THE MARKET - INBOUND TOURISM

Malaysia: Zoom Malaysia Campaign To Further Boost Tourism Industry
• Business
2008-10-16 17:12
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: The second "Zoom! Malaysia" advertising campaign launched last month to intensify the promotion of domestic tourism is expected to boost further the industry, says the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER).
The Tourism Malaysia campaign, which aims to promote and develop domestic tourism, will be carried out for six months, starting this month until March 2009.
Using the body wrapping advertising technique, the campaign will be utilising public transport, such as airport limo, Rapid KL and Transnasional buses, LRT (Ampang Line and Kelana Jaya Line) and KL Monorail in its promotion.
MIER, in its Tourism Market Survey Report released today, said the earlier Zoom! Malaysia campaign launched last May to promote local destinations with the offer of budget travel packages, had apparently lifted the tourism industry in the third quarter (Q308).
MIER said that activities in the local tourism scene have bounced back in the third quarter with the Tourism Market Index climbing 1.7% to 109.2 points.
"Despite being one milllion short of the initial target of 22.5 million tourist arrivals and a sizeable let-up in the second quarter, sentiments have rebounded in the third quarter," it said.
The Travel Agencies Index rose by 27.5 points to 104.7 points but the Hotel Operators Index slipped 11.6 points to 111.5 points.
MIER also added that high operating costs, inflated by oil prices and increase in inflation rate, have resulted in thinner margins for more than 50% of the travel agencies.
Going forward, it said that margins are expected to remain poor for 33% of the respondents to its survey, while 47% are expecting margins to remain steady in the next three months. (Bernama)

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2008
Contact : Daryl Yep
H/P : +603 2615 8445
Email : yyldaryl@tourism.gov.my

1,899,148 Tourists in May 2008

A total of 1,899,148 tourists visited Malaysia in May 2008, representing an increase of 3.1% compared to the same month in 2007.
Cumulatively, tourist arrivals recorded from January to May 2008 were 9,001,765, representing an increase of 1.3% compared to 8,886,832 for the same period in 2007.

For May 2008, Singapore maintained its position as the biggest tourist generating market for Malaysia with 1,011,090 Singaporeans visiting the country. Others in the top ten list are Indonesia (189,157), Thailand (125,715), China (including Hong Kong & Macau) (78,538), Brunei (75,245), India (74,422), the Philippines (36,729), Japan (30,560), Australia (28,432) and South Korea (22,457).
For the first time, the monthly arrivals from India reached a record 70,000 figure in the month of May.
Most major markets also recorded double digit growth in the month of May 2008 compared to the same month in 2007. They are Russia (96.7%), South Korea (69.8%), South Africa (66.5%), the Netherlands (56.9%), Canada (52.7%), Switzerland (48.2%), New Zealand (48.2%), Australia (42.7%), France (39.7%), Cambodia (38.9%), China (including Hong Kong & Macau) (38.2%), the United Kingdom (35.3%), Germany (35.1%), India (32.5%), Japan (31.2%) the Philippines (18.5%), Indonesia (14.3%) and Taiwan (13.5%).
The top ten tourist generating markets from January to May 2008 were Singapore (4,499,057), Indonesia (886,496), Thailand (613,993), China (including Hong Kong & Macau) (418,327), Brunei (350,386), India (234,245), Japan (173,128), Australia (163,210), the Philippines (153,526) and the United Kingdom (149,890).
For more information, please log on to Tourism Malaysia's online Media Centre at http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/tourismbiz/media_centre/ and click on “Facts and Figures.”

Malaysia, which attracted 150,000 patients in the first half of 2006, expects its medical tourism to generate enormous revenue of US $1 billion by 2010.
According to Malaysia Tourism, "Medical expertise in Malaysia ranks among the best in the world and most private hospitals in the country are of international standards. All private medical centres must be approved and licensed by the Ministry of Health."
Malaysia is also blessed with numerous captivating beaches. Hotels and resorts are dotted along the coastline in popular areas or secluded lagoons. Most of them boast luxurious spas and the pleasure of rejuvenating massages. Malaysia is warm all year round and its people are welcoming. With excellent hotels, a superb motorway system and streets that are safe and well policed, a medical vacation to this country may be just what the doctor ordered.

DeMicco, Cetron and Davies, the authors of the travel book entitled ‘Hospitality 2010’ wrote that most private hospitals in Malaysia offer accommodation for their patients ranging from comfortable rooms to luxurious suites with personal butlers and full time nurses. Some hospitals also offer a sleep-in facility for companions who are accompanying patients. The cost of accommodation is reasonable, whereby foreign patients can afford luxurious suites and arrange comfortable accommodation for their travelling partners.

Malaysia set to attract 300,000 tourists from the Middle East in 2007 as ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2007’ campaign gathers steam


High-profile delegation including the Malaysian Tourism Minister and 18 companies highlights Malaysian attractions at BITE 2007
May 10, 2007

Leveraging a steep soar in the number of Middle East tourists in 2006, Malaysian Tourism Minister YBM Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor announced that Malaysia is all set to increase the number of tourists from the Middle East to 300,000 in 2007. Tengku Adnan, who is in Bahrain to lead key Malaysian tourism industry players at the Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE), made the announcement at a press conference held yesterday (May 9, 2007) at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel. Malaysia’s participation at BITE follows its successful partaking at the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market held in Dubai.

