Escape The London 2012 Olympics... For A Malaysian Adventure

According to an ABTA poll, 12% of Britons will be looking to travel abroad this summer to escape the London Olympics. Malaysia provides the perfect getaway. From wildlife encounters and jungle trekking to breathtaking theme parks and lavish resorts, Malaysia is one of the most diverse, child friendly and safe countries in Asia.

Wildlife enthusiasts can go in search of one of the 300 species of mammals or track down a selection of the 746 resident bird species. Visitors can lodge in the thick of it at one of the many Malaysia’s National Parks enjoying the mangrove reserves, tropical rainforests and Marine Parks. Adventurers could move on from hiking at 4,093 metres in Mount Kinabalu (Sabah, Borneo), one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia, to rafting down Sabah’s fast flowing rivers coupled with coastal scenic splendours. Divers can venture to Pulau Sipadan, in the northeast coast of Borneo, one of the best dive sites in the world, and dive amid the turtles and vibrant tropical fish. Caving is also an increasingly popular activity; explorers can discover 60 million year old archaeological sites such as the famous Painted Caves in Niah and Fairy in Bau (Sarawak) estimated to be the longest cave networks in the world.

Honeymooners can escape to absolute luxury in Malaysia with an array of outstanding resorts. Starry-eyed couples can enjoy heavenly meals, crimson sunsets and white sands in the idyllic and world renowned island resorts of Langkawi, Pangkor or Tioman. Newly-weds can getaway from the Olympics and return rejuvenated having holidayed at one of Malaysia’s many exotic spas surrounded by palm tree-lined, white sandy beaches or the luscious green mountainsides or even slap bang in the middle of the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur, a shopper’s paradise.

Malaysia also offers a range of activities suitable for families of all ages. Families can relax at charming beach resorts, splash about at one of the 7 water parks as well as indulge in more adventurous activities such as rock climbing, snorkelling and safaris.

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For more information, please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell/Alicia Iglesias Cortes
Email:flo@representationplus.co.uk/alicia@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509/04
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

To download the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board press pack including a full list of events and festivals please visit www.representationplus.co.uk

Follow Malaysia on Twitter - @malaysiauk and on the PR blog http://malaysiatourismpromotionuk.blogspot.com

MALAYSIA CHARTS 24.7 MILLION TOURISTS IN 2011

Malaysia recorded overall growth in tourism last year as the positive effects of its luxury destination branding kicked in.

Tourist arrivals rose to 24,714,324 compared to 24,577,196 in 2010 while receipts climbed to RM58.3 billion compared to RM56.5 billion the previous year.

Minister of Tourism YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen said this was in line with the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 of achieving 36 million tourist arrivals and RM168 billion receipts by 2020.

“The branding of Malaysia as a luxury destination and our efforts to attract high yield tourists to Malaysia have been well-received and this has made a difference," she said.

Since 2010, the Ministry of Tourism had implemented various initiatives to draw high net-worth tourists to Malaysia with events like the 1Malaysia International Shoe Festival, 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival and the packaging of helicopter tours.

Other events included private sector collaboration on the "A Journey through Time" luxury watch exhibition and the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic Malaysia golf tournament sanctioned by PGA Tour which positioned Malaysia as a luxury tourism destination.

The top ten tourist generating markets from January to December 2011 were Singapore (13,372,647), Indonesia (2,134,381), Thailand (1,442,048), China (1,250,536), Brunei (1,239,404), India (693,056), Australia (558,411), United Kingdom (403,940), Japan (386,974) and Philippines (362,101).

Markets showing double digit growth in arrivals were mainly from the medium and long-haul countries with Kazakhstan arrivals surging by 65.9% assisted by the thrice weekly direct Air Astana flights from Almaty to Kuala Lumpur.

Other markets showing strong growth included New Zealand (23.0%) which benefited from the opening of a Tourism Malaysia office in Auckland last May. Russian tourist arrivals saw an increase of 21.3% on the back of strong promotional efforts there in addition to the weekly Trans Aero flights which began operations in December.

Double digit growth arrivals were also recorded for the following markets: Iran (20.1%), South Africa (19.1%), France (15.1%), Myanmar (12.6%), Taiwan (10.7%), China (10.6%), and Brunei (10.2%).

Although Indonesia contributed strongly to the tourist arrivals, it was among the markets that showed a decline in tourist arrivals, down by 14.8%. The abolishment of its fiscal fee allowed Indonesian travelers to travel abroad to other countries without making a stopover in Malaysia. The opening of Integrated Resort and Universal Studios in Singapore and the reinstatement of Garuda Air's route to Europe further contributed to the decline.

