Penang Tourism: Promoting Cycle Lanes In Urban Heritage Areas

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia Penang is actively promoting bicycle lanes in urban heritage areas to bring visitors to the historic sites in the state.

Its deputy director, Haryanty Abu Bakar, said it was a complementary product after the launch of the double decker tour bus, 'Hop-On Hop-Off' which has become a new attraction in Penang since November last year.

"The cycling package which we successfully accomplished in collaboration with industry players is seen as a suitable approach for visitors to familiarise themselves with the unique cultural heritage of Penang," she said after the Media Bike Ride Treasure Hunt 2015 programme, here today.

"We are planning a follow-up edition to this inaugural programme and planning to add additional activities to attract people from various age groups to participate," she added.

In the meantime, Haryanty said in conjunction with the Visit Penang Year 2015 they are targeting 5.7 million tourist arrivals this year, an increase of 0.2 million compared with last year.

She said more than 20 interesting programmes have been designed to highlight the concept of 'festival' as the main attraction throughout the year.

Earlier, a total of 40 participants comprising Penang media practitioners, from the Department of Culture and Arts, Penang, and from the State Handicraft Development Corporation joined the cycling expedition covering a distance of 6.5 kilometres.
-bernama.

Meeting & Event Planner’s Guide e-book 2014 / 2015 Now Available Online

Kuala Lumpur, 2 Jan 2015 – The Meeting & Event Planner’s Guide E- Book 2014 / 2015 is now available online at http://myceb.com.my/planner/index.html  

The E-Guide Book provides as an easy reference and as a one-stop centre resource guide for industry partners and planners who will have access to a wide range of product and services. Partners also stand to benefit from the various business development opportunities, such as; business-to-business networking, market intelligence, and product profiles in the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s (MyCEB) online and print publications.  

The Meeting & Event Planner’s Guide E-Book 2014/2015 is indeed an excellent platform for profiling a company to the lucrative international business and major events market.

Industry partners working with MyCEB will be able to enjoy a more convenient way of planning so that they are able to grow their business in the international stake market and reduce any unnecessary costs and time. 

For more information on The Meeting & Event Planner’s Guide E- Book 2014/2015, please surf http://myceb.com.my/planner/index.html  

-Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau

MATTA fair to feature more local packages after favourable reception last year

Luck of the draw: Exhibitors attending a booth selection event organised by MATTA at the Putra World Trade Centre.

KUALA LUMPUR: Domestic destinations are to get a bigger spotlight at the upcoming MATTA Fair.

The fair’s organising chairman Jayakumar S. Sinnadurai said this followed the favourable reception at the last MATTA fair in 2014.

“Tourism Malaysia is coming in on a bigger scale because they saw that domestic tourism was encouraging during the last fair,” he said, adding that Tourism Malaysia had bought an additional 10 booths for the upcoming fair.

“A lot of the tour agencies managed to sell many domestic packages,” he added. Jayakumar said that in the current situation, more Malaysians could opt for domestic destinations.

“The US currency has gone up against the Malaysian currency, so for travellers, especially families, travelling to US destinations would be costly. “We are expecting them to change their holiday destinations to Asian countries or within the country,” he said.

MATTA, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, is also giving a RM700 ex-gratia for each booth purchased by its members for the fair at the Putra World Trade Centre from March 13 to March 15. To qualify for the rebate, members must have taken part in the last fair.

There is also a RM700 discount per booth for tour agencies which have been participating in three consecutive fairs, including the upcoming fair.

Triways Travel Network (M) Sdn Bhd group managing director Mohd Akil Yusof said the ex-gratia and discount were good incentives. “Many of the tour agencies have been participating in the fairs for more than five years, so we welcome the incentives,” he said. He added that for 2015, travel operators needed to be smarter in tailoring packages to the tough economic climate.

-thestar online.

October Tourist Arrivals Show Positive Growth

PUTRAJAYA, 23 January 2015: Tourist arrivals to Malaysia from January to October 2014 continued to grow, registering a hike of 9.6%. The country received 22.9 million (22,859,448) tourists compared to 20.9 million (20,863,045) tourists for the same period in 2013.

The top 10 tourist generating markets to Malaysia from January to October 2014 were Singapore (11,583,654), Indonesia (2,321,027), China (1,386,053), Thailand (1,102,146), Brunei (985,111), India (643,335), the Philippines (513,313), Australia (479,829), Japan (460,774), and the United Kingdom (377,208).

