TOURISM MALAYSIA APPOINT NEW DIRECTOR FOR THE UK AND IRELAND

Tourism Malaysia is delighted to announce the appointment of Junus bin Suhid as its new director in the UK and Ireland. The award-winning Mr Suhid arrives in London from Tourism Malaysia’s head office where he was previously a deputy director within the industry development division for over three years. Mr Suhid brings with him a glittering résumé having been awarded the Malaysia Tourism Minister’s Excellence Award in 2012, plus over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry having previously held numerous senior positions within Tourism Malaysia, the Putrajaya Tourism Action Council and the Pahang Tourism Action Council.

As the new director of Tourism Malaysia UK and Ireland, Mr Suhid’s role will be to lead operations and strategic decision making at Tourism Malaysia’s London base in Trafalgar Square, with the primary aim of promoting Malaysia’s profile as an exciting tourist destination to the UK and Ireland markets, increasing visitor numbers especially during Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

Mr Suhid, who studied Science in Business Administration at the University of Southern Colorado in the United States, replaces Mr Abdul Rauf Abu Hassan with immediate effect.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr Junus Bin Suhid, Director of Tourism Malaysia UK and Ireland, said: “I am delighted to join the UK team in what is an exciting year for us. I will build on my previous success, experience and strong passion for Malaysia to make Visit Malaysia Year 2014 the best ever. I am fortunate to have an excellent team on board at Tourism Malaysia UK and Ireland, and look forward to working with them and the UK travel industry.”

ONLY FOUR MONTHS TO GO UNTIL VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR 2014

The countdown to Visit Malaysia Year 2014 is almost complete, with only four months to go until the start of an exciting year for Malaysia in which 29 million foreign tourists are forecast to sample one of the most diverse and exciting countries in the world. Visitors can look forward to a range of world class showcase events throughout the year at the premier destination, including the F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix, the Malaysia International Shoe Festival, the Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival and the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2014 have been well underway with 2013 earmarked as a preparatory year which has attracted millions of visitors to the country through several mega events and programs held throughout the past 12 months, as Malaysia aims to attract 36 million tourists from abroad by the year 2020.

As we enter into the final third of 2013, there is still an abundance of activities in Malaysia for visitors to indulge in. October sees the launch of Fabulous Food 1Malaysia, a three-month gourmet festival which aims to celebrate and showcase the very best of Malaysia’s unique local cuisine. The world’s best riders and bikes are also in action in October at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, held over three days at the Sepang International Circuit.  The spotlight will also be on Malaysia as US President Barack Obama makes an historic visit, the first visit by a US President since 1966.

November sees the arrival of international yacht racing teams battling the monsoon weather and South China Sea for a chance to lift the Monsoon Cup. The Hindu festival of Deepavali also begins on November 3rd and is an official holiday. For shopaholics, the Malaysia Year End Sale launches this month, starting on the 8th and running until January 2014.

The finale of 2013 concludes with the Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Dance Tourism Carnival in December. Visitors can also enjoy the experience of a tropical Christmas throughout the month as shopping malls and hotels light up with the magic of the festive season.

For more information about Malaysia and its action packed calendar of events, visit: www.tourism.gov.my