MALAYSIA WEEK CLOSING CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY MINISTER OF TOURISM, YB DATO’ SRI DR. NG YEN YEN

The Malaysia week closing ceremony, held on 10 October 2012 at London’s South Bank was attended by top tour operators, media, travel associations and VIP’s including YB Dato Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia; H.E. Dato Seri Zakaria Sulong, High Commissioner for Malaysia; Ybhg. Datin Seri Hazizah Ahmand;  Dato’ Seri Kamaruddin Siaraf, Secretary General Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture; Hon. Lord Tom Pendry of Stalybridge, Labour politician and member of the House of Lords; Councillor Helen Chuah, Mayor of Colchester, Dato Jimmy Choo, Tourism Ambassador and Dato Ooi Chean See, Tourism Ambassador. The closing ceremony included dance from the Malaysian Royal Dance Troupe, music from Malaysia, films of the destination and busy food and arts and cultural stalls showcasing Malaysian cuisine and crafts.

YB Dato Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, dancing at the closing ceremony of Malaysia Week - for more pictures from the event please visit the Tourism Malaysia Facebook page.

At the closing ceremony of Malaysia Week, Minister of Tourism, YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, thanked guests for their participation in celebrating the “Faces of 1Malaysia” themed week-long event. “As the ninth most visited country in the world for the third consecutive year, Malaysia has cemented its place as a top destination for both business and leisure.” The Minister of Tourism stated; “Malaysia has introduced various innovative tourism products such as the 1Malaysia International Shoe Festival, 1Malaysia International Night Floral Parade, Fabulous Food 1Malaysia, Parks & Garden tourism, Helicopter Tourism, Bicycle and Motorbike Tourism.”

She thanked British tourists for their loyalty to Malaysia stating, “It is great to learn that all our efforts and commitments bear luscious fruits after all. The UK was the eighth top tourist generating market to Malaysia last year. Close to 404,000 British tourists had a personal experience of the fascinating sights and sounds of the country. The first half of this year already saw about 197,000 British tourists come to our shores, which was a 5.9 percent increase against the same period of last year.”

She explained how Malaysia has secured its place as a renowned shopper’s paradise as, “shopping holds the second biggest share (30%) of tourist expenditures contributing RM17.5 (USD5.5) billion last year. Avid shoppers can benefit from three sale periods namely the 1Malaysia GP Sale in March, the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival in June and the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale in November.” 

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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

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. 

New Malaysian Trail warms up wintery Britain and Strengthens Malaysian – Scottish Reciprocal Tourism

An unrivalled taste of exotic Southeast Asia comes to Britain this autumn as the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) goes public with new plant treasures from its research and conservation collections, for the launch of a Malaysian Glasshouse Trail on Tuesday, October 9. Realised thanks to support from Tourism Malaysia and the ongoing efforts of Professor Stephen Blackmore, the Regius Keeper of RBGE, the innovative attraction includes species not previously seen on public display, as well as fresh audience interpretation of many plants native to the region and prized for their cultural and commercial uses.

“Malaysia is recognised as a hugely species-diverse country and RBGE is playing a key role in the documentation and conservation of the vast array of plants found there”, explained Dr Peter Wilkie, a tropical botanist who specialises in plants endemic to that part of the world. “By collecting and researching plants from the region scientists and horticulturists are developing better understanding of how the various species interact with the wider environment. Ultimately, this facilitates improved conservation initiatives in the native habitats”.

Head of Interpretation, Alan Bennell, added it had been an inspirational project to cultivate: “RBGE not only holds the world’s largest display of tender Vireya rhododendrons, it is also home to particularly diverse collections of African violets (Gesneriaceae), gingers (Zingiberaceae) and begonias (Begoniaceae), to name just four groups represented in Malaysia. Therefore, it makes absolute sense that we should work with Tourism Malaysia to allow the general public an insight into its amazing botanical treasures. Perhaps they may even be inspired to visit this beautiful country”.

