January 01, 2007 01:44 AM
SEPANG, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- A group of Chinese visitors arrived at the KL International Airport here in the wee hours of the morning, making them the first group of travellers to Malaysia as the country's Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007 gets underway.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor welcomed the passengers of China Eastern Airlines flight MU0539 from Pudong/Shanghai which landed at about 12.30am.
"On behalf of the government and people of Malaysia, it gives me a great pleasure to welcome our first group of visitors to Malaysia with a warm 'Selamat Datang' or ' Huan Yin', since this group comes from China," he said at a special welcoming reception.
Meanwhile, a Cebu Pacific Airlines plane from Manila touched down at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal at 12.35am.
VMY 2007, through which the country expects 20.1 million visitors and hopes to earn RM44.5 billion in foreign exchange, will be officially launched at the Taman Tasik Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 6.
The minister described Malaysia as a travel product "for all seasons all year round".
"Whether you come for our million-year-old untouched rainforests, pristine beaches and idyllic islands, culture and heritage, colourful festivals or for our multi-ethnic gastronomic experiences, we have what it takes to satisfy every interest and budget," he said.
Along with international-class hospitality services and shopping places, Malaysia is an ideal one-stop, short-haul holiday destination, he said in extolling the attractions of this multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation of 26 million people.
He said it was important for visitors to the country to know that Malaysians were by nature caring, peace-loving, hospitable and advocated moderation over extremism.
"The comfort and well-being of our guests and visitors have been and will always be of utmost priority in the long-standing Malaysian tradition of hospitality," he said.
Source: BERNAMA
Keyword: Sepang, China Eastern Airlines, Tourism Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Cebu Pacific Airlines, Low Cost Carrier Terminal, LCCT, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa
Monday, January 1, 2007
MAS Flights To Delhi Diverted Due To Thick Fog
January 01, 2007 22:32 PM
By P. Vijian
NEW DELHI, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- The daily Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight from Kuala Lumpur (KL) to the Indian capital has been diverted due to thick fog hanging over the city since Sunday night and most of today.
A MAS flight that departed from Malaysia to New Delhi, Sunday carrying about 200 passengers was diverted to Kolkata after authorities at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi started to divert flights entering the Indian airspace.
Another 200 passengers heading to KL are currently stranded at the Delhi airport as most flight operations were disrupted with runway visibility dropping to about 130 metres.
"This is the first time it has happened to us (MAS). The fog is common during the winter months of December and January and it is difficult for flights to land," MAS Delhi-based regional manager Christopher Yek Hua Yong told Bernama.
He said Sunday's flight from KL was diverted to Mumbai but since there were no space at the airport, the flight was then diverted to Kolkata and was only expected to arrive in Delhi tomorrow morning.
And, the passengers flying to KL, who are stranded in Delhi, can only leave the airport Tuesday if the sky is clear.
Airport authorities had diverted at least 20 domestic and 12 international flights since last night as the stubborn fog refused to disappear even at the break of dawn, Monday.
Another MAS flight which departed from KL to Delhi, Monday is yet to arrive. The national airline has only one flight to Delhi daily.
If the foggy situation continues and visibility drops below zero metres then the airport would be closed for flight operations.
However, there was some respite despite the disturbing fog that shrouded the entire city today as Delhi enjoyed a warmer day with temperature at about eight degrees Celsius.
Source: BERNAMA
External Links:
Malaysia Airlines - http://www.malaysiaairlines.com
By P. Vijian
NEW DELHI, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- The daily Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight from Kuala Lumpur (KL) to the Indian capital has been diverted due to thick fog hanging over the city since Sunday night and most of today.
A MAS flight that departed from Malaysia to New Delhi, Sunday carrying about 200 passengers was diverted to Kolkata after authorities at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi started to divert flights entering the Indian airspace.
Another 200 passengers heading to KL are currently stranded at the Delhi airport as most flight operations were disrupted with runway visibility dropping to about 130 metres.