The number of foreign tourist arrivals in October rose by 6.7% to 2,247,666 tourists from 2,106,569 tourists for the same month in 2013. ASEAN countries continued to be the dominant market in Malaysia’s tourism, accounting for 74.9% share (1.7 million). Among ASEAN countries, Indonesia registered the highest growth of 23.3%, followed by Myanmar (+19.0%), Cambodia (+13.2%), Thailand (+9.8), Brunei (+9.8%), Vietnam (+9.7%), and Singapore (+1.3%).

Garuda Indonesia’s move to increase its Jakarta - Kuala Lumpur flight frequency from 14 flights per week to 18 flights per week since August, as well as the 20% discount offered by AirAsia for its Medan-Kuala Lumpur and Medan-Penang sectors in September, were the major factors that contributed to the upsurge of Indonesian travellers to Malaysia.

Participation in various tourism fairs at major cities in the region, such as Pasai City in the Philippines and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, contributed to the increase of tourist arrivals from ASEAN countries. A joint cooperation with local bank, radio station, and tourism agencies in Brunei, as well as Malaysia Airlines helped increase tourists from Brunei.

The medium-haul markets contributed 18.3% or 411,335 tourists to Malaysia’s total arrivals in October. Countries that registered double-digit growth in October were Oman (+55.5%), India (+50.3%), South Korea (+45.4%), Bangladesh (+33.7%), and Pakistan (+21.3%). Malaysia’s favourable exchange rate contributed to the upsurge of arrivals from India. Tourist arrivals from China registered a 5.9% increase, which signalled a recovery from this important market.

A total of 151,397 tourists or 6.7% of Malaysia’s total arrivals in October were contributed by the long-haul markets. The countries that posted double-digit growth were Poland (+35.5%), Spain (+22.1%), France (+15.1%), Germany (+14.7%), South Africa (+14.5%), Russia (+13.6%), the Netherlands (+13.5%), Denmark (+12.6), and Italy (+11.6%).

The strong promotional efforts in France and Spain contributed to the increase in the number of tourists from both markets. The significant growth in arrivals from Spain was also due to the sponsorship on Sevilla football club since March. Besides that, the set-up of a facebook page in French and Spanish since 2013 has also brought positive results on the arrivals from both countries. The increase in arrivals from Italy was attributed to school holidays and cheaper flight tickets. Many advance bookings were made by European tourists to visit Malaysia as a result of the various joint promotions conducted with the local operators in the European markets.

Meanwhile, arrivals for September 2014 recorded a hike of 6.7% with 2,233,545 tourists compared to the same month of 2013. From January to September 2014, Malaysia welcomed a total of 20.6 million (20,611,782) tourists, registering a hike of 9.9% compared to 18.8 million (18,756,476) tourists for the same period in 2013.

Note: Data on tourist arrivals is supplied by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sepang Set To Offer Fun And Excitement For The Whole Family During Formula 1 Weekend

New start time, exciting carnival activities and high-octane after-race party to make the Malaysian leg an event for ALL
 
SEPANG - F1 fans and their families will have more to look forward to than just excitement on the track during the 17th edition of the FORMULA 1 PETRONAS MALAYSIA GRAND PRIX, that takes place from the 27th till 29th March 2015.
 
Themed ‘Experience F1 Like Never Before’, the event changes the standard activities that was offered at the circuit in the past with the fun activities for young and the young at heart, making it a wholesome family affair. Visitors will see Sepang, a world class racing circuit, be transformed into a huge entertainment ground dubbed the ‘F1 Carnival’.   
 
For years, SIC’s CEO Dato’ Razlan Razali, has been mooting the idea to make F1 a carnival that is as exciting on the track as it is off.  In a recent meeting with Formula 1 Chief Executive, Bernie Ecclestone, Dato’ Razlan got the green light to make the upcoming Malaysian leg just that.


“He (Ecclestone), was open to the ideas we put forth to make the weekend even more exciting, It will have something for everyone, and I assure you it’s going to be spectacular”,
 
“What’s more with tickets as low as RM80, we are maintaining our status as the most affordable F1 event on the calendar plus the event starts an hour earlier making it ideal for family fun.” said Dato’ Razlan.
 