As well as bringing out new plants from RBGE’s research glasshouses into public display, fresh forms of interpretation, including a Malaysian market stall, have been created to bring into context the true diversity of the country’s plant life.

Ecotourism is increasingly popular in Malaysia with tourists visiting the country’s preserved rainforest, appreciating the flora & fauna on display. More than half of Malaysia’s 329,758 sq km surface is covered by tropical rainforests that host an array of exotic and protected plants and animals. Amongst the many great sites include Perdana Botanical Garden, Hibiscus Garden and Orchid Garden, Putrajaya Botanical Garden, Cameron Highlands, Secret Garden-Petaling Jaya and the Danum Valley Conservation Area in Borneo, recently visited by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia, who has been central to the inception of the trail, said she believed the partnership was a uniquely special way allowing British residents – and tourists visiting Edinburgh – a clearer insight into the magnificent natural resources of this vast multicultural land and further strengthening relationships and reciprocal tourism between Scotland and Malaysia. 

 “Malaysians are known to be warm and friendly, the country’s geography is as diverse as its culture, as recently witnessed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their tour of Malaysia, which included the Danum Valley Conservation Area’s rainforest and gardens”, she commented. “This means we have splendidly extreme contrasts, from the cool hideaways of the highlands that roll down to warm sandy beaches and rich, humid, mangroves. The new display at Edinburgh presents this landscape in an exciting new way. In the longer term, perhaps it may even encourage more people from Britain to visit Malaysia and experience our magical country first hand.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS

• Fauna, Wildlife, Park & Gardens packages are available from £2,139pp, visit: www.etours.co.uk, www.funwayholidays.co.uk, www.audleytravel.com
• For background information visit: www.tourism.gov.my
• Tour Operators based in Scotland with packages in Malaysia include If Only: www.ifonly.net/south-east-asia/malaysia, Destinology: www.destinology.co.uk/malaysia-holiday-offers
• Malaysia has a wealth of Botanical Gardens and stunning landscapes, such as the Cameron Highlands spanning 712 sqkm.
• Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk

5 DAYS TO GO! MALAYSIA WEEK LONDON: TASTE MALAYSIA’S CUISINE & ENJOY FREE CONCERTS, 6-10 OCTOBER 2012

Taking place on the South Bank for the first year, following Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge’s visit, Malaysia Week London 2012 is ready to show off Malaysia’s vibrant culture with Malaysian music, fashion, dance, arts, crafts and food. Over the course of five days, visitors will gain a fascinating insight into what Malaysia has to offer with a wide range of attractions, demonstrations and performances.  

The event officially launches on 6 October with around 200 guests in attendance and a whole host of VIP’s. Kicking off for the general public on 7 October, visitors can expect to be entertained by cultural and arts performances, with particular highlights including traditional dances depicting the Malays, Chinese, Indian, Ethnic Sabah and Sarawak cultures. For those who are more musically inclined there will also be performances of Malaysia contemporary music to enjoy and dance along to, as well as stage performances from Istana Budaya’s traditional Malaysian Orchestra. 

The cultural experience continues with demonstrations, exhibitions and displays of traditional crafted items.  Visitors will have the opportunity not only to learn more about these items but to also purchase those that take their fancy. The beautiful batik fabric that is synonymous with traditional Malaysian dress and often used as interior decoration will also take centre stage during Malaysia Week London, with demonstrations allowing visitors to unravel the secrets behind its creation. The journey continues with a display of the beautiful batik and songket fabrics that is both entertaining and educational as Malaysian models proudly showcase the traditional textiles with a fashion show. There will also be the possibility for visitors to explore the use of other local resources with an exhibition of pewter and fruit carvings allowing for a calmer insight into Malaysian traditions.

Why not take home a slice of Malaysian culture and visit the exhibitions of Malaysian art pieces? For those collectors who may wish to invest in authentic artwork, six Malaysian artists will be visiting the event to showcase a variety of paintings and artistic sculptures allowing visitors to meet the creators of their favourite pieces.