Japan also showed a decline of 7% due to the tsunami which resulted in the cancellation of travel plans. Other markets that saw a decline in tourist arrivals last year were Philippines (-25.6%) and several markets in Europe such as Germany (-4.8%) and the United Kingdom (-6.1%) which is in line with the overall decline in long haul traffic from the UK, excluding to the USA, of 6% in the first 3 quarters of 2011 and 7% in October/November.

YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng said that despite being hampered by global economic, political, social and natural challenges, "our tourism partners pulled through and I have no doubt that we would have been able to perform even better under different circumstances.”

“This year will continue to challenge us but we will proceed with efforts to promote Malaysia as one of the preferred holiday destinations in the region.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our partners in the Malaysian travel trade industry and overseas, as well as members of the media, for their support,” she said.

To view more statistical information, visit http://www.tourism.gov.my/facts_figures/. For more media releases, media information and media features on Malaysia’s tourism industry, kindly visit the Media Centre of Tourism Malaysia’s website at http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/

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For more information on Malaysia, please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell/Alicia Iglesias Cortes
Email:flo@representationplus.co.uk/alicia@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509/04
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

To download the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board press pack including a full list of events and festivals please visit www.representationplus.co.uk

Follow Malaysia on Twitter - @malaysiauk and on the PR blog malaysiatourismpromotionuk.blogspot.com

MALAYSIA’S MARINE AWARENESS MONTH 22 March- 22 April 2012

Malaysia, acclaimed as one of the world’s richest marine environments which includes coral atolls, fringing reefs and barrier reefs, is not only home to a unique marine ecosystem but also ranks among the very few countries in the world that provide wide ranging protection in terms of designated marine parks and marine sanctuaries celebrated by an annual Marine Awareness Month.

The Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) is dedicated to the preservation of the coral reefs that make Malaysia such a breathtaking destination for divers, snorkelers and nature lovers. Located on the doorstep of Tunku Abul Rahman Park, a marine protected area in Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), and nestled in the quiet Malohom Bay of Gaya Island, it is approximately a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland of Kota Kinabalu. MERC’s efforts are focused on two main projects: The Giant Clam (world’s biggest mollusks) and the Coral Reef Restoration Program whose results will be applauded during the Marine Awareness Month from 22 March to 22 April 2012.

MERC’s activities are supported by the luxury eco resorts Gayana Eco Resort and Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa located in the Tunku Abul Rahman Marine Park. Together they organise the Marine Awareness Month to celebrate conservation efforts in Malaysia. Highlights for 2012 include the attachment of 2-3 year old coral fragments grown under MERC’s supervision and the transfer of a thousand fully grown coral fragments onto selected reefs during the month.

Visitors can witness these important achievements, visit Tunku Abul Marine Park and its five islands and even play an active role in saving Malaysia’s marine life. The activities offered by the centre also include guided tours for visitors to witness the growth of the corals and adoption program and to impart a true sense of ownership to the sensitive marine ecosystem.

About the Marine Awareness Month: Dates: 22 March – 22 April 2012

The Marine Awareness Month will end with an event open to the public on 22 April 2012 at Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa from 9.00 am to 5.00pm including lunch, musical performances and Zumba sessions. This grand finale will be attended by the Mayor of Kota Kinabalu City, Datuk Abidin Madingkir and attended by 500 city officials, media and environmentalists as well as guests of the resorts and the general public.

Ticket prices are RM 200.00 for adults and RM 100.00 for children and include boat transfers from the ferry terminal, the Sabah Park entry fee, buffet Lunch, Zumba sessions, a MERC presentation, coral planting, entertainment and performances.

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About TheTunku Abdul Rahman Park: Comprising five islands just three to five kilometers offshore from Kota Kinabalu, the park was declared a National Park in 1974. It covers an area of 50 sqkm and includes the islands as well as surroundings reefs. Exclusive island eco-resorts in the park welcome holidaymakers who wish to spend their holidays in an eco friendly and fascinating environment.

For more information on the Marine Awareness Month program please contact: Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Jalan Haji Saman, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. T: +6 088 380 390, Visit www.gayana-eco-resort.com

For more information on MERC please visit: www.merc-gayana.com For more information onTunku Abdul Rahman Park: For more information please visit: www.sabahparks.org.my For more information on Gayana Eco Resort and Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa please visit: http://www.bungarayaresort.com/

For more information on Malaysia, please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell/Alicia Iglesias Cortes
Email:flo@representationplus.co.uk/alicia@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509/04
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

To download the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board press pack including a full list of events and festivals please visit www.representationplus.co.uk

Follow Malaysia on Twitter - @malaysiauk and on the PR blog malaysiatourismpromotionuk.blogspot.com

Responsible Travel to Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the twelve mega-biologically diverse countries which boasts at least 15,000 species of flowering plants, 300 species of mammals, 150,000 species of invertebrates, and 4,000 species of fishes, creating unique niche eco and agro tourism activities. Visitors can learn the difference between black and white pepper in Sarawak or pick durians from the Penang orchards, Asia’s most unusual fruit. One of the most popular voluntourism tours to Malaysia is to help save the orangutan, Malaysia’s most iconic and strikingly beautiful mammal, with the award winning Great Projects Ltd and immerse themselves in the local culture through Malaysia’s network of homestays.