SIC hosts Round 2 of this season’s 20-round 2015 FIA Formula 1 World Championship from March 27 to 29. Already buzzing with excitement with the return of Honda, movement of the top F1 drivers and the exciting prospect of the youngest rookie in Max Verstappen, the 66th edition of the F1 world championship opens at Albert Park in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix from March 13 to 15.  
 

The F1 Carnival, has something for everyone, for the adrenaline fueled there is the XTrack-drifting, Go-Cart, for the kids and the kid at heart there is a water course cool zone, the carnival family zone and other fun family affair activities complete with a Ferris wheel, haunted house, carnival games and a relaxing zone where visitors can kick-back and enjoy food and drinks.  The world-class after-race concert will also end the night on a high note.
 
“The after-race concert, which will feature multiple Grammy award winner Lenny Kravitz as the main act, will be opened to all ticket holders including the RM80 for free. It will be a healthy event free from alcohol and tobacco; with children to be welcomed as well.  The early start time will also ensure that families can have fun but also leave early,” Dato’ Razlan said

Targeting an attendance of more than 120,000 for the three-day event, Dato’ Razlan added that the circuit would be going on an aggressive promotional campaign which includes international promotions, domestic road shows, on-ground promotions and including advertising at all touch points including cinemas and the social media.


“We will have on-ground shout-outs with the SIC Zoomers, which will be visiting no less than 45 key venues around the country bringing great ticket promotions and exciting prizes to be won.  The team will not just provide a sneak preview of what the fans can expect at the event; but fans can also get up close and personal with the latest MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team car the F1 W06 Hybrid.
 
“As this year’s race is a family affair, SIC would also be targeting malls and hypermarkets too,” Dato’ Razlan said, adding that the circuit would be working with premier retailer TESCO to run promotions. 
 
To top things off, one race ticket unleashes more than just the thrill of the race, ticketholders will get to enjoy selected activities and the F1 Carnival at no cost, get entrance to the after race concert and also be rewarded with One Ticket Unlimited which offers a list of discounts and promotions from various retail outlets and brands in Kuala Lumpur.
 
Fans can purchase their tickets by visiting SIC Customer Service Centre at the circuit, online at www.sepangcircuit.com or by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 603-8778 2222. Fans can also visit SIC’s promotional booth, currently located at NU Sentral.
-www.sepangcircuit.com

Light Hotel Eyes 70 Per Cent Occupancy Rate

photo: MOTAC facebook

BUTTERWORTH, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The Light Hotel (M) Sdn Bhd, the owner and operator of the Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya, expects an occupancy rate of 70 per cent this year.

General Manager Azhar Mohammad said the target is achievable due to its strategic location on the mainland and being a niche player offering premier business class services. "The Light is centrally located in Bandar Seberang Jaya and we expect to attract business travellers amid surrounding developments namely in Batu Kawan as well as expatriates working in Kulim," he said.

Constructed three years ago at a cost of RM150 million, the hotel's likely return on investment period is 10 years, he told reporters after its soft opening by Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz here Thursday.

Azhar said the Light offers 303 rooms, 250 suites and a grand ballroom accomodating 1,600 people, and would be officially open to guests on Jan 26. He said the Light would cater to the rapid development in Penang especially on the mainland, serve the growing density as well as the rising demand for medical tourism.

"Furthermore, the hotel offers easy accessibility to a multitude of key destinations including industrial zones, government offices and entertainment venues as well as leading commercial and financial districts," he added. Light Hotel (M) Sdn Bhd's board of directors includes Datuk D.Ramesh, Datuk KK Sihabutheen Kirudu Mohamed and Uswath Khan.

Meanwhile, Nazri said the government is beefing up efforts to promote tourism given that the sector is the second highest contributor to Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product. "Infrastructure like the bridge and highways to make easy access to the mainland would lure more tourists and new hotels like the Light will fill any demand gap," he said.

Nazri said part of the construction cost of the Light Hotel was financed via the Tourism Development Infrastructure Fund, which assists tourism entrepreneurs to develop and expand projects that support tourism development.
-bernama.
www.thelighthotelpg.com

Malaysia Wins Bid to Host the 9TH World Urban Forum 2018

Kuala Lumpur – Following a six-month bidding process, Malaysia emerged victorious to host the 9th World Urban Forum 2018 (WUF9) in April 2018 which will be organized by the United Nations Humans Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) together with the Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, Malaysia.

