VISITOR ARRIVALS TO MALAYSIA RISE 1.2% IN FIRST 5 MONTHS OF 2012

Malaysia recorded an overall growth of 1.2% in tourist arrivals with 9,438,592 tourists for the first five months of 2012 as compared to 9,323,827 for the same period last year, confirmed by the Tourism Minister, Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen. The Asean region contributed the largest number of tourists to Malaysia with 73.4% of the total arrivals.

Total receipts by tourists from January to May 2012 rose by +1.9%, generating RM21.8 billion to the country’s revenue compared to RM21.4 billion in 2011. The tourists’ per capita expenditure for that period is estimated at RM 2,309, an increase of 0.7% on 2011.

The minister added that in line with the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 towards achieving 36 million tourist and 168billion in receipts by 2020, it is important for Malaysia to shift its focus on growing yield per tourist rather than to rely heavily on growth in tourist arrivals. “To attract the higher yield segment, we will need to enhance connectivity to key priority markets.”

The successful Homestay Programme has been identified by the Ministry to develop rural tourism; the programme recorded a significant increase of 38.4% of occupancy rate compared to 24.9% for the same period last year. A total of 133,689 tourists visited a homestay from January to May 2012 of which 110,322 were domestic tourists and the rest 23,367 were foreign visitors. This is a 70.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Tourist receipts from the homestay programme for the first five months of 2012 also generated RM 7,376,446.50 (+53.1%) compared to RM4, 817,158.30 in January to May 2011. Increased spending by these tourists has stimulated the rural economy and the homestay tourism programme has encouraged local communities to be a part of rural based tourism whilst maintaining their traditions and identities.

Recognized as one of the National Key Economic Areas, the tourism industry remains as one of the major contributors to Gross National Income, foreign exchange earnings and employment. In 2011, tourism ranked seventh largest contributor with a GNI total of USD12.3billion and the third largest foreign exchange earner after manufacturing and palm oil. The Malaysian tourism industry in 2010 provided 1.8 million jobs (16% share of employment in tourism to total employment). Amongst the 12 Entry Point Projects are duty free shopping, luxury tourism, designating KLCC–Bukit Bintang area as a vibrant shopping precinct, improving business tourism and increasing the supply of 4 & 5 star hotel rooms.

The percentage of tourist shopping recorded from January to May 2012 shows 32.3% (RM7.04 billion) of the total tourist receipts, an increase of 30% on 2011. The covered walkway connecting Bukit Bintang and KLCC, completed early this year, to facilitate shopping has shown a positive impact.

To attract increased high yield tourists, the Ministry of Tourism has a target to increase the number of quality four & five star hotel rooms from 59,804 to 37,000 by 2020. Currently 71% of the target has been achieved with 2,123 rooms completed.

Malaysia prides itself as a world class destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) successfully secured 33 major events throughout January to May 2012, attracting total delegates of 50,770 and generating an estimated economic impact of RM499.9 mil. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Rankings 2011 ranked Kuala Lumpur number 21 in the world and number 5 in Asia Pacific. Malaysia ranked number 29 in the world and number 7 in Asia Pacific.

In order to grow the tourism industry, efforts have intensified towards enhancing existing tourism products and developing new, creative and innovative tourism products. This included the “1Malaysia International Shoe Festival 2012”, “1Malaysia International Tourism Exchange 2012”, “1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism 2012” and the most recent “1Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade 2012”.

The Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Malaysia: Truly Asia’ branding is recognised worldwide and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has ranked Malaysia the ninth most travelled to destination in the world.

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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

KL: ASIA’S NEW SHOPAHOLIC HAVEN

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s Capital City is fast becoming the premier shopping capital of South East Asia. With its multitude of luxury malls and top brands offering a variety of clothes, cosmetics, shoes, handbags and the latest in technological and electrical appliances. The fantastic exchange rates, duty free status on most items plus the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (15 June – 01 September) and End of Year Sale (10 November – 01 January) result in visitors to KL enjoying great shopping safe in the knowledge that it is money well spent. Plus there are fantastic value for money holiday and stopover packages from just £752 p/p in August and £640 p/p in December 2012.