Malaysia attracted more than 180,000 tourists from the Middle East last year and has organized an aggressive campaign dubbed ‘Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007’ to promote it as a prime tourist destination and consequently increase the number of tourists. This year the country expects a surge in the number of visitors, as it celebrates its 50th Independence Day with over 240 year-round festivities set to take place, which will highlight the country’s rich culture and heritage. Some of the cultural festivals include Colours of Malaysia and the Eid-Al Fitr Celebration in addition to world-famous sporting events such as Formula One Grand Prix, Le Tour De Langkawi, Monsoon Cup and other amazing showcases such as the Malaysia International Fireworks Exhibition.

“Malaysia is all geared up to welcome an expected 20.1 million visitors this year with a tourism initiative that has brought together public and private stakeholders to offer guests a remarkable experience in Malaysia. Our tourism industry has witnessed a huge boom and recorded an amazing 17.54 million visitors last year, which was a surge of 6.8 per cent compared to 2005. Middle East tourists accounted for more than 180,000, and with our distinct competitive advantages, we expect to increase that to 300,000 this year,” said YBM Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia.

“Malaysia as a tourist destination has gained the world’s attention with a recent survey by Global Traveller, a US-based magazine, which voted it as the world’s best destination, and we are exceedingly pleased by three prestigious awards from the Incentive Travel and Conventions Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) show and 17th Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Annual Travel Awards in October 2006,” added YBM Mansor.

Accompanying the minister are senior tourism officials who further bolster the delegation comprised of representatives from hotels, travel & tour operators, state governments, and Malaysia Airlines who are on a regional visit to promote Malaysian attractions across Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Damascus. As a part of the visit to Bahrain, the minister and key delegates will meet with government leaders and private players to further bolster the promotional efforts in the country.

In addition to a shared Islamic belief, Malaysia offers an unforgettable visit for Middle East tourists with its breathtaking destinations and lavish services and packages at competitive prices. The country boasts of world-famous theme parks perfect for families such as Sunway Lagoon and Genting Highlands, pristine beaches in Langkawi and Penang, a gigantic ferris wheel called ‘Eye on Malaysia’ that allows a spectacular view of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and plush shopping malls that are scheduled to hold mega-sales to celebrate the country’s 50th Independence Day.

At the Bahrain International Travel Expo slated from May 8-10, visitors to the Malaysian stand will witness a visual feast, as the delegation showcases its Independence Day commemoration with the theme ‘One Golden Celebation’. At its stand J 01, Malaysia will also highlight various eco-tourism, medical & health tourism, spa, honeymoon and Malaysia My Second Home packages that will appeal to Middle East tourists. Combined with excellent services and products, the generous offers provide an opportunity for visitors to laze in pristine beaches and tranquil islands that Malaysia is reputed for or to detoxify and promote physical well-being in over 200 world-class medical institutions.

“We have participated in BITE for the last three years and as a result have witnessed huge growth of Bahraini tourists to Malaysia. This year our delegation is comprised of 18 companies, and we are looking forward to leveraging the prestige of the exhibition to showcase our attractions and to strengthen relations with Bahraini travel players. With our strategic efforts to make Malaysia a preferred destination, we anticipate an increased number of tourists from Bahrain this year and are set to increase the number of flights to cater to the increased demand, particularly during the summer months,” concluded YBM Mansor.

Malaysia is home to various cultures and religions co-existing harmoniously, offering a remarkable cultural experience for visitors. Malaysians are known to be proud of their country, and the government has engaged the people and the private sector such as airlines and hotels in a concerted effort to make Malaysia a prime tourist destination.

Malaysian tourism initiatives in the region is carried out by Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board offices in Dubai for the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Iran markets and in Jeddah for Saudi Arabia, Levant and North Africa. The tourism body works with consumer and trade stakeholders to forward its goals through various promotional and marketing initiatives. For its VMY 2007 campaign in Bahrain, it has slated cultural show featuring Malaysian cuisine, seminars for travel agents and airlines and aggressive media promotions among others.


Malaysia on course to attract over 20.1 million tourists from across the globe in 2007


Malaysia Year-End Sale Carnival 2007 set to draw in visitors from the GCC to one of the world’s biggest shopping event
December 10, 2007

The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) in Dubai has announced that Malaysia is on course to attract over 20.1 million tourists from across the globe in 2007, which is a clear reflection of the success of the ‘Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007’ campaign. In line with the Malaysian Government’s decision to host more than 200 local events as part of VMY 2007, the ‘Malaysia Year-End Sale Carnival (M-YESC) 2007’ is set to draw visitors from the GCC by featuring marked down prices on exquisite local and designer items. According to the half-yearly statistics, Malaysia attracted over 12.4 million visitors in the first half of 2007, an increase of 23.9 per cent compared to the previous year.