“The WUF9 adds to the roll call of prestigious international events hosted in Malaysia. Malaysia was chosen as the host venue because of its excellent bid and commitment towards sustainable urban development. About more than 10,000 international delegates are expected coming for the WUF9. This would account for an estimated economic impact of RM126.2 million (USD37.9 million) to the nation,” said Zulkefli Hj Sharif, CEO, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

United Nations Under-Secretary-General and UN-Habitat Executive Director, Dr. Joan Clos congratulated Malaysia on hosting the Forum, “At the World Urban Forum, thousands of stakeholders meet every two years to share practices and knowledge on how cities are built, planned and managed”, he said.


Also known as the World’s Premier Conference on Cities, the WUF9 has been recognized as the leading international event to examine the most pressing issues facing the world today in the area of human settlements, including rapid urbanization and its impact on cities, communities, economies, climate changes and policies. The main objective of the event is to advocate and raise awareness on sustainable urban development through open debates and exchange of experiences and best practices. 

WUF9 will also aim to enhance coordination and cooperation within and between different constituencies towards the advancement and implementation of the UN’s Habitat agenda.


Recent International Conferences

The WUF9 adds to the growing list of landmark events that MyCEB has played a role to assist local industry to bid for and win the rights to host international events. Its impressive list includes previous events such as; the 7th International Aids Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention 2013 and the XXV International Federation of Surveyors Congress 2014, while upcoming highlights include Cityscape Malaysia 2015 and the World Federation of Hemophilia World Congress 2020.
-Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

Chinese New Year Feast @ Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur

-www.seripacifichotel.com

ANA to launch services to Kuala Lumpur

TOKYO, January 21, 2015 – ANA, Japan’s leading airline, will launch a new daily service from Narita to Kuala Lumpur from September 2015. The new service will allow passengers to make easier connections with flights to and from North America during the evening period at Narita.

Starting from July 2015, ANA will also increase the number of flights on the Narita=Honolulu route. 

The expansion of flights from Narita is in line with ANA’s strategy to utilize the airport as the transfer hub for international passengers flying between North America and destinations in Asia. Haneda Airport, meanwhile, will act as 

the hub for international-domestic transfers.

In addition to the new and expanded route plans released today ANA also announced in December 2014 that a new daily service from Narita to Houston will start from June 2015, while the number of flights on the existing Narita=Singapore and Narita=Bangkok routes will also be increased from June and August 2015 respectively.

ANA will also make changes to timetables and introduce larger aircraft on some routes to North America and Asia in order to satisfy the increased demand for travel; created by economic growth in Asia. By these changes, ANA will be 

introducing First Class and Premium Economy services on some routes in Southeast Asia.

-www.ana.co.jp/eng

The Formula One Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix To Start An Hour Earlier In Season 2015

SEPANG – Sepang International Circuit (SIC) announced today that the 2015 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix™ will be flagged-off at 3.00pm on Sunday, March 29.
 
The 2015 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix™ will start race an hour earlier than in previous years. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) decided to bring forward the start time following the recommendations of the investigating panel for Jule’s Bianchi’s crash in Suzuka, Japan last year.
 
“This is a good move to start the race at 3.00pm. We completely support this as we have had past races that were affected by heavy downpours in the late afternoons. We would like to see all drivers finishing their race safely at the Sepang Circuit,” said Dato’ Razlan Razali, CEO for Sepang International Circuit.
 
“For the fans, they can come in for lunch, watch the race, and they can head back after the race ends at around 5pm,” added Dato’ Razlan.
 
The start times for the 2015 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix™:
 
Practice sessions
Friday, 27 Mar - Session 1: 1000 - 1130
                                - Session 2: 1400 - 1530
Saturday, 28 Mar - Session 3: 1400 - 1500
                                - Qualifying: 1700 - 1800
 
Race Day
Sunday, 29 Mar - 1500

-www.sepangcircuit.com

LTDL 2015 Route Returns To Its Roots For The 20th Edition

PUTRAJAYA, Wednesday - From the legendary island of Langkawi to the East Coast and a fitting climax with the Genting stage coming on the penultimate day, the route for Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2015 will give cycling fans what they have been longing for again.

Launched in Putrajaya today, the route ticks all the boxes in elements that have formed the basis of LTdL's successful routes of the past - with a traditional start in the race's birthplace of Langkawi, heading from the West to the East Coast of the peninsula where the following for cycling is massive and leaving the battle for the overall title to the penultimate day.

