THE F1 PETRONAS MALAYSIA GRAND PRIX IS NOW LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY

The Sepang International Circuit, 50km from Malaysia’s Capital of Kuala Lumpur is once again preparing to welcome over 100,000 spectators for The F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix from 22 – 24 March 2013.  The race is now in its 15^th Anniversary and promises to be one of the biggest sporting events in South East Asia in 2013 www.sepangcircuit.com

Sepang’s circuit is not just used for the Petronas grand prix, but has events all year round from the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, to the Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race. For those that wish to emulate their heroes, Sepang International Circuit also offers track days for both cars and motorcycles.

Whilst in Malaysia enjoying the grand prix, visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the Malaysia Grand Prix Sale that runs nationwide from 08 March to 14 April 2013 with bargains on offer across the country.  Kuala Lumpur alone is home to 23 world class shopping malls, all fully equipped with the latest designer stores and has recently become a duty free shopping destination. A trip to the iconic Petronas Towers, the tallest twin structure building in the world at 452 metres, is a must-see in Kuala Lumpur and the Skybridge on the 41^st floor provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Malaysia’s capital is also renowned for its diverse range of food from all over the world and the celebration of a vibrant mixture of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Representation Plus

Flo Powell / Nick Smith

Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk / nicksmith@representationplus.co.uk

Tel: 020 8877 4509/04

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:

• 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.

GET OUT OF WINTRY BRITAIN & EXPERIENCE THE WARMTH OF MALAYSIA’S GARDENS IN EDINBURGH!

While it’s raining and cold in the middle of our British weather I was delighted to take refuge in the warm and welcoming Palm House at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to experience the Malaysian Glasshouse Trail.

Entering the Glasshouses through the famous 19th Century Palm House, I had my first introduction to the Malaysia Trail. Throughout the trail, there are panels that detail the scientific significance of each of the plants in addition to explaining the past and current research being carried out by Royal Botanic Garden scientists on the different kinds of flora in Malaysia. I explored the beauty of Malaysia’s flora from a different perspective within this specially created environment.

One highlight of the trail is the tropical splendour of the Orchid & Cycad House where diverse and colourful epiphytic plants grow on trees. Furthermore, at the very heart of the trail is the invitingly warm aquatic house that hosts a plethora of Malaysian plants. This is also where the trails education centre is located, and where I found a market stall stocked with traditional Malaysian products such as Malaysian coffee, chocolate, pepper and rice to take home and try.

The feature plant of the trail is the famous durian. The fruit is native to Malaysia and is known for being the smelliest fruit in the world. As it ripens it emits a repulsive odour likened to old socks and rotten onions. Thankfully it is only in its dried form on the Malaysian Market stand. The trail also features Malaysian pineapples.

Following along the trail, I came upon a house featuring Malaysia’s montane flora. I finally reached the climax of the trail in the wet tropical forests with a variety of exotic plants ranging from several types of gingers to African violets.

At the end of the trail, an information panel gives more reasons to visit Malaysia if you haven’t already made up your mind.

Throughout the trail, I gained a greater insight into Malaysia and what the country has to offer, whilst enjoying the warmth and serenity of the replicated Malaysian tropics. The trail allowed me to expand my knowledge on the research projects undertaken by the Royal Botanic Gardens in Malaysia which is fascinating for novices and plant lovers alike. Overall, the Trail gave me a good insight about the destination and provided an accurate report of the Royal Botanic Garden’s work in Malaysia.

FOOTNOTE on Glasshouse admission
2013 prices: Adult £ 4.50 / Concessions £ 3.50 / Child £ 1 / Family (2+4) £ 9.
Open daily from 10am; closing 4pm Dec & Jan / 5pm Feb & Nov / 6pm Mar – September.
www.rbge.org.uk.

TOURISM MALAYSIA JOINS AITO

Tourism Malaysia is delighted to announce a new affiliate membership of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators), to further develop relationships with independent tour operators in the UK and raise awareness of Malaysia’s unique tourism products to AITO tour operator and agent members. Malaysia is currently the only tourist office affiliate of AITO from the South East Asia Region.

Abdul Rauf Abu Hassan, Director UK & Ireland, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board stated “Tourism Malaysia is looking forward to a closer working relationship with independent tour operators through our new membership of AITO”.

Tourism Malaysia will now be able to attend AITO member events and communicate with AITO members through the AITO website, direct mail and newsletters.

Derek Moore, Chairman of AITO added “AITO is very pleased to welcome Tourism Malaysia to its membership as an Affiliate.  Malaysia is perfect for our special interest operators looking for new destinations to take their loyal customers as it offers so many diverse experiences and themes.  AITO looks forward to assisting Tourism Malaysia in boosting their arrivals with this predominantly high yield sector of the travel market.”

For more information, please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell / Nick Smith
Email: flo@representationplus.co.uk / nicksmith@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509/04 | Mob: 077 6624 2138

Notes to editors:

Image: L-R: Laurence Logan, Deputy Director, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Yvonne Kinder, AITO Agents Co-ordinator, Derek Moore, Chairman of AITO,  Abdul Rauf Abu Hassan, Director UK & Ireland, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board and Kate Kenward, Executive Director, AITO at the Destinations Show, London 31 January 2013.

•    Visit: www.mastermalaysia.co.uk
•    Malaysia Airlines fly daily from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur International Airport
•    Tourism Malaysia’s “Master Malaysia” online training programme has been developed by Travel Uni and consists of four modules, with ‘Ron’ the Orang Utan (pictured) giving tips along the way. The programme is specifically designed for travel agents to learn how to sell Malaysia as a destination, to educate the frontliners of the travel trade about Malaysia and to raise awareness about the tourism products that Malaysia has to offer. The programme can be accessed via www.mastermalaysia.co.uk.
•    The AITO family consists of some 500 companies showing the AITO brand made up of tour operators, specialist independent travel agents and affiliate business partners and tourist offices.  All of these organizations display similar AITO values of knowledge, expertise and quality service. For more information about AITO please visit www.aito.com.