Tourism Malaysia PR Blog

Friday 23 November 2012

ISKANDAR MALAYSIA'S TOURISM PRODUCTS

Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) will promote Iskandar Malaysia as the upcoming premier tourist destination in Johor and highlight top tourism attractions and its sub-sectors including:

  1. Theme Parks and Family Entertainment Centres
  • LEGOLAND Malaysia
  • Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park 
    
     2.  History, Heritage, Arts & Culture
  • JB City Centre
  • JB Heritage Trail
   
     3. Ecotourism and Homestays
  • Ramsar Johor Sites - Pulau Kukup
  • 5 Homestays in Iskandar Malaysia
     
     4. Dining and Shopping experiences
  • Johor Premium Putlets
  • Medini Mall
  • Galleria and Aria projects
  • Food Trail - Senibong and Kukup seafood, Sentosa Tourist Market
  • Upcoming Johor Food & Cultural Centre
   
     5. Health and Wellness Tourism
  • Upcoming Iconic Wellness project
   
     6. Outdoor Activities, Events and Recreational Tourism
  • Calendar of Events 2013
  • IRDA-organised Ecotourism Summit and Migratory Birds Festival
  • JB Arts Festival 2013 - 10th Anniversary
   
      7. MICE and accommodation
  • Exisitng and upcoming MICE facilities and hotels in Iskandar Malaysia

IRDA Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim outlined "ASEAN remains an important frontier for Iskandar Malaysia and Johor Tourism but the long haul market such as the UK and Europe has always been traditionally associated with high yield and long-stay tourists. As we aspire to become the southern gateway to Malaysia and potentially mainland Asia, and to transform into a high income economy nation, we need to go back to the basics of a good, sustainable tourism industry that fulfills the objectives of having higher average tourist spend, longer average length of stay and higher arrivals; at the same time benefitting the local communities by moving the industry up the value chain and offering employment opportunities."

About IRDA
The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) is the regulatory authority mandated to plan, promote and facilitate the development of ISKANDAR MALAYSIA into a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing, where living, working, business and leisure converge seamlessly. 

-ENDS-



For more information, please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell
Tel: 020 8877 4509
Mob: 077 6624 2138


Thursday 22 November 2012

Malaysia Stopover 2013 - The best stopover deals are back!

Malaysia Stopover is now back packed with amazing trips and treks, featuring wildlife, culture, history, food, island and beaches of Malaysia.

Great deals with quality hotels, fun and educational sightseeing enhanced with credible transport are now being offered for all stopover passengers into Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

For USD84, (£53) stopover passengers can enjoy a two night stay with breakfast and return transfer at a 3-star hotel right in town. 

Choose from various hotel categories, mix and match with more than 150 sightseeing tours and choose your transfer of comfort. Head to beautiful Malaysia and uncover a cultural pulse deep within a sanctuary of serenity and indulgence. Get the chance to immerse yourself with the local traditions and communities, explore the mystery and wonder, look for cultural treasures to be discovered everywhere.

MASholidays, being the travel arm of Malaysia Airlines, has been supporting its national carrier with quality and fantastic holiday products promoting state tourism. In conjunction with Malaysia Airlines 40th year anniversary, MASholidays celebrated its numerous milestones in supporting the national carrier. With the introduction of A380 twice daily to London, MASholidays has also designed a unique twin-city stopover. Choose a combination city with Kuala Lumpur as one of the stops and enjoy a variety of hotel deals, tours and transfer options.

Malaysia Stopover is available to customers at all distribution channels mainly http://holiday.malaysiaairlines.com, Malaysia Airlines ticket offices and selected appointed agents.

For more information, please contact:

Representation Plus
Flo Powell / Nick Smith
Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk / nicksmith@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509
Mob: 077 6624 2138
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

Wednesday 21 November 2012

TERENGGANU LAUNCHES 'VISIT TERENGGANU 2013'



After the success of Visit Terengganu Year 2008, Terengganu State is taking further steps in rebranding its tourism campaigns with ‘Visit Terengganu Year 2013’.

The rebranding of Terengganu through its Visit Terengganu Year 2013 logo with a more vibrant look, will further stir awareness through better association with the tourism products and destinations.

Visit Terengganu Year 2013 Logo Rational:

The new logo with the distinctive turtle and the beach are synonymous which implies the 244 km stretch of beaches that forms the coastal front overlooking the bluish South China Sea.