"In the earlier editions of LTdL, the Genting stage was usually held on the penultimate day. We think this helped build up to an exciting climax and this is the scenario we hope to bring back with this year's route," said LTdL 2015 chief executive officer Datuk Malik Mydin.

"We will have the most fitting start for the race, the Genting stage appropriately held on the penultimate day, which means the climax will be left till very late and then for the 20th edition we will also mark it with a return to the traditional finish venue at Dataran Merdeka," added Datuk Malik.

The race has also been trimmed to eight stages from 10 stages between 2010 and 2014. This is expected to provide even faster racing covering a total distance of 1,110.50 kilometres.

LTdL 2015 begins on Sunday, March 8 with a 101.1km stage around Langkawi set from the Underwater World in Pantai Chenang, then moves to the mainland for Stage 2 from Alor Star, the birthplace of LTdL founder Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to Sungai Petani, which covers 170km.

Stage 3 again brings back the glory days of LTdL with what is regarded as the most scenic stage of the race - the 170km run from Gerik to Tanah Merah, which runs past lush tropical forests and marked with a tough climb to the top of the Titiwangsa range.

The race will then bring the pure sprinters to the land of Malaysian sprinters - the flat, scenic, coastal roads of the East Coast for the next two days. This is where the top sprinters in the peloton will be expected to come face-to-face with the Malaysian sprinters in their own backyard.

Stage 4 takes the peloton from Kota Bharu to Kuala Berang in a 165.4km route that is expected to finish in an exciting bunch sprint, before the peloton prepare for the Tour's longest stage.

Stage 5 covers 200km from Kuala Terengganu to Kuantan, another tricky route through undulating terrain hampered further by expected strong coastal winds.

We then begin the journey back to the West Coast from Stage 6 with a 111.3km route from Maran to Karak, which should effectively begin the battle for the general classification and king of the mountains jersey.

Then we head to the stage every cycling fan has been waiting for, the legendary Genting stage on Stage 7, which starts from Shah Alam. This is where undoubtedly the race will be decided by the main climbers in the peloton.

The race ends with the traditional finish venue set back at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur where the peloton will run a circuit in the city centre after a ceremonial start in Kuala Kubu Baru.

"Although shortened to eight stages this year, we believe all the elements required to make this an exciting route has been met. So we are looking forward to this edition of the race which we expect to be a fitting celebration of 20 years of Le Tour de Langkawi," said Datuk Malik.

Organised by Human Voyage Sdn Bhd, the 20th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) from 8 to 15 March, 2015 is set to cover more than 1,000km over 8 stages, the UCI 2.HC (hors category) race featuring again as one of the biggest events on the UCI Asia Tour calendar.
-www.ltdl.com.my

Malaysia Traditional Show @ Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC)

 

45 Minutes Showcase of Malaysia Traditional Dance.

 

Deluxe Package

 

Traditional Show + Lunch

Adult : RM80.00 nett

Child : RM40.00 nett (6-12 years old)

 

Standard Package

 

Traditional Show

Adult : RM50.00 nett

Child : RM25.00 nett (6-12 years old)

 

For reservation : +603 8887 6000

-www.picc.com.my

SIC partners renowned SRO Motorsports Group to promote Sepang 12 hours

KUALA LUMPUR – Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has announced an exciting partnership with the renowned SRO Motorsports Group, organisers of world-class endurance events, to jointly organise and promote the Sepang 12 Hours race on the 4th to 6th December this year. 

The Sepang 12 Hours race replaces the popular Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race (MMER) which has been organised by SIC since 1999. The partnership with SRO Motorsports, organisers of the highly successful Blancpain Endurance Series, will further elevate the profileand stature of the Sepang 12 Hours. 

“We have been working on this partnership with SRO Motorsports Group for some time and I am delighted that it has come to fruition. SRO Motorsports Group brings with them a wealth of knowledge and know-how which will go a long way in transforming the Sepang 12 Hours further into a world-class race,” said SIC CEO Dato’ Razlan Razali here tonight. 

“I would like to thank the SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO, Stephane Ratel, for his interest and commitment to this exciting collaboration,” Dato’ Razlan added.

The Sepang 12 Hours will be one of the highlights for SIC this season. By organising this event in December, it will provide the opportunity to attract competitors from other championships and events such as the Japanese Super GT, Macau GP and Bathurst to name a few. 

SRO’s ambition is to bring together teams from Asia, Australia and Europe in this true test for man and machine, with the gruelling heat and humidity making the event one of the toughest challenges of the season.