Amongst the many pleasures of visiting rural Malaysia is sampling local foods and the possibility of witnessing, or even participating in, traditional games. These games lovers and foodies have not been forgotten. Tastebuds will be tantalised as the event plays host to tastings of Teh Tarik, Roti Canai, Ice Kacang and traditional fruits.  Games lovers will be able to have a go at playing traditional Malaysian games such as Congkak, Batu Seremban and Sepak Bulu Ayam. 

Malaysia Week, London is being held on London’s South Bank and has event days running from 6 – 10 October.

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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

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. 

MALAYSIA WEEK LONDON: TASTE MALAYSIA’S CUISINE & ENJOY FREE CONCERTS, 6-10 OCTOBER 2012

Taking place on the South Bank for the first year, following Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge’s visit, Malaysia Week London 2012 is ready to show off Malaysia’s vibrant culture with Malaysian music, fashion, dance, arts, crafts and food. Over the course of four days, visitors will gain a fascinating insight into what Malaysia has to offer with a wide range of attractions, demonstrations and performances.  

Opening on 6 October, there will be free cultural and arts performances, including traditional dances depicting the Malays, Chinese, Indian, Ethnic Sabah and Sarawak cultures, performances of Malaysia contemporary music and stage performances from Istana Budaya’s traditional Malaysian Orchestra. 

In addition, demonstrations, exhibitions and displays of traditional crafted items that can be purchased will take place throughout the festival.  Batik fabric that is synonymous with traditional Malaysian dress and often used as interior decoration will also take centre stage through demonstrations and a fashion show. Six Malaysian artists will be visiting the event to showcase a variety of paintings and artistic sculptures allowing visitors to meet the creators of their favourite pieces and purchase their artwork.

Tastings of Teh Tarik, Roti Canai, Ice Kacang and traditional fruits will be available.  Visitors can also have a go at playing traditional Malaysian games such as Congkak, Batu Seremban and Sepak Bulu Ayam. 

Malaysia Week, London is being held on London’s South Bank and has event days running from 6 -10 October.

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

For details of hosted press trips for commissioned media, please contact flo@representationplus.co.uk

MALAYSIA WELCOMES THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE

Malaysia is excitedly preparing to welcome Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who will visit the dynamic capital city Kuala Lumpur and the rainforested eco-adventure destination of Sabah, Borneo, from Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 September as part of their Diamond Jubilee tour to celebrate 60 years of HM Queen Elizabeth’s reign.  As well as attending state functions and talks in Malaysia, the Royal couple will visit iconic tourism sites such as the Petronas Twin Towers, the KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) and Danum Valley in Sabah, Borneo. 

The royal couple will experience Malaysia’s lively capital, Kuala Lumpur (KL), one of South East Asia’s most vibrant cities. Home to 1.6 million people, KL is a melting pot of multiculturalism and home to the world’s tallest twin towers, the Petronas Towers which are housed within the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) precinct; a “city within a city”, this 40-hectare (100-acre) site offers a plethora of facilities and experiences for the city-break visitor. KL is also home to the fascinating Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park which encompasses the Orchid & Hibiscus Gardens, the Deer Park, Butterfly Park and the ASEAN Sculpture Park. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will experience Malaysia’s adventurous side when they visit Sabah in the rainforests of Malaysian Borneo. Home to the Danum Valley Conversation Area, Sabah's largest protected lowland rainforest which boasts one of the richest conservation areas in the world with 43,800 hectares of pristine and undisturbed tropical flora and fauna. This pristine rainforest is also home to more than 340 species birds, 124 species of mammals, 72 species of reptiles, 56 species of amphibians and a staggering 200 species of plants per hectare. Sabah is the ideal destination for the conscientious adventure traveller. Top attractions in Sabah also include the state’s most famous icon Mount Kinabalu reputed to be the highest peak in South East Asia at 4,092 metres high, Sipadan a world-famous dive destination and the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan.