‘M-YESC 2007’ is the country’s annual premier shopping extravaganza, which is being held from December 01, 2007 to January 01, 2008, and will showcase of a variety of products and services on reduced tags, exciting programs and activities, promotions, exhibitions and roadshows in shopping malls all over the country. The event will be launched by the Honourable Deputy Minister of Tourism, YB Dato’ Donald Lim, in a ceremony to be held at the Bintang Circle, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. In addition, the late night sale, visitor incentives, and the M-YESC Fringe Festival are some of the highlights, which will take place within the month-long celebration.

Tuan Razali, Regional Director, MTPB, said, “Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders combined with its wide selection of outstanding entertainment and world-class facilities, has increased its appeal to regional and international tourists. Catering to the needs of people from all across the world, Malaysia continues to remain an attractive destination throughout the year. Our ongoing endeavours to attract residents from the Middle East to Malaysia, including our partnerships with Singapore Airlines and Gulf Air and our efforts to host internationally-renowned events such as the Malaysia Year-End Sale Carnival, have aided in the success of VMY 2007 and we look towards further expanding our relationships with new partners to further the success achieved till date.”

Malaysia has always been a premier destination for travellers from the Middle East and the country is expecting a total of 300,000 tourists from the region in 2007. Recent statistics have also revealed that arrivals in Malaysia by visitors from the GCC countries have experienced an increase ranging from 6 per cent to 23 per cent in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the previous year. In a bid to entice more tourists to visit one of Asia’s most flourishing cultural and adventure hubs, the MTPB in partnership with Singapore Airlines and Gulf Air is currently offering special holiday packages to residents from across the region.

“Following the success of the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, a World Championship event that featured world-renowned bikers held last month, and the Malaysian International Gourmet Festival, the country’s annual premier fine dining event currently being held in Malaysia, we are positive that the Malaysia Year-End Sale 2007 will elicit the same response and further contribute to the success of VMY 2007. Offering a variety of events covering major interests such as sports, food and shopping, Malaysia is truly a one-of-a-kind melting pot of various cultures and diversities, and we are confident of exceeding the expectations set by the government,” concluded Razali.

The MTPB had recently partnered with Singapore Airlines and Gulf Air to complement the ever-increasing appeal of Malaysia as a vacation destination for tourists from the GCC. As part of MTPB’s expressed goal of increasing the number of Middle East tourists, Singapore Airlines has drafted a specially designed and competitively priced three days / two nights holiday package to three prime destinations, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi. Malaysia is one of SIA’s top-selling destinations and the airline expects to sell as much as 200 to 300 packages during October and November 2007.

By Yusof Sulaiman | Jun 25, 2008
Malaysian tourism cashing in on its "Islamic heritage"


KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (eTN) - Malaysian tourism is now looking to cash in on its "Islamic brethren" heritage from the Middle East as the industry's savior.
The country's tourism industry, still reeling from the government's announcement of cutbacks on hosting of official functions in hotel premises, is looking forward to the arrival of summer spending by the influx of seasonal tourists from the Gulf region.
Despite enduring an average of seven-hour flights to Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia expects an estimated 400,000 tourists from the Middle East would have been seduced by its commercial pitch on television and promotion in Oman, Kuwait and at the Arabian Travel Market 2008, held in Dubai recently.
For the next few months, visuals of Malaysian life and culture, including other tourism packages it is selling, such as eco-tourism, medical and health tourism, spa, honeymoon and its Malaysia My Second Home, will be used to lure tourists from the Middle East who are looking to escape the scorching summer heat back at home.
"We have received an increasing number of inquiries from the region, " said Razali Omar, Tourism Malaysia director for the UAE, Gulf and Iran region. "Our television promo, Malaysia Truly Asia, and a laid-back lifestyle are a constant reminder of what they have been missing."
Among the country's efforts to encourage tourists from the Middle East to "feel at home" while in the country, Kuala Lumpur city has designated an area called "Ain Arabia" or "Arab Street" in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's busy shopping area. "The Arabs can come here to dine, shop and meet."
Usually packed during the summer holiday period of July to September every year, Ain Arabia has become a place frequented by locals and other tourists who want to experience Arabian food and culture in Malaysia.
Malaysia's population of 26 million is made up of 57 percent Malays, who by definition are practicing Muslims. Chinese and Indians, who are free to follow their own religious practices, make up the rest of the country's population mix. The country has variously been described as one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world today, with all of the world's major religions represented.
• Ain Arabia
• Arab Street
• Islam
• Kuala Lumpur
• Malaysia
• Middle East
• World

KL top venue in Malaysia for tourists

KUALA Lumpur received the highest number of foreign tourists between January and June this year, and most visited KLCC, the National Museum and Istana Negara.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, said the city received more than 2.7 milion foreign tourists and 2.3 million domestic tourists in the first six months.

Pahang was the next preferred destination, recording 2.25 million foreign arrivals, followed by Perak (1.2 million), Penang (938,273) and Johor (814,305).

News extracted from: NST (14.10.2008)