The Sepang 12 Hours event is open to Touring Production and GT machineries, with SRO Motorsports Group concentrating on the latter. The focus will be to bring SRO’s experience and race networks in both the GT3-GT4 categories and in running long-distance events to Malaysia and to develop the Sepang 12 Hours to one of the must-participate events on the international motorsports calendar. 

SRO Motorsports Group will adapt the full technical and sporting regulations of the Total 24 Hours of Spa. Benjamin Franassovici, who has developed the Avon Tyres British GT Championship into one of the most successful national GT series, will be the project manager for SRO Motorsports Group.

Stephane Ratel, Founder and CEO of the SRO Motorsports Group, said at the announcement tonight: “At SRO Motorsports Group we are very pleased to collaborate with the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) on this project. It is an important step for us, since we are building partnerships with high profile GT events in the Asia-Pacific region. Initially, the Sepang 12 Hours will be run as a standalone event, but it could well be a stepping stone for a fully-fledged Asia-Pacific Series.”

The partnership was announced at a special Appreciation Night organised by SIC to recognise the contribution of all clients, partners and media to all international and local races organised by SIC. The Appreciation Night, which saw the attendance of approximately 300 guests, featured awards presented to 3 agents with top sales achievements - who each also received a trip to a circuit outside Malaysia to watch an international race, from the F1, MotoGP and World Superbike Championship calendar respectively. During the dinner, the guests were entertained by performances from the band The Chings, the hand percussion team from the Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan (Aswara) and a trance dance by dance troupe Stadium First.

"The SIC name may be at the forefront of all our races but we never forget the invaluable contribution from clients, partners and the media in making these events a success. Additionally, even though we are unable to recognise the fans through events like this, they are always close to our hearts. We have many exciting upcoming plans tailored to enhance the race experience for motorsports fans, which I believe will also benefit our clients, partners and agents," Dato' Razlan commented.
-www.sepangcircuit.com

Free Visa Offer Timely, Can Help Achieve Tourist Arrival Targets

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The government's offer of fee-free visas to foreign tourists is seen as a good move towards realising the target of 29.4 million tourist arrivals in Malaysia this year.

Malaysia Bumiputera Tourism and Travel Agencies Association (Bumitra) president, Datuk Syed Mohd Razif Al Yahya Syed Yassin said the tourism industry needed to assist the government by having more promotions to attract tourists to this country.

"The visa fee-free (VFF) move could boost the national economy. This is the time for the tourism industry to help the government increase national income," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

He was asked to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's announcement today on the VFF offer in his special address on current developments and the government's financial position. Najib said the VFF offer to foreign tourists, among them from China, was part of the strategies to ensure balanced economic growth, inclusiveness and sustainability.

Syed Mohd Razif also described it as the best solution to draw back tourists from China to Malaysia after the drop in their number following the missing MH370 incident.

According to the Tourism and Culture Ministry's website, the number of tourist arrivals from China dropped by 11.2 per cent to 1.38 million for the January-October period last year from 1.56 million in the same period in 2013.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president, Hamzah Rahmat sees the VFF as a good measure to make Malaysia a major tourism destination, thus contributing further to the country's economic growth.

"Besides, it could enhance Malaysia's relations with other countries, including China, in other aspects as well like economy." He said the announcement on VFF by the prime minister was timely, nevertheless the government could not afford to be lax on the issue of security in relation to tourist arrivals in the country.

Mutiara Taman Negara Resort Pahang operations manager Satiyasilan Maniam is confident the VFF offer will bring in more foreign tourists to the National Park with its estimated 130 million-year-old rainforest.

He said the number of tourists from China visiting Taman Negara was low, so perhaps the VFF offer could increase their number. Satiyasilan said services provided to tourists by all the industry players also needed to be improved towards excellence to encourage return visits.
-bernama.

Ramada comes to Kuala Lumpur

photo: Ramada Dua Sentral website

Ramada Dua Sentral has begun welcoming guests in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur after Wyndham Hotel Group clinched a management agreement for the property.

Owned by Trinidad Dua Sentral, the hotel was formerly known as Best Western Premier Ramada Dua Sentral and reopened on January 1, 2015 as Ramada.

Facilities within the property include four F&B outlets – Grill 582, Kembali Kitchen, Hugo’s On 6 and the Punch Bar & Lounge– as well as nine meeting rooms, Avana Spa Luxe, a fitness centre and a swimming pool.