                                                                               

Shopaholics can make the most of discounted goods during the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival with a string of promotions from 15 June to 02 September 2012. Christmas shopping is also made both simple and affordable with Malaysia’s End of Year Sale from 10 November 2012 to 01 January 2013. During the sales months shoppers are treated to unbelievable discounts, bargains and promotions on everything from top brands to souvenirs. Another event not to be missed is Kuala Lumpur’s Annual 1Malaysia International Shoe Festival at the end of March, showcasing all types of shoes from glamorous stilettos to stylish sandals. The festival takes visitors on a fascinating journey into the world of designer footwear, this year included a presentation by shoe couturier and Tourism Ambassador Professor Dato Jimmy Choo.

Kuala Lumpur is home to 23 world class shopping malls such as The Sunway Pyramid (pictured) and Mid Valley Megamall, both fully equipped with the latest designer stores. The bustling retail district of Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur houses its own popular shopping malls such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Starhill Gallery, both offering luxurious brands including Montblanc, Burberry, Prada and Versace. Starhill Gallery is also known as the Fine Watch Retail Centre as it houses the single largest concentration of the world’s leading watch brands.

Alongside this plethora of shopping malls, Kuala Lumpur also houses premium and designer stand-alone boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton, and the Suria KLCC shopping mall, located at the base of the famous Petronas Twin Towers. Visit the shops Dewi Moon, Arzu and Sibel to pick up something exclusively Asian or travel to 2201 Fashion Avenue in The Gardens Mid Valley City shopping centre to witness the fashion works of local designers aspiring to become household names, such as Khoon Hooi, Von Jolly and Nazleen Noor.

Serious bargain hunters should head to the many street markets, where they can pick up a huge variety of local goods and products including handicrafts such as batik, pewter plates & vases, silverware and woodcarvings. Petaling Street, in Kuala Lumpur’s China Town hosts the Pasar Malam (night market). After 6pm, the market takes over the road and the street comes alive with stalls, restaurants and crowds. Here you can buy anything from handbags to souvenirs, watches, clothes, herbal remedies, local trinkets and spices. The ideal place to test your bargaining skills.

Malaysia also has domestic designated duty free islands, Langkawi, Labuan, and Tioman, offering an extensive range of items to be purchased at special tax exempt prices. In Kuah Town, the central district of

Langkawi, rows of stores can be found selling electronic gadgets, household goods, branded products, cosmetics and fragrances, and the island also has its own megamalls to enjoy: Langkawi Mall, Langkawi Fair Complex and Jetty Point Duty Free Complex.  

-ENDS- 

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

Travel Packages

STA Travel (0800 9880390 or visit  www.statravel.co.uk) offer a 6 night stay at 4 star Citrus Hotel, Kuala Lumpur for £752 per person flying on Sri Lankan airways departing on the 23 August and £640 per per person flying on Etihad Airlines on 3 December.

Trailfinders (0207 368 1200 or www.trailfinders.com) offer a 5 night holiday staying at 4 star Park Royal Kuala Lumpur with FREE breakfast from £679 per person. Price includes flights from London Gatwick on Vietnam Airlines & 20% off selected spa treatments. Valid for selected December departures.

Hayes & Jarvis (0844 415 1918 www.hayesandjarvis.com) offer a package departing on 1 October: a one-week twin-centre holiday to Malaysia from £995 per person (based on two sharing). The package includes two nights’ room-only at the Hotel Capitol in Kuala Lumpur, five nights’ B&B at Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort, Langkawi, return Malaysia Airlines flights from London Heathrow and transfers.

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer three nights room only at the Dorsett Regency, Kuala Lumpur in a deluxe room, including flights with Etihad Airways from Heathrow (via Abu Dhabi) with private transfers in resort. Prices for July/August from £1,113 per person and December £962 per person, based on two sharing.

MALAYSIA: ARGUABLY SOUTH EAST ASIA’S PREMIUM SAILING DESTINATION

There are a growing number of marinas and yacht clubs throughout Malaysia and the country’s unique natural environment provides a colourful backdrop for exciting sailing holidays. Boaters and yachters can explore the islands, coastal estuaries and seas and when taking a break from sailing, can enjoy snorkelling and diving or relaxing on the long stretches of sandy beaches or even get a taste of Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage. Malaysia is home to Asia’s premier annual sailing event, The Royal Langkawi International Regatta in January 2013 with 7 night packages from £899. See below for more details. 