The natural colours of terracotta representing the State’s rich history while the yellow colour indicates the prominent Malay Sultanate heritage.

Lush treasures of greeneries and million year old rainforest are depicted with green colour representing the rich, diverse and exotic flora & fauna forming geographical terrains of the State.

The red colour of the sun implies the vibrant and sunny season almost all year round, suitable for a great holiday with all the beach and island activities.

The generations of creative innovation produces the intricate designs of Terengganu’s exquisite wood carvings as well as the unique brassware making, songket weaving and batik designs. The passionate skills and flair are still prominently displayed by local craftsmen.

The yacht represents the people’s passion towards sailing. Historically, Terengganu’s traditional boats used to ply within destinations in the South East Asia establishing commercial relationship. The yacht is also symbolically represents the prestigious Monsoon Cup Terengganu held annually within the vicinity of Pulau Duyung, famous for its traditional boat building.

The bluish waters, other than representing the coastal South China Sea and the archipelago of islands, it also represents Kuala Terengganu as the Waterfront Heritage City.

Terengganu is a destination so complete that will satisfy all the visitors’ senses and desires for a holiday getaway. A holiday sampling the best the state has to offer, all in one destination with unique elements of tourism products and destinations being categorized into 8 clusters of attraction as follows:

1. Kuala Terengganu, the Waterfront Heritage City
2. Islands and Beaches
3. Lake Kenyir
4. History and Heritage
5. Arts and Culture
6. Wetland
7. Waterfalls
8. Turtle


Especially for Lake Kenyir, the biggest man-made lake in Souith East Asia, the State government is taking initiatives to further enhance its image as a prominent eco tourism destination. With new upcoming developments such as a duty free island and its ‘Kenyir Island Hopping’ attractions that consists of Birds Park, Orchid Park, Tropical Park, Butterflies Park and Kenyir Eco Park, Lake Kenyir will one of the ‘must visit’ destination in Terengganu.

Lake Kenyir is fast becoming a destination for bird watching activity with species of local and migratory birds found abundant. Other existing attraction such as Kelah Freshwater Fish Sanctuary, Elephant Sanctuary, Herbal Island, various waterfalls and caves has been the choice of nature lovers looking for serenity and adventure.

Terengganu is a cool and a perfect place to retreat and unwind. Explore Terengganu for a natural high of taste sensations, scenic beauty, adventure activities and the excitement of reliving a colourful tradition and heritage kept alive.

Terengganu is the living museum of awesome million years old tropical rainforests with its exotic flora and fauna which are a snapshot of an ancient era where ancient evergreen forests are carved with waterfalls tumbling into clear pools while rugged landscapes of greens sweep down to golden beaches and azure seas.

Terengganu’s archipelagoes of emerald islands offer such a profusion of sandy beaches, sheltered bays, quiet covers and idyllic such as Perhentian, Lang Tengah, Redang, Bidong, Kapas and Tenggol, each with their own unique nature, beach and underwater attractions, with sapphire blue waters, white sandy beaches, jungle trekking, diving, and an all time favourite—sun bathing—These are just a few things to be found and experienced at any of the islands.

With the Visit Terengganu Year 2013 campaign and its slogan; “Beautiful State, Beautiful Culture”, all destination-based events and programs will create a ripple of an impact in the international scene. Events like The Kenyir Lake International Triathlon, World Gamelan Music Festival, Terengganu International Squid Jigging, Sultan Mizan Cup (Horse Riding Endurance), Terengganu International Rainforest Challenge, Terengganu International Surfing and of course the prestigious Monsoon Cup Terengganu which will grace the coverage of local and international media.

                                                                   -ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Representation Plus
Flo Powell/Nick Smith
Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk / nicksmith@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509
Mob: 077 6624 2138
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

Notes To Editors:
Being one of the 14 States in Malaysia, Terengganu is conveniently situated in the East Coast of the Malay Peninsular.

Terengganu covers a land area of 12,995 sq km with 244 km of scenic coastline overlooking South China Sea. With an equatorial location at 4 degrees 45 north and 103 degrees 0 east, Terengganu boasts a fine tropical climate, with uniform temperatures averaging from 23-33 degrees Celsius and a mean humidity of about 90%. Terengganu’s seven districts of Besut, Dungun, Hulu Terengganu, Kemaman, Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Setiu are distinctive with their own unique tourism products and destinations, with the Heritage Waterfront City of Kuala Terengganu, as the state capital.

