Showing posts with label Tourism Malaysia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourism Malaysia. Show all posts

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Any takers for Sexy Tai Chi?

Came across this small signage on my travels and found it rather funny! "Seksi" is the direct translation of " Sexy" when i would think that the owner of the signage had meant "Sesi" of Tai Chi Sessions.

Have a good laugh!

Windows BP

NO, Windows BP is not a new product from Bill Gates but referring to Windows of Batu Pahat (BP). I was in BP recently and can't help fascinated by the various window designs adorning the shops within the town.

So I guess the best way is to have a series or collection of the windows in picture and shared with everyone.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Melaka To Have Arab Village To Woo Tourists

January 22, 2009 20:05 PM

MELAKA, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- An Arab village will be set up in Melaka to attract more tourists, especially from Middle East countries, to visit the state, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said today.

He said an investor from Saudi Arabia was willing to invest RM300 million for the project.

The village will have an Arabic Bazaar, comprising 300 shops, and also replicas of the various popular tourist destinations in the Middle East countries, he told reporters after chairing the weekly state executive council meeting.

Mohd Ali said that five traditional villages in Melaka -- Kampung Bukit China, Kampung Bandar Kaba, Kampung Limbungan, Kampung Terengkera and Kampung Ujung Pasir -- would be declared "heritage villages", in addition to three -- Kampung Chitty, Kampung Morten and Kampung Portugis -- which had been given the status by the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.

He also said a study would be carried out by the state government on the feasibility of having a tram service in the Melaka town.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

PENANG VOTED AMONG WORLD'S BEST ISLANDS IN ASIA

Penang Island was recently honored as one of the top Asian islands in Travel + Leisure's 2008 World's Best Awards. A first timer on the list, Penang continues to gain popularity among travelers for its lively beaches, interesting architecture, and amazing Asian-fusion cuisine.

The World's Best Awards are voted on by Travel + Leisure's readers, selecting their favorite hotels, spas, airlines, cruise lines, outfitters, cities, and islands around the globe. This was the magazine's 13th poll.

For the island category, readers were asked to rate islands according to five characteristics, i.e. natural attractions, activities/sights, restaurant/food, people and value.

Penang, with its unique blend of cultures and heritage, has always been a favourite holiday destination among foreign travelers. On 7 July 2008, George Town, the state capital of Penang, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, putting it in the ranks of such iconic landscapes and monuments as China's Great Wall, India's Taj Mahal, the US' Grand Canyon and Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

According to UNESCO, George Town's unique architecture and culture has no parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

Despite the recent shake-ups in the economy, Malaysia proves that travel dreams can still be a reality. Diverse cultures, political and societal stability, and a wide variety of attractions and activities make Malaysia the perfect destination for foreign travelers. English is widely spoken, along with Malay, Chinese and other languages, so getting around is simple and easy to do.

Furthermore, with the favourable exchange rate, Malaysia offers more value for money as a holiday destination.

About Travel + Leisure magazine:

Travel + Leisure, among the world's leading travel magazines, examines the places, the ideas, and the trends that define modern global culture. The magazine and its website, http://www.travelandleisure.com/, inspire millions of people to explore the world, equipping them with reliable advice and a clearer understanding of how travel can change their lives. Travel + Leisure has a network of international editions, including Travel + Leisure Mexico, Travel + Leisure Australia, Travel + Leisure Turkey, Travel + Leisure China, Travel + Leisure South Asia, and Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia.

For other media releases by Tourism Malaysia, please log on to www.tourism.gov.my.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Malaysia, A Sexy Destination In Economic Slowdown

When everything looks gloomy on the economic front, travel and tourism potential for some Asian destination looks attractive including Malaysia.

Although the Malaysian Ringgit had gain strength slightly against the USD, Euro and Sterling Pound, the country had always been traditionally an Asian favorite tourist destination which accounts for 80% of the tourist arrivals which is targeted for 22mil this year.

Malaysia is known as one of the cheapest tourist destination in Asia along with Thailand where 5 star accommodations would start from MYR300-400. The favorable political climate compared to the political turmoil in Thailand creates the backdrop for a great year-end holiday destination for foreigners.

Events planned during the current school holidays and run-up to welcoming 2009 gives the added impetus for a positive tourism boom. Some international sporting events lined up for the month of December are;

(a) 1-3 December 2008 - KL International Buskers Festival (Kuala Lumpur)
(b) 3-7 December 2008 - Monsoon Cup 2008 (Kuala Terengganu)
(c) 4-7 December 2008 - Penang Island Jazz Festival (Feringghi Beach, Penang)
(d) 6-8 December 2008 - Malaysia Masters Football Cup 2008 (Stadium Melawati Shah
Alam, Selangor)
(e) 12-14 December 2008 - F2000 World Cup Powerboat Race 2008 (Kota Kinabalu City
Waterfront, Sabah)
(f) 25 December 2008 - Christmas (throughout Malaysia)
(g) 26-28 December 2008 - Xtreme International Autoshow 2008 (Staidum Putra Bukit
Jalil,Kuala Lumpur)

For the shopping addicts and looking for great bargains, the Malaysia Savings Sale is currently on and would run through 4 January 2009. Despite the recession, a certainty would be the price cuts to meet the consumer’s purchasing power in these challenging times.

There are many other favorable factors pointing to a positive Malaysia tourism industry in 2009 onwards with the recent announcement of Air Asia – X, Malaysia’s very own long haul budget airline, cheap fares to London and Tashkent in addition to China and Australia destinations.