The 33-storey hotel is a short walk from the Kuala Lumpur’s integrated rail transportation centre and close to the city’s main business and tourist hub. It is also a 50-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Ramada Dua Sentral will add to Wyndham Hotel Group’s portfolio of more than 30 South-east Asia and Pacific Rim Ramada hotels. It joins Ramada Plaza Melaka as Malaysia’s second Ramada hotel, and both are eligible for participation in the company’s guest loyalty programme, Wyndham Rewards.

-TTG Asia.

ONE Fighting Championship AGE OF CHAMPIONS ( 13 March 2015 )

ONE Fighting Championship (ONE FC), in partnership with Tune Talk, returns to Kuala Lumpur with another blockbuster event that promises a night of non-stop high-octane mixed martial arts (MMA) action. The fastest growing sport in the world today, MMA pits the best fighters from around the world against each other in hand-to-hand combat within a cage. Whether you are a fan of boxing, wushu, taekwondo or any other martial art, get ready to be entertained as the top fighters in each discipline prove their mettle on the largest stage in Asian MMA. You've HEARD about it, you've FELT the buzz, now EXPERIENCE MMA for yourself on 13 March!

Get your tickets from:

1. Online at www.AirAsiaRedtix.com
2. Rock Corner outlets:	The Gardens, Mid Valley (TEL: 03 - 2201 4893)
	KLCC (TEL: 03 - 2181 5560)
	Subang Parade (TEL: 03 - 5613 1139)
	The Curve (TEL: 03 - 7733 1139)
3. Victoria Music outlets:	Sg Wang(TEL: 03 - 2148 7208)
	Amcorp (TEL: 03 - 7956 0592)
	Tropicana (TEL: 03 - 7722 2955)
4. Penang outlets:	Artist Gallery, Gurney Plaza
	Artist Gallery, Queensbay Mall

-AirAsiaRedTix.

Experience Malaysia February Issue

Malaysia is certainly a country blessed with many cultural celebrations and holidays. In this second month of the Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015, we see the celebration of the Federal Territory Day on1 Feb which is typically marked with street parades; Thaipusam on 3 February; and the Chinese New Year on 19 and 20 February. Certainly, February will be a month of culture that tourists to Malaysia will appreciate! 

Malaysians, too, will get to enjoy long stretches of public holidays to “balik kampung” or go for a short holiday nearby.

To give you some ideas of what to do this month, here’s a line-up of well-balanced events for tourists, both local and foreign, to enjoy in Malaysia. Plan your trip well, or engage the services of a licensed tour operator/travel agent. 

Happy Holidays! 

Thaipusam 

Customarily, Thaipusam is celebrated during the month of Thai in the Hindu calendar (January 15 – February 15) at an astronomically significant point of time. This year, the Hindu devotees in Malaysia will celebrate Thaipusam on 3 February.

During this day, the Hindu temple at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, will be a hive of activity as it becomes the centre of the largest religious gatherings.  Hindu devotees from all over the world will come and celebrate the festival in Batu Caves, beginning with an 8-hour procession from the Kuala Lumpur city centre to the cave temple, bearing offerings as simple as milk in pots to elaborate kavadis carried on their shoulders. 

Organiser: Batu Caves Hindu Association
Date: 03 February 2015
Venue: Batu Caves, Selayang, Selangor
Contact: 03 61896284
Website: batu_caves@malaysia.com

Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2015 

For the first time in Penang, a one-of-a-kind experience can be found at the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. There will be 15 hot air balloons over the two-day festival and they will float against the picturesque backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town. Besides the impressive hot air balloons, there will also be family-friendly activities such as fun inflatable playgrounds, creative workshops, photography competition and more!

Organiser: Supported by the Penang State Government with the cooperation of the Municipal Council of Penang Island & Penang Global Tourism

Date: 21 – 22 February 2015
Venue: Padang Polo
Contact: +6 04 264 3456
Website: www.mypenang.gov.my/hab

World Kite Festival 2015

The skies over Pasir Gudang in Johor will be filled with beautiful, colourful and unique kite creations during the World Kite Festival 2015, said to be the largest in Asia. Some kites look too huge to even make the lift-off, but don’t be surprised that when they do, they will fly beautifully!