"This is the first time it has happened to us (MAS). The fog is common during the winter months of December and January and it is difficult for flights to land," MAS Delhi-based regional manager Christopher Yek Hua Yong told Bernama.
He said Sunday's flight from KL was diverted to Mumbai but since there were no space at the airport, the flight was then diverted to Kolkata and was only expected to arrive in Delhi tomorrow morning.
And, the passengers flying to KL, who are stranded in Delhi, can only leave the airport Tuesday if the sky is clear.
Airport authorities had diverted at least 20 domestic and 12 international flights since last night as the stubborn fog refused to disappear even at the break of dawn, Monday.
Another MAS flight which departed from KL to Delhi, Monday is yet to arrive. The national airline has only one flight to Delhi daily.
If the foggy situation continues and visibility drops below zero metres then the airport would be closed for flight operations.
However, there was some respite despite the disturbing fog that shrouded the entire city today as Delhi enjoyed a warmer day with temperature at about eight degrees Celsius.
Source: BERNAMA
External Links:
Malaysia Airlines - http://www.malaysiaairlines.com
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Welcome To Malaysia 2007
December 31, 2006 18:19 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is set to dazzle visitors from all over the world with its culture, art, history, food, nature and, most importantly, its multi-ethnic people as the country opens its door for the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007.
With various events planned throughout the year, VMY 2007 aims to aggressively market and promote the country as a major international tourist destination.
The VMY 2007, with the theme "One Golden Celebration" is the third campaign after two successful efforts in 1990 and 1994.
The campaign is made more significant by the fact that the country is celebrating its 50 years of nationhood.
Malaysia is determined to give tourists a pleasant surprise with 50 major events to commemorate the country's independence on Merdeka Day on Aug 31.
The month of August will be filled with a myriad of parades, cultural performances, street shows and carnivals.
Malaysia invites all visitors to share the joy and excitement of the forthcoming Golden Jubilee celebration which marks a significant milestone in the history of the nation.
Tourists are also invited to join the enthausiatic crowd at the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur on the eve of Merdeka Day for the countdown to the momentous event.
The VMY 2007 will be officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here on Jan 6.
The launch, which promises to be filled with pomp, will showcase the colours of Malaysia, incorporating a concert featuring the country's popular artistes, the unveiling of a 60-metre high ferris wheel, a water-stunt show and an exciting fireworks display.
The Malaysian floral fest will kick off the VMY 2007 programme which is expected to attract 20.1 million tourists to Malaysia.
Some of 1.7 million foreign tourists are expected to come for the flower festival scheduled from Jan 20.
Another highlight of the year will be the "Citrawarna" or "Colours and Flavours of Malaysia" parade, an annual event showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country, Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix in Sepang and rainforest world music festival in Sarawak and the nationwide Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival.
Malaysia expects to rake in a cool RM45 billion during the VMY 2007 from at least 20 million tourists who are expected to spend an everage of RM2,250 during their stay in the country.
Source: BERNAMA
Keywords: Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Tourism, Visit Malaysia Year 2007, VMY 2007, VMY'07, VMY2007
External Links:
Tourism Malaysia - http://www.tourism.gov.my
Virtual Malaysia - http://www.virtualmalaysia.com
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is set to dazzle visitors from all over the world with its culture, art, history, food, nature and, most importantly, its multi-ethnic people as the country opens its door for the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007.
With various events planned throughout the year, VMY 2007 aims to aggressively market and promote the country as a major international tourist destination.
The VMY 2007, with the theme "One Golden Celebration" is the third campaign after two successful efforts in 1990 and 1994.
The campaign is made more significant by the fact that the country is celebrating its 50 years of nationhood.
Malaysia is determined to give tourists a pleasant surprise with 50 major events to commemorate the country's independence on Merdeka Day on Aug 31.
The month of August will be filled with a myriad of parades, cultural performances, street shows and carnivals.