 

Langkawi is a great place for sailing holidays as the waters of the Adaman Sea are ideal, the sailing infrastructure is excellent, it is a resort island with an abundance of attractions and is home to Asia’s premier sailing event, The Royal Langkawi International Regatta hosted by Royal Langkawi Yacht Club in January 2013. The Royal Langkawi International Regatta hosts many different classes of competition, including Racing Class, IRC Class, Sports Boat, Multihull, Club Cruising and Ocean Rover. Yacht owners can be part of the 11th International Regatta in January 2013 for as little as £111 (www.langkawiregatta.com).

 Langkawi also plays host to the last leg of the The Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta on 16 – 24 November 2012. This annual International Regatta, organised by the Royal Selangor Yacht Club, consists of three overnight passage races covering 240 miles, plus three days of harbour racing in Penang and Langkawi. The Regatta is a great social event with regatta dinners almost every night resulting in the onshore activities being just as exciting as the sailing.

Malaysia’s sailing industry has gone from strength to strength ever since Datuk Azhar Mansor, a Malaysian sailor, captured the world’s attention and put Malaysia on the marine map with his successful solo circumnavigation of the globe in 1999. East Malaysia offers adventurous sailing with excellent marina facilities at Kota Kinabalu’s Sutera Harbour whilst famous West Coast ports frequently visited by sailors include Port Dickson, Port Klang, Lumut, Penang, and Malaysia’s largest marina the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.

For those holidaymakers who love the water but may not have their own yacht or sail boat, the sport of Dragon Boat Racing provides a whole new experience to a water race. Dragon Boat Racing is popular all over Malaysia, in particular in Penang, where the annual Penang International Dragon Boat Racing Festival is held. The festival takes place at the end of June each year at the Teluk Bahang Dam and attracts teams who are members of the International Dragon Boat Federation from all over the world and each race has a maximum of twenty two participants, all of whom need to have strength, endurance and synchronized movements to win. The paddlers face the drummer who stands at the front of the boat, signalling their team to paddle on every beat of the drum. The beating drums, teeming crowds and colourful dragon boats provide an electric atmosphere. 

-ENDS-

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

Travel Packages

STA Travel (0800 9880390 or visit  www.statravel.co.uk) offer a 7 night package to Langkawi in early January for £899 staying at 3*Citin Hotel or £1,134 staying at 3* Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa.

 You could add an additional 3 night stay in KL to any of the Langkawi packages for an extra £100pp.

Hayes & Jarvis (0844 415 1918 www.hayesandjarvis.com) can offer a package departing on 05 January: a one-week twin-centre holiday to Malaysia costs from £1,195 per person (based on two sharing). The package includes two nights’ room-only at the Hotel Capitol in Kuala Lumpur, five nights’ B&B at Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort, Langkawi, return Malaysia Airlines flights from London Heathrow and transfers.

Trailfinders (0207 368 1200 or www.trailfinders.com) offer a 7 night holiday staying at 3+ star Berjaya Langkawi Resort with breakfast & transfers from £1,279 per person. Price includes flights from London Heathrow on Malaysian Airlines & is valid for selected January departures.

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven nights on room only at the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi in a garden terrace room, including flights with Malaysia Airlines from Heathrow with private transfers in resort.  Prices for January 2013 are from £1,425 per person, based on two sharing.

Well-trained cabbies will improve tourists’ perception of Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA: A well-trained stable of taxi drivers will help shape and improve tourists' perception of the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said thousands of taxi drivers nationwide interacted with tourists every day, making them an important first point of contact with foreign visitors.

“If taxi drivers are polite, courteous and customer-friendly, speak good things about the country and show a positive attitude, tourists will feel welcomed.

“Tourists meet thousands of taxi drivers and through their interactions, tourists' perception of Malaysia is formed,” he said yesterday at the launch of the Taxi Tourism Ambassadors programme at Dataran Putra here.

VIP passenger: An elated Najib boarding a taxi for a tour around Putrajaya during the launch of the Taxi Tourism Ambassadors programme at Dataran Putra.

Over 500 taxi drivers turned up for the launch, which was also attended by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen and Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar.

The Government aims to train some 4,000 taxi drivers, who will be selected to attend a one-day course at the Malaysian Tourism Centre to learn how to become effective tourism ambassadors.

Najib noted that the Government had also not forgotten about the welfare of taxi drivers, repeating his pledge to come up with a new model that would give taxi drivers better earnings and more independence in their work.

For the full article please visit http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/7/5/nation/11608674&sec=nation.