Kite enthusiasts from all over the world gather at this annual event and they certainly take their kite-making and kiteflying activities seriously! Last year, 180 kite-flyers from 25 countries took part, all wanting to show off their latest creations and kite-flying technology! Be enchanted by the amazing variety of kites while you enjoy parades, contests, kite-flying demonstrations, displays as well as an assortment of food. 

Organiser: Pasir Gudang Municipal Council
Date: 25 February 2015 – 1 March 2015 
Venue: Bukit Layang-Layang, Taman Bandar Pasir Gudang, Johor
Contact: +6 07 251 3720
Website: www.mppg.gov.my

Johor Bahru Jazz Fest 2015 

The Johor Society for the Performing Arts (JSPA), organisers of eleven years of the JB Arts Festival, is proud to present a new event set to bring live, improvised music sure to quicken the pulse of jazz fans around the region – The Johor Bahru Jazz Fest 2015.

Living legends are coming to JB to entertain you! The JB Jazz Fest 2015 will feature world-class saxophonist Sadao Watanabe, Italian acapella group Mezzotono, along with well-known jazz names from around the region such as Steve Thornton, Jeremy Monteiro and Alberto Marsico with the Jazz-Blues Brothers, The David Gomes Jazz Ensemble with Junji Delfino, together with Xiong Quintet.

Tickets will be available at www.ticketpro.com.my from mid-January onwards. Don’t miss the special early-bird promotions. 

Organiser:  The Johor Society for Performing Arts
Date: 26 – 28 February 2015
Venue: Double Tree by Hilton Hotel
Contact: +6 019 713 9900
Website: www.facebook.com/events/1611264682428463/

Malaysian Chinese New Year Open House Celebration 

This is when the Chinese usher in the Lunar New Year with lion dances and mandarin oranges. Experience the festivities in an “open house” celebration, a programme that brings people together to celebrate the country's various festivals in line with the spirit of 1Malaysia. Guests will be enthralled by cultural performances and traditional delicacies. All are invited to this free event! 

Organiser:  Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) No. 2, Tower 1, Jalan P5/6, Precint 5, 62200 Putrajaya
Date: 28 February 2015
Venue: Teluk Intan, Perak
Contact: +6 03 8000 8000 / +6 03 8891 7100
Website: www.motac.gov.my  

Penangites’ CNY Celebration 

Welcome the Chinese year of the goat with various activities and performances around the heritage area of George Town. The celebration promotes the Penang Chinese community’s intangible heritage like its cultural practices, religious festivals, traditional arts and performances, cuisine and more.

Learn about the various clan associations and their history in Penang, the process of making traditional snacks and dishes, Chinese chess, calligraphy, music and martial arts. Witness art and craft demonstrations of making Chinese knots, printmaking, opera mask making as well as enjoy snake shows, traditional poem presentations and more. 

Organiser:  Penang State Government & Penang Chinese Clan Council
Date: 28 February 2014
Venue: The Heritage Precincts of George Town
Contact: +6 04 262 1957 / +6 04 264 2020
Website: www.penang.gov.my

New Attraction! The China-Malaysia Friendship Garden 

To celebrate the good bilateral relations between Malaysia and China, the China-Malaysia Friendship Garden was built recently in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative city centre. The design of the garden is in the style of the Lingnan Garden that emphasises the elements of mountain, water, stone, building, calligraphy and plants.

A stroll in this serene lake-side garden will bring one to appreciate the unique flowers and plants, architecture, courtyard, pavilion and scenery, which all stand as a testimony to the long-lasting friendship between China and Malaysia. 

Location:  Anjung Floria, Precinct 4, Putrajaya
Product Owner: Putrajaya Floria Sdn Bhd
Contact: General line +603 8887 7137  Mr. Ariff Yunus (+6016 208 2042/ariff@ppj.gov.my) Ms. Sashikala Nathan (+6012 903 6005/ sashi@ppj.gov.my)

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

-Tourism Malaysia.

Teater Tradisional Mek Mulong @ Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur ( 28 Februari 2015 )

Teater Tradisional Mek Mulung bakal dipentaskan di Istana Budaya....
Sama2 kita nantikan degupannya 28 Februari 2015 ini...
Pementasan bakal dijayakan oleh Kumpulan Mek Mulung Seri Mahawangsa hasil kombinasi AKRAB Theatre Group & Artis Budaya JKKN..Nantikan bulan yang bersinar indah di dada malam........
-JKKN facebook.