Malaysia invites all visitors to share the joy and excitement of the forthcoming Golden Jubilee celebration which marks a significant milestone in the history of the nation.
Tourists are also invited to join the enthausiatic crowd at the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur on the eve of Merdeka Day for the countdown to the momentous event.
The VMY 2007 will be officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here on Jan 6.
The launch, which promises to be filled with pomp, will showcase the colours of Malaysia, incorporating a concert featuring the country's popular artistes, the unveiling of a 60-metre high ferris wheel, a water-stunt show and an exciting fireworks display.
The Malaysian floral fest will kick off the VMY 2007 programme which is expected to attract 20.1 million tourists to Malaysia.
Some of 1.7 million foreign tourists are expected to come for the flower festival scheduled from Jan 20.
Another highlight of the year will be the "Citrawarna" or "Colours and Flavours of Malaysia" parade, an annual event showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country, Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix in Sepang and rainforest world music festival in Sarawak and the nationwide Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival.
Malaysia expects to rake in a cool RM45 billion during the VMY 2007 from at least 20 million tourists who are expected to spend an everage of RM2,250 during their stay in the country.
Source: BERNAMA
Keywords: Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Tourism, Visit Malaysia Year 2007, VMY 2007, VMY'07, VMY2007
External Links:
Tourism Malaysia - http://www.tourism.gov.my
Virtual Malaysia - http://www.virtualmalaysia.com
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Perak Prepares More Than 60 Events For Visit Malaysia Year 2007
December 30, 2006 11:17 AM
IPOH, Dec 29 (Bernama) -- Perak has prepared more than 60 events for the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 (VMY 2007) to woo some three million tourists into the state next year.
Perak Agriculture, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan said among the events are Ipoh International Run, Perak International Dances Championship, International Orchid Festival, Pulau Sembilan Fishing Safari and Perak Agrofest.
"We will also organise Malaysia Skydive Perak next year after its maiden show this year garnered encouraging response and praise from the participants," he told a press conference here Saturday.
He said Perak's VMY 2007 will be officially launched by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali this Jan 7 at Lumut Square.
"But the VMY 2007 celebrations will start on Jan 1 with Temenggor Assemblyman Datuk Hasbullah Osman welcoming tourists at entry points in Pengkalan Hulu, while Pangkor Assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir at Lumut jetty," he said.
In KUCHING, a giant-size book on tourist attractions in the state, entitled "Pictorial of Sarawak", has been flown to Dubai to be exhibited at the Dubai Shopping Festival.
The book's author, Ang Beng Ling, said the three-metre long and 2.2-metre wide wonder was sent via a MASkargo delivery service and is expected to arrive in Dubai Sunday.
The book contains about 200 tourism-related pictures in Sarawak and will be exhibited at several parts of the country by a Dubai-based non-governmental organisation.
"It will be exhibited for the first time at the Dubai Shopping Festival to promote Malaysia and Sarawak. I do not intend to bring it back home as it will bring more benefits to leave it outside the country," Ang told reporters at the MASkargo office, here Saturday.
Last Sept 18 September, the book was announced by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest book in the country.
In KUALA LUMPUR, Deputy Home Affairs Datuk Tan Chai Ho reminded taxi drivers to maintain the country's good image when dealing with tourists during the VMY 2007.
He said they must be at their best appearance and behaviour while interacting with these visitors.
"Taxi fares must be according to the meters and should not be arbitrarily set by them," he told reporters here after launching a taxi drivers' expedition to Teluk Batik, organised by the Kuala Lumpur Taxi Drivers' Welfare Association Saturday.
The expedition is to promote Teluk Batik to tourists.
Tan suggested taxi drivers to attend tourism courses conducted by Tourism Malaysia to improve their communication skills.
He also praised the association's effort for organising the expedition which would expand the taxi drivers' knowledge of Malaysia's tourist destinations apart from promoting them.