Visitors from the UK have been coming to Malaysia due to the long history between the two countries as trading partners, with British control in the 18th and 20th centuries prior to the incarnation of the Federation of Malaya in 1948 followed by full independence in 1957. The people of Malaysia are looking forward to welcoming the Royal couple with open arms and treating them to Malaysia’s renowned friendly hospitality to ensure they thoroughly enjoy their stay and remember their trip for years to come.

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The time is now, the place is Malaysia.

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

For more information on the Danum Valley please visit http://www.borneonaturetours.com

Tourist Arrivals to Malaysia Continue to Increase

The Tourism Minister, Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen announced that Malaysia welcomed 11,632,483 tourist arrivals for the first six months of 2012, registering a growth of 2.4%  compared to 11,362,862 arrivals for the same period last year.

Correspondingly, total tourist receipts from January to June 2012 rose by 4.0%, generating RM26.8 billion to the country’s revenue compared to RM25.7 billion in 2011.

ASEAN region continued to be the largest contributor of tourist arrivals with 73.8% share of the total arrivals. The top ten generating markets were Singapore (5,832,330 / -4.8%), Indonesia (1,108,361 / +20.0%), China (758,289 / +34.2%), Thailand (638,641/ -11.5%), Brunei (588,165/ -1.2%), India (365,104/ +6.9%), Australia (242,579/ -10.4%), the Philippines (238,175/ +45.3%), Japan (215,872/ +32.5%) and United Kingdom (196,738/ +5.9%). They accounted for 87.55% of the total tourist arrivals.

Among these markets the Philippines recorded the highest growth of 45.3% year-on-year followed by China (34.2%), Japan (32.5%), Indonesia (20.0%), India (6.9%) and United Kingdom (5.9%).

Other long-haul markets that had posted remarkable growth were Oman (33.2%), Russia (28.2%), France (20.6%), USA (18.9%), South Korea (18.0%), Kuwait (17.4%) and Denmark (15.7%).

The Minister attributed Malaysia’s appeal and growth in arrivals to the strong support from trade partners and the increased air connectivity to several key destinations such as Beijing, Hong Kong and Kansai. Key international-level tourism events such as Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix (23-25 March), 1Malaysia GP sale (10 March-15 April), 1Malaysia International Shoe Festival (29 March-1 April) and Citrawarna (19 May) have also contributed to the continued growth of Malaysia’s tourist arrivals.

 China’s growth in arrivals (+34.2%) is due to the code share operations between China Southern Airlines and Malaysia Airlines since March 2012 to increase the Beijing-Kuala Lumpur flight frequency to two daily flights. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific has also added seven more weekly flights to service the Hong Kong-Kuala Lumpur sector, and three weekly flights for the Hong Kong-Penang sector. Air Asia has also mounted three more weekly flights between Hong Kong and Kota Kinabalu since March 2012.

Japan, with a 32.5% increase in arrivals, benefited from the four weekly AirAsia X flights from Kansai to Kuala Lumpur since March, and the increase of service from Haneda to Kuala Lumpur from four to six weekly flights.

Korea’s 18% increase in arrivals is attributed to JinAir’s charter flight operations in January and February from Incheon to Kota Kinabalu; Korean Air’s twice weekly flight since April and Eastar Jet’s four weekly flights beginning March.

Arab Saudi saw a 71.7% increase in arrivals because of the Arab Saudi Immigration’s new rule which requires all outgoing travelers to own individual passports. Prior to this ruling, children travelled on their parent’s passports. Two periods of long holidays – January to March and June to July – also contributed to the increase in Arab Saudi travelers.

ASEAN saw a 1% decrease in arrivals due to the change in recording arrivals based on nationality instead of country of residence; thus expatriates working/living in ASEAN countries were not regarded as ASEAN travelers. This reflected in the decreased arrivals from Singapore (-4.8%), Thailand (-11.5%), Brunei (-1.2%) and Cambodia (-4.2%).