W • tourism.terengganu.gov.my

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Naturally Spectacular, Naturally Langkawi


‘Naturally Langkawi’ branding marks Langkawi’s new initiative to make Langkawi a top ten island destination in the world. In line with the Langkawi Blueprint 2012 launched in December 2011, the Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak recently unveiled Langkawi’s new positioning for which emphasises the island archipelago as a natural haven and the natural choice for tourists. http://naturallylangkawi.com 

Naturally Langkawi captures the essence of what sets Langkawi apart from the other popular island destinations in the region; its 550 million year old rock formations, 99 islands forming the region’s first Geopark; its natural complement of rainforests, mangroves, wildlife, waterfalls and beaches; its legends and folklore and the genuinely friendly people of Langkawi. These natural icons make Langkawi a 'living museum’.


Currently ranked the fourth best island in Asia by a poll done by CondéNast Traveller, Langkawi also aims to be one of the top ten eco-destinations in the world by 2015. Langkawi emphasises sustainable development of its tourism offerings in order for it to achieve its objectives.


“Developing Langkawi as a popular tourist destination is important as it is creates further opportunities for the people to partake in Langkawi’s tourism industry especially for the people of Langkawi. It is however just as important to do this in a sustainable manner to ensure the natural treasures of Langkawi are kept for the future generations of Malaysians and the world to enjoy,” said Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Langkawi has made its mark as a venue for international events such as the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (“LIMA”), Le Tour de Langkawi, Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge(“LIMBC”) and Paintball World Cup Asia 2012.

Tourism operators and hoteliers in Langkawi have thrown their support behind the new Naturally Langkawi brand and are excited about the potential opportunities it will create. Naturally Langkawi will spearhead LADA’s efforts in achieving its 3 million tourists arrivals and RM3.8 billion tourism revenue by 2015 as laid down in the Langkawi Blueprint.


For press information on Malaysia please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell / Nick Smith
Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk  / nicksmith@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509/4504
Mob: 07766 242 138

For more information on holidays in Malaysia please contact:
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Bureau
57 Trafalgar Square London, London WC2N 5DU
Phone: 02 079 307 932
Email: mtpb.london@tourism.gov.my / info@tourism-malaysia.co.uk
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

Monday 19 November 2012

1MALAYSIA YEAR-END SALE RETURNS WITH GREAT PROMOTIONS AND EXCITING ACTIVITIES

The Minister of Tourism, YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen has launched the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale (1MYES). The 1MYES, which will be held until 01 January 2013, aims to encourage shoppers from all over the world to come to Malaysia to celebrate the last two months of the year with a fabulous shopping experience.

One of three major shopping seasons in the country, 1MYES is the end-of-year shopping event that ends the year in style. The 1Malaysia GP Sale coincides with the Formula One Grand Prix in KL in March and the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival is held during the summer holidays.

Shopping is a lucrative sector of Malaysia’s tourism industry. It holds the second biggest share of tourist expenditure after accommodation. Last year, tourists spent RM17.5 billion on shopping which constituted 30% of the total receipts of RM58.3 billion. It recorded a growth of 8 percent against the figure in 2010 (RM16.2 billion). In 2000, when the first Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival was organised, shopping only constituted 23.1% of total tourist expenditures.

Foreign tourists and locals alike have 55 days to take advantage of the great discounts and special offers put together by various shopping malls nationwide. The shopping malls will host numerous exciting events to make Malaysia the place to go for shopping, fashion and food throughout November and December.

In Kuala Lumpur, the Sungei Wang Plaza shopping mall will offer its visitors a chance to win a pair of Yoga Lin Concert tickets while the Kenanga Wholesale City will organise a treasure hunt to challenge its shoppers. The Mines shopping mall in Seri Kembangan, Selangor will run a competition to win a 2 day, 1 night stay for four at the Golden Palm Villa in Sepang, a gold set from Poh Kong and other prizes. In Penang, a Garfield and Friends Meet & Greet will take place at the Queensbay Mall while the 1st Avenue mall invites shoppers to participate in a kolam design competition to get into the spirit of Deepavali. The East Coast Mall in Kuantan, Pahang has workshops for Christmas clay doll painting, Christmas card decoration, Christmas origami and New Year card design for its visitors. The Boulevard shopping mall and the Imperial mall in Sarawak will entice its visitors with the “Buy & Fly!” Lucky Draw Contest which offers return tickets to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

MasterCard cardholders will get the opportunity to walk away with instant redemptions and exciting competition prizes at participating malls in Malaysia.

