he added.

Tourism Malaysia has also stepped up promotion of the annual 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival in the Middle East, as the festival coincides with the peak summer travel season.

-TTG Asia.

ASEAN-China Partnership Vital To Boost Regional Tourism

CHENGDU, CHINA, 19 Sept 2014: ASEAN-China tourism is poised to flourish further with attractive tourism products, facilitation of travel, proper education and training of tour guides and managers as well as the utilisation of social media for tourism promotions.

This was the message delivered by the Chairman of Tourism Malaysia Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen at the 9th Conference on ASEAN-China People to People Friendship in Chengdu, China, today.

Tan Sri Ng’s keynote address on the topic of “Prospects on ASEAN-China Tourism Relations” addressed the importance of enhancing China-ASEAN collaborations and networking to boost regional tourism. 

In 2013, China outbound tourists numbered 98 million, with projections it will breach the 100 million mark this year. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be over 200 million Chinese outbound travellers. 

In 2013, Chinese tourists spending were about RMB 500 billion, this number is expected to triple to reach RMB 1.4 trillion by 2020.  With ASEAN receiving over 10 percent share of all Chinese outbound travellers in 2013, and being within close proximity, few cultural barriers, low cost of travel and with abundance of travel resources on offer, the region is poised to benefit from this growth in China.

China is among Malaysia’s top tourist markets, contributing 1.8 million arrivals to the country last year.

During her visit to China, Tan Sri Ng took the opportunity to host a networking lunch for China’s top tourism trade members to discuss tourism strategies to boost China arrivals to Malaysia. Among the guests were Mr. Mian Wumian, Deputy Director of Tourism Administration of Sichuan Province, and Mr. He Yudong, Vice Director Chengdu Municipal Tourism Administration. 

Tan Sri Ng also announced that the working visit had successfully initiated charter flight operations between Chengdu and Penang that would begin on 30 September. The charter flight operations, organised by Chengdu Overseas Travel Co. Ltd., will operate six weekly flights via China Eastern Airlines with an expected capacity of 154 passengers per flight. 

This initiative is in line with the Government’s aim to enhance medium-haul connectivity, which is among the Entry Point Projects (EPP) identified under the Tourism National Key Economic Area expected to rev up Malaysia’s tourism industry.
-Tourism Malaysia.