In less than 15 years, the number of orangutans in the wild have nearly halved to 7,000, putting the species on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) red-list. Tourism Malaysia, in conjunction with twice winners of the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism awards, The Great Orangutan Project, is helping save the ape with the aid of volunteers. The project, based in Sarawak, aims to maintain a genetically sustainable population and create well-protected habitats to secure the survival of the species. To accomplish this, the project depends on volunteers to work with the local community to re-establish a successful rehabilitation and release scheme for orphaned or displaced orangutans. This enables volunteers to get up close and personal whilst caring for the orangutans. The volunteerism experience is a fantastic opportunity to help save the orangutan as well as a great hands-on experience for those seeking a career break, gap year, for retirees or even a family seeking an educational experience. Volunteers contribute £1,280 plus travel costs and their invaluable time.

In terms of agro tourism, over 161 homestays are available where volunteers can discover local agricultural practices like feeding the ducks, tending to vegetables or picking seasonal fruits as well as bonding with a local family and community. The volunteers’ input helps improve the incomes of small farms and rural communities as well as increasing its economic potential. Other agro tourism activities include visiting fruit orchards in Johor as well as rubber, pepper, fish and flower farms to learn about the variety of products making up Malaysia’s agricultural economy.

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For more information, please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell/Alicia Iglesias Cortes
Email:flo@representationplus.co.uk/alicia@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509/04
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

To download the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board press pack including a full list of events and festivals please visit www.representationplus.co.uk

Follow Malaysia on Twitter - @malaysiauk and on the PR blog malaysiatourismpromotionuk.blogspot.com

For more information on The Great Projects volunteering programs, please visit: Visit: http://www.thegreatprojects.com/

FREE TICKETS TO THE 2012 PETRONAS F1 GRAND PRIX, MALAYSIA PLUS ADDED BARGAINS TO BE HAD AT THE MGP SALE

All bookings for one of the following exciting 4 night packages to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from £739 per person including return economy flights will receive a complimentary two day access pass to catch the blazing action at the 2012 Petronas Malaysia Formula 1 Grand Prix, 24 to 25 March 2012, to the value of £100 per person. The Malaysia Grand Prix Sale (MGP), from 10 March to 15 April 2012, is an annual shopping fest offering a remarkable choice of goods at prices that will excite visiting F1 enthusiasts as well as local shoppers.

4 nights stay at the 5 star Prince Hotel in Kuala Lumpur inclusive of return economy flights, taxes and airport transfers from £799 per person if you book by 29 February with Dial A Flights. Valid from 01 February until 31 May 2012. For more information and to book please call 0844 822 5666; visit www.dialaflight.com.

4 nights stay at Furama Bukit Bintang Deluxe Room in Kuala Lumpur inclusive of return economy flights, airport transfers and taxes from £739 per person if you book by 28 February with E Tours. Valid from 01 February until 31 March 2012. For more information and to book please call 0844 472 3216 or email sales@etours.co.uk; visit www.etours.co.uk/F1-Malaysia.

4 nights stay at the 5 star Hotel Istana in Kuala Lumpur inclusive of return economy flights and airport transfers from £749 per person if booked by 28 February with Hayes and Jarvis. Valid from 22 March until 26 March 2012. For more information and to book please call: 0844 050 2812; visit www.hayesandjarvis.com/Malaysia.

4 nights stay at the 3 star Capitol Hotel in Kuala Lumpur inclusive of return economy flights and airport transfers from £999 per person with Premier Holidays. Valid from 21 until 26 March 2012. For more information and to book please call 0844 937 444; visit www.premierholidays.co.uk.

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Notes to editors:

The Formula 1 Petronas Grand Prix, one of the most challenging tracks in the world, is held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia (50km from KL city centre) and tests the skills of the world’s finest racers to the limit.

*Terms and conditions apply: Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and are subject to availability at time of booking. Holidays and offers are subject to availability and change. Tickets are limited.

For more information please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell/Alicia Iglesias Cortes
Email:flo@representationplus.co.uk/alicia@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509/04
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

To download the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board press pack including a full list of events and festivals please visit www.representationplus.co.uk Follow Malaysia on Twitter - @malaysiauk and on the PR blog malaysiatourismpromotionuk.blogspot.com