The KL Fashion Weekend will be held on 21 and 22 November 2012 at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. The two-day fashion showcase will present fashion shows featuring new trends for hair, make-up and fashion from the Autumn-Winter 2012/2013 collection. The participating departmental stores include Debenhams and Metrojaya. For more information and to register for free seats, log onto www.klfashionweekend.com. Walk-in guests are required to turn up an hour before the show.

Kuala Lumpur has been ranked the second best shopping destination in Asia Pacific – as reported by the latest Global Shopper Index, cementing its position as a shopping paradise.  The report stated that Kuala Lumpur’s specific strength is its ability to combine low prices with a good range of products in a large number of stores. It also took note of the Government's mammoth investments in developing KLCC and Bukit Bintang as a “premier shopping precinct in Malaysia”. Twenty five cities in the region were assessed under five categories in the Globe Shopper Index which was created by the Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Switzerland-based shopping tourism company Global Blue.

Positioning Malaysia as a duty-free shopping destination for tourist goods is one of the three Entry Point Projects (EPPs) undertaken to increase shopping receipts to 35 percent by 2020, under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan (MTTP).

Imported goods that are not subject to custom duty at all are readily available all over the country and not limited to duty-free zones. Aside from 5 categories of products – cars, glasswares, cigarettes, alcohol and chocolates - all other products are tax exempted in Malaysia. Shoppers can look forward to more varieties of imported goods at better prices. This move is part of the Malaysian Government’s efforts to enhance the country’s position as a destination for duty-free shopping. Through this effort, Malaysia hopes to attract a wider range of principal brands to invest in the country. It also facilitates lower and more competitive pricing of imported merchandise, giving Malaysian retailers a competitive edge over retailers in other countries.

For more information, please contact:Representation Plus - Flo Powell
Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509
Mob: 077 6624 2138
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my
Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS• Visit: www.tourism.gov.my
• Malaysia Airlines fly daily from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur International Airport with Visa’s purchased on arrival for British passport holders.
• Year round events include the Royal Langkawi International Regatta in January, the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix in March, the Malaysia International Shoe Festival in April, Colours of Malaysia Cultural Festival in May, Malaysia’s Summer Contemporary Arts Tourism Festival, Malaysia Annual International Gourmet Festival in October and the Summer and End of Year Mega Sales Carnivals with many other notable events throughout the year.
• Malaysia has a tropical climate and is a very welcoming multi-cultural society home to some of the best spa resorts in the world.
• Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as the nation itself, fusing the culinary traditions and flavours of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Arabian and European cooking.

Thursday 15 November 2012

NOW YOU CAN TOUR AROUND MALAYSIA ON A BICYCLE


Tourism Malaysia has developed 87 cycling packages throughout the country, affording visitors the opportunity to explore the country at their leisure and a “live like locals” experience. Touring by bicycle allows visitors to explore the beauties, sights and sounds of the Malaysian countryside taking as many stops as they like along the route. As a result, they can discover points of interest, taste local delicacies and meet local people in a way that would not be possible with a traditional bus tour. Discover Malaysia by bicycle from just £45 per person, see below for more details.

There are several pre-organised tours that follow a set itinerary and offer visitors a guided exploration of some of Malaysia’s most well-known and historic sites. The ‘Tour of Delights’ offers visitors the chance to explore Penang in North-West Malaysia, one of the most developed, ethnically diverse and thriving tourist areas. Over two days and one night the tour covers a total distance of 6.07km over a predominantly flat course that is relatively easy for most visitors. Friendly Penang motorists politely give way to cyclists, allowing visitors to explore a total of 20 points of interest such as the Clan Jetties of Penang, the traditional Chinese fishing settlements, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in just over 8 hours.  

The two-day, one-night ‘Tour of Heritage’ allows visitors to explore Ipoh, the capital city of Perak State, by both van and bicycle. The first leg is a half-day Ipoh city Tour by van, with the second leg covering 8.41km by bicycle, taking just over two hours and covering ten sites.  