Source: BERNAMA
Keywords: Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Tourism, Visit Malaysia Year 2007, VMY 2007, VMY'07, VMY2007
External Links:
Tourism Malaysia - http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
Virtual Malaysia - http://www.virtualmalaysia.com
IPOH, Dec 29 (Bernama) -- Perak has prepared more than 60 events for the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 (VMY 2007) to woo some three million tourists into the state next year.
Perak Agriculture, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan said among the events are Ipoh International Run, Perak International Dances Championship, International Orchid Festival, Pulau Sembilan Fishing Safari and Perak Agrofest.
"We will also organise Malaysia Skydive Perak next year after its maiden show this year garnered encouraging response and praise from the participants," he told a press conference here Saturday.
He said Perak's VMY 2007 will be officially launched by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali this Jan 7 at Lumut Square.
"But the VMY 2007 celebrations will start on Jan 1 with Temenggor Assemblyman Datuk Hasbullah Osman welcoming tourists at entry points in Pengkalan Hulu, while Pangkor Assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir at Lumut jetty," he said.
In KUCHING, a giant-size book on tourist attractions in the state, entitled "Pictorial of Sarawak", has been flown to Dubai to be exhibited at the Dubai Shopping Festival.
The book's author, Ang Beng Ling, said the three-metre long and 2.2-metre wide wonder was sent via a MASkargo delivery service and is expected to arrive in Dubai Sunday.
The book contains about 200 tourism-related pictures in Sarawak and will be exhibited at several parts of the country by a Dubai-based non-governmental organisation.
"It will be exhibited for the first time at the Dubai Shopping Festival to promote Malaysia and Sarawak. I do not intend to bring it back home as it will bring more benefits to leave it outside the country," Ang told reporters at the MASkargo office, here Saturday.
Last Sept 18 September, the book was announced by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest book in the country.
In KUALA LUMPUR, Deputy Home Affairs Datuk Tan Chai Ho reminded taxi drivers to maintain the country's good image when dealing with tourists during the VMY 2007.
He said they must be at their best appearance and behaviour while interacting with these visitors.
"Taxi fares must be according to the meters and should not be arbitrarily set by them," he told reporters here after launching a taxi drivers' expedition to Teluk Batik, organised by the Kuala Lumpur Taxi Drivers' Welfare Association Saturday.
The expedition is to promote Teluk Batik to tourists.
Tan suggested taxi drivers to attend tourism courses conducted by Tourism Malaysia to improve their communication skills.
He also praised the association's effort for organising the expedition which would expand the taxi drivers' knowledge of Malaysia's tourist destinations apart from promoting them.
Source: BERNAMA
Keywords: Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Tourism, Visit Malaysia Year 2007, VMY 2007, VMY'07, VMY2007
External Links:
Tourism Malaysia - http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
Virtual Malaysia - http://www.virtualmalaysia.com
Mainland China Tourists Boost For VMY Malaysia 2007
December 30, 2006 22:48 PM
By Tham Choy Lin
BEIJING, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- The launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2007 will see many groups of mainland China tourists and journalists making a beeline for Kuala Lumpur and other destinations, in particular, beach resorts.
A check with Tourism Malaysia offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou revealed that thousands of Chinese tourists are expected in the month of January alone.
The first flight from China touching down at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on New Year's Day will be a China Eastern carrier from Shanghai's Pudong Airport. It is scheduled to arrive at 12.30 am on Monday.
Shuhaimi Shaharuddin, Tourism Malaysia director in Guangzhou, said response from local tour operators was good following a series of promotional events and tie-ups with television stations.
"South China is traditionally the strong market for Malaysia. Several thousand tourists are estimated to travel to Malaysia in January via Guangzhou because we have 50 flights a week from here," he said.
Arrivals from Shanghai were very encouraging as well, said Wan Zawawi Mohammed, director of Tourism Malaysia there.