With the recent price-war between domestic and regional air carriers, it provides a further incentive for regional travelers to be able to go for holidays.

The wide variety of tourist attractions, dining, lifestyle shopping and holiday destination makes Malaysia an ever attractive choice for travelers. The fact that majority of Malaysians speak English is a value add to help tourist during their holidays and provides a safety net for a memorable holiday.

Being a Muslim country does not mean that it is short of entertainment. Entertainment outlets and fine dining restaurants are everywhere throughout this country to suit your taste. Those McDonalds, KFC, Burger Kings etc. die-hard would be pleased to note that many international fast-food chain are available in throughout Malaysia with some localize items on their menu. Even the great tasting King’s Pie from South Africa had made it’s way into Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)!

The variety and affordable choice of accommodation just speaks for itself that Malaysia is ready to welcome the visitors from all countries befitting it’s theme of Malaysia Truly Asia!

You ready for a great year-end holiday in Malaysia?

Here are some accommodation providers where reservations can be made directly with instant confirmation and a peace of mind that rooms would be available when you arrive during this peak season hotel occupancy.

Lastly, join in the party in welcoming 2009 on 31 December at many locations nationwide with the focal point being Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) and the captivating KLCC - Petronas Twin Towers.

Wishing you pleasant and happy holidays …. See ya!

Malaysia to focus on niche tourism markets

The Star, Wednesday November 12, 2008 MYT 9:09:00 PM

LONDON: The Tourism Ministry will focus more on potential niche markets next year to help boost Malaysia's tourism industry, said its minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

She said the niche areas included health tourism, ecotourism, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme and domestic tourism via the Zoom Malaysia programme.

She said the strategy was aimed at increasing the number of tourist arrivals in the country and help generate national income while facing the world economic crisis.

"We will focus on niche markets next year such as conventions, medicaltourism, educationtourism and the MM2H programme. Aggressive promotion is being carried out," she told reporters after visiting Tourism Malaysia's office on Wednesday.

She said the ministry would also concentrate on value-added tourism to ensure tourists who loved scuba diving or extreme sports would return to Malaysia for another round of great experience.

"Some tourists who really enjoy the outdoor activities here will definitely come again. Tourists from Japan and Korea will return to Malaysia as they like to play golf and have a second home here," she said.

Apart from the niche markets, she said Malaysia would also focus on family and budget tourism.
She said the tourism industry generated RM46 billion for the economy last year and was the second largest contributor after manufacturing. - Bernama

Malaysian carrier eyes European tourists with new flights

LONDON — European visitors are expected to flock to Southeast Asia next year as a low-cost airline starts flying from a London-based hub for European budget airlines to Kuala Lumpur in March.

But Philippine government regulations and limits to foreign ownership prevent budget carrier AirAsia X, an affiliate of Malaysia’s AirAsia Berhad, from hiking connecting flights between Kuala Lumpur and Clark, Pampanga, company officials said yesterday.

AirAsia X started accepting bookings on Tuesday for its new £99 ($153) direct flights between London Stansted and the Kuala Lumpur International Low-Cost Carrier Terminal.

The fare, £400 to £500 cheaper than ordinary tickets, excludes payments for meals on board and fees for check-in baggage, AirAsia said in a statement.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Malaysia Targets 300,000 Tourists From UK

November 11, 2008 00:52 AM
Malaysia Targets 300,000 Tourists From UK
From Haslinda Zainal

LONDON, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia targets 300,000 tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom this year, said Tourism Malaysia director (UK and Ireland) Abdul Rauf Hassan.

He said the target could be achieved, as 274,000 tourist arrivals had been recorded from the UK till September.

"Last year, tourist arrivals from UK numbered 272,000. This year we project the number will reach 300,000," he told reporters when met at Tourism Malaysia's booth, known as the Malaysia Pavilion, at the World Travel Market (WTM) exposition at the ExCel Centre here Monday.

Abdul Rauf said the many promotion activities done by Tourism Malaysia especially in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year coupled with the many travel road shows undertaken by it had attracted many UK tourists to come to Malaysia.

He all states in Malaysia should participate in such activities so as to promote them to foreign tourists.

"As a by product they can also attract investors to their respective states," he said.

Abdul Rauf said for the WTM this year, apart from Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Sepang International Circuit, hotel operators and tour agencies, only six states - Kedah (Langkawi Geopark), Selangor, Perak, Penang, Terengganu and Sabah - took part.

He added that Tourism Malaysia targeted at least 50,000 people to come and visit the Malaysia Pavilion.

Some 650 exhibitors from 191 countries are promoting their tourism products at the four-day fair which opened on Monday.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said is scheduled to open the Malaysia Pavilion Tuesday

.-- BERNAMA

Thursday, September 11, 2008

ZOOM Malaysia

The main aim of the domestic tourism campaign 2008/2009 — making local holiday destinations the preferred choice among Malaysians.

In terms of meaning and pronunciation, this catchy phrase transcends language, culture or racial barriers.

Zoom! Malaysia is also memorable, visually arresting, adaptable and generic with high recall factor.

When a visitor “zooms” in on a destination, it is about understanding the reality and attributes of the place or in a nutshell, the true beauty that encompasses culture, people, heritage and nature.
Zoom! Malaysia will also inculcate the value of planned holiday culture among Malaysians, vacation as a way to enhance the quality of life and productivity as well as help promote national integration.

There are monthly publications by NST on Zoom Malaysia and can be retrieved from here;

(a) August issue
(b) July issue
(c) June issue
(d) May issue