For more information, please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell
Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509
Mob: 077 6624 2138
Visit: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk

Notes to editors:

  • Prices for the 2-day, 1-night guided ‘Tour of Delights’  start from £45 per person based on a minimum group of four people and includes bicycle hire, helmets and accommodation. The tour route is pre-determined prior to arrival.
  • Prices for the 2-day, 1-night guided ‘Tour of Heritage’ start from £57 per person based on a minimum group of ten people and includes a half-day Ipoh city tour by van, overnight stay and day tour by bicycle. The tour route is pre-determined prior to arrival.
  • Visit: www.tourism.gov.my
  • Malaysia Airlines fly daily from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur International Airport with Visa’s purchased on arrival for British passport holders.
  • Year round events include the Royal Langkawi International Regatta in January, the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix in March, the Malaysia International Shoe Festival in April, Colours of Malaysia Cultural Festival in May, Malaysia’s Summer Contemporary Arts Tourism Festival, Malaysia Annual International Gourmet Festival in October and the Summer and End of Year Mega Sales Carnivals with many other notable events throughout the year.
  • Malaysia has a tropical climate and is a very welcoming multi-cultural society home to some of the best spa resorts in the world.
  • Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as the nation itself, fusing the culinary traditions and flavours of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Arabian and European cooking.

Monday 12 November 2012

YTL HOTELS TO OPEN THE ICONIC MAJESTIC HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR

YTL Hotels is pleased to announce a much anticipated new addition to its unique collection of hotels and resorts. The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur will open its doors on 1st December 2012. 

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur includes the iconic Hotel Majestic building, documented as a national heritage site under the Antiquities Act.  Built in the 1930s, the original hotel became one of the great landmarks of Kuala Lumpur in its time. The hotel was the place for glamorous social events, government receptions and the residence for prominent international visitors. The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is positioned to share the glamour, heritage and success of its predecessor. Set on 3.2 acres on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, this key location is the historical mile of Kuala Lumpur, opposite the old Moorish style railway station.  

The Hotel will feature 300 luxurious rooms and suites. The Majestic Wing, the fully restored original five storey Majestic Hotel, will house the Suites with Butler Service, The Colonial Café, The Bar and The Tea Lounge. A new 15-storey Tower Wing complementing the art deco style will house the Reception, Deluxe Rooms and Suites, Opus One Restaurant, 17 meeting rooms, a pillar less ballroom that can seat 1,200 people, a gymnasium and a swimming pool.

The Majestic Spa, in a separate building, is distinctively appointed in the art nouveau style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s famous Willow Tearooms of Scotland. It offers seven treatment rooms, a relaxation area, and its own swimming pool. True to the spirit of colonial times, The Majestic Spa reflects upon a golden era in Malaysian history. A second two-storey building called The Smoke House will feature a bar, grooming room, cigar room, private dining area with a Chef on call, a screening room and card room.

To tantalise the taste buds, Opus One is a luxuriously designed contemporary restaurant featuring an open kitchen interactive concept with a seating capacity for 250 people.  Available here is the Opus One vertical collection of wine created through a collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. The Colonial Café on the other hand, recreates the atmosphere of the halcyon days of the planters of Malaya and offers traditional colonial fare. The adjacent Tea Lounge is also designed in colonial style and serves light refreshments and afternoon tea.  Come nightfall, nostalgia fills the air at The Bar as the descendants of the legendary Maestro Alfonso Soliano, a family whose musical traditions date well back into the nation’s history, entertain with their classic renditions.

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a member of The Leading Hotels of The World’s family of iconic and legendary hotels. The affiliation verifies that the hotel meets a demanding set of quality standards which serve as the benchmark for the luxury hospitality industry, putting it in the company of some of the best hotels in the world. These include The Ritz London, The Pierre in New York City, Hotel le Bristol in Paris, and Villa d’Este in Lake Como, Italy.

About YTL Hotels
YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the UK, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world’s best resort in 2003.

July 2012 has brought the addition of Gaya Island Resort, a luxurious resort on the exotic tropical island of Borneo to the fold. With each new experience which it unveils, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad.

Visit www.majestickl.com for more information.  For reservations and enquiries, please call +603 2785 8000 or email tmklresv@ytlhotels.com.my.

For more press information on Malaysia please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell
Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509
Mob: 07766242138