This change has also affected Australia arrivals which declined by 10.4% since many Australian permanent residents were nationals of other countries such as New Zealand, Europe, Middle East, India and China. The decline is also attributed to Malaysia Airlines’ withdrawal of the Perth-Kota Kinabalu flight operations since January this year.

New Zealand also suffered a decline of 16.3% in arrivals this year due to AirAsia X’s termination of its Christchurch-Kuala Lumpur service in March.

Sweden’s 22.4% decline in arrivals is attributed to the lack of direct flight services between Sweden and Malaysia compared to Thailand.

South Africa showed a 10.7 decrease in arrivals this year due to the cessation of Malaysia Airlines’ flight service between Kuala Lumpur and Johannesburg as well as Cape Town earlier this year.

Note: Data on tourist arrivals was supplied by Immigration Department of Malaysia.

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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
Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk

THE WORLD’S ELITE GOLFERS TO TAKE PART IN CIMB CLASSICS GOLF TOURNAMENT IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, 24-28 OCTOBER 2012

The CIMB Classics golf tournament will be held at the Mines Resort & Golf in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 24 to 28 October 2012, attracting 48 of the world’s elite golfers including defending champion of last year, Bo Van Pelt and 2010 champion, Ben Crane. With numerous courses constructed by world-renowned designers and fair weather conditions year round, it is no wonder that Malaysia is fast becoming South-East Asia’s golfing paradise.

The CIMB Classic began two years ago and featured PGA Tour players and Asian Tour players; it will become a fully-fledged PGA Tour event starting in 2013. According to the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, "since childhood it has been my dream that the PGA championship will be held in Malaysia." The CIMB Group Chief Executive Datuk Seri Nazir Razak stated: "we have signed an agreement for 5 years from 2012 to 2016.”

The competition format will be in accordance with the PGA Tour regulation of 72 holes. 30 of the players will come from the PGA Tour, 10 from the Asian tour and 8 from a sponsor invitation including 2 Malaysian professional players who will all compete to claim the total prize money of USD6.1 million with the champion receiving USD1.3 million. The total prize money will rise in 2013 to a massive USD7 million with 78 golfers competing.

There are now over 200 golf courses in Malaysia, 50 of which are of international standard, and with such diverse and scenic terrain; Malaysia offers a memorable golfing vacation for all. Golfers can tee off in the rolling landscapes next to the jungle, overlooking the South China Sea, or nestled amongst the sky scrapers in 1 of the 26 courses that are less than a 45 minute drive from Kuala Lumpur.  Penang boasts a further 5 luscious golf resorts and the islands of Langkawi have 2 courses renowned for their panoramic views. 

As well as the CIMB Classics, such high standard courses has resulted in events such as the Malaysian Open to be hosted and sanctioned by the Asia PGA Tour as well as the European PGA tour,  The Volvo Masters of Asia and the first ever IAGTO Asia Golf Tourism Convention held in April 2012.

Not only does Malaysia have a plethora of diverse courses and resorts, it is also affordable. One item of golfing equipment with a maximum weight of 15kg will be carried free with Malaysia Airlines and green fees range from £6 to £85, offering something for everyone, compared to an average green fee of £34 in the UK. Malaysia’s golfing resorts have also been developed with a keen eye for world-class amenities and great surrounding holiday attractions for a well-rounded vacation. 

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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
Support for Press Trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk

Travel Packages
Destination Golf: offer 4 nights B&B at the 5-star Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur Hotel, 1 round of golf at The Mines and 1 round at Glenmarie, private airport and golf transfers. £795 per person based on twin/double share without flights or, based on Economy flights with Malaysia Airlines from Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur the package price is £1,745 per person. To book Tel. 01737 771613 or Email: info@destinationgolf.co.uk. www.malaysiagolfholidays.co.uk.