"In the first week of January, there will be 1,200 direct arrivals from Shanghai from one airline alone. Tour operators are also bringing in tourists directly or via other destinations. These will run into a few hundred visitors," he said.
He said tours to Langkawi and other beach resorts were a big attraction and a few groups would also attend the Floral Fest in Putrajaya on Jan 26.
Tourism Malaysia offices in the three Chinese cities have also arranged for more than a dozen television crews from Beijing and the provinces to attend the launch of VMY 2007 on Jan 6 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa and to interesting spots in other parts of the country.
Michael Tay, Tourism Malaysia director in Beijing, has arranged for five TV crews from Beijing TV and the provinces of Shangdong, Tianjian, Hebei and Henan, and magazine writers to visit Malaysia in January.
From the south, five television crews including from Guangdong, Yunnan, Fujian and Hunan, would be coming. Yunnan TV will film five selected girls holidaying in Genting, Langkawi, Penang, Ipoh and Pangkor from Jan 6 to 13.
Tourism Malaysia in Shanghai has also secured five television broadcasters -- China Business News, Shanghai TV, Dragon TV, Nanjing TV and Hangzhou TV -- and print journalists from Chengdu and Chongqing.
China's growing affluence has made it a top market in the global tourism industry. Last year, 31 million mainlanders travelled abroad.
Source: BERNAMA
Keywords: Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Tourism, Visit Malaysia Year 2007, VMY 2007, VMY'07, VMY2007
External Links:
Tourism Malaysia - http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
By Tham Choy Lin
BEIJING, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- The launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2007 will see many groups of mainland China tourists and journalists making a beeline for Kuala Lumpur and other destinations, in particular, beach resorts.
A check with Tourism Malaysia offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou revealed that thousands of Chinese tourists are expected in the month of January alone.
The first flight from China touching down at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on New Year's Day will be a China Eastern carrier from Shanghai's Pudong Airport. It is scheduled to arrive at 12.30 am on Monday.
Shuhaimi Shaharuddin, Tourism Malaysia director in Guangzhou, said response from local tour operators was good following a series of promotional events and tie-ups with television stations.
"South China is traditionally the strong market for Malaysia. Several thousand tourists are estimated to travel to Malaysia in January via Guangzhou because we have 50 flights a week from here," he said.
Arrivals from Shanghai were very encouraging as well, said Wan Zawawi Mohammed, director of Tourism Malaysia there.
"In the first week of January, there will be 1,200 direct arrivals from Shanghai from one airline alone. Tour operators are also bringing in tourists directly or via other destinations. These will run into a few hundred visitors," he said.
He said tours to Langkawi and other beach resorts were a big attraction and a few groups would also attend the Floral Fest in Putrajaya on Jan 26.
Tourism Malaysia offices in the three Chinese cities have also arranged for more than a dozen television crews from Beijing and the provinces to attend the launch of VMY 2007 on Jan 6 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa and to interesting spots in other parts of the country.
Michael Tay, Tourism Malaysia director in Beijing, has arranged for five TV crews from Beijing TV and the provinces of Shangdong, Tianjian, Hebei and Henan, and magazine writers to visit Malaysia in January.
From the south, five television crews including from Guangdong, Yunnan, Fujian and Hunan, would be coming. Yunnan TV will film five selected girls holidaying in Genting, Langkawi, Penang, Ipoh and Pangkor from Jan 6 to 13.
Tourism Malaysia in Shanghai has also secured five television broadcasters -- China Business News, Shanghai TV, Dragon TV, Nanjing TV and Hangzhou TV -- and print journalists from Chengdu and Chongqing.
China's growing affluence has made it a top market in the global tourism industry. Last year, 31 million mainlanders travelled abroad.
Source: BERNAMA
Keywords: Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Tourism, Visit Malaysia Year 2007, VMY 2007, VMY'07, VMY2007
External Links:
Tourism Malaysia - http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
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