PRLog (Press Release)Mar 19, 2011 – According to our report “Malaysian Tourism Industry Forecast to 2012”, tourism has emerged as the second largest revenue earner in the country after manufacturing industry, despite the global economic slowdown and recession. It is the backbone of a large number of businesses and creates employment opportunities for thousands of Malaysians. Moreover, with peaceful environment, stable economic conditions, and supportive government policies, international tourist arrivals in Malaysia will reach nearly 32 Million, growing at a CAGR of nearly 8% during the forecasted period (2011-2013).


Our ongoing analysis found that, the Malaysian government is continuously making efforts to establish its tourist industry at the global front and has somehow succeeded after getting top position among the top 10 tourist destinations in the world. Besides, the government included tourism industry in the five year plan and regards it as a major part of the economy. The country’s tourism promotion board is also coming up with new promotional packages to attract tourist from various destinations. Besides, authorities are pouring huge amount of investments to develop tourist industry, thus creating employment to thousand numbers of people in the country.


The report provides a deep insight into the Malaysian tourism industry and studies its past, present, and future scenario. It offers a detail study of the forces driving the industry and discusses key market trends that are making Malaysia a potential tourism destination. Our report also contains extensive information (analysis and statistical data) of various industrial parameters that will help clients analyse opportunities critical for their success in the Malaysian tourism industry.


“Malaysian Tourism Industry Forecast to 2012” provides an in-depth analysis of the present status and future prospects of the Malaysian tourism industry. It thoroughly studies various parameters of the industry, such as inbound & outbound tourism, expenditure by inbound & outbound tourists, type of tourism, accommodation facilities, medical tourism, and MICE industry. The report also provides strategic insight to clients to evaluate opportunities critical for their success in the Malaysian tourism industry. Due consideration has been given to the competitive landscape to enable clients understand the present market structure and future growth prospects.


Asia’s Masses Take To The Skies

HONG KONG: A decade ago, even some of Asia's wealthier people could face a long bumpy ride on a bus to visit family or take a break on the beach - flying was simply too expensive. Not any more. The proliferation of low-cost airlines across the region, particularly in Southeast Asia, has opened up air travel to the masses.

Malaysia-based AirAsia, which launched in 2001, was one of the first airlines to rip open Asia's skies to the general public.

Aerotrains At Kuala Lumpur International Airport

KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 (Bernama) -- The Aerotrains connecting the main terminal and satellite buildings at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will be fully operational on March 23.

The construction of the new spurline connecting the Operation Maintenance and Services Facility (OMSF), the crossover switch between the existing tracks and the delivery of the new three-car Aerotrains, will be completed as scheduled on March 15.

Disaster Puts Lid On New Travel To Japan

WHILE agents at the MATTA and Mayflower travel fairs in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend (TTG Asia e-Daily, March 2) reported zero new bookings for outbound travel to Japan following the earthquake and tsunami there, they still remain upbeat about the destination.

Bangkok Airways Mulls Flying To Malaysia In 2012

BERLIN, March 13 (Bernama) -- Thailand's private airline, Bangkok Airways, which touts itself as a "boutique airline", is considering introducing flights to Malaysia next year. Peter Wiesener, Bangkok Airways senior vice-president, who is in Berlin to participate in the International Tourism Bourse (ITB), said the airline was planning to use its own aircraft for flights to Malaysia from 2012.
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Malaysia Need Tourist Guides Proficient In Foreign Languages

KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 (Bernama) -- The Tourism Ministry is discussing the prospect of bringing in foreign tourist guides who are proficient in foreign languages, to cater for an increasing demand.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said discussions were being held with the Immigration Department since the country needed tourist guides who can speak Russian, Korean, French and German languages since tourists from these countries has been very encouraging.

The Slogan Of “Malaysia, Truly Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir said the slogan Malaysia, Truly Asia was created by him for the Colours of Malaysia annual celebration.
 
Kadir, who helmed the Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry from 1999 to 2004, said the slogan internationally promotes the multi-cultural and multi-racial aspects of the nation.

Showcasing Malaysian Attractions In Berlin

BERLIN, March 14 (Bernama) -- A number of Malaysian states are participating in the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin, along with other representatives of travel, tour agencies and hotels.

Saari Md Nooh, Director of Johore Tourism Department, said the company at participated in trade fairs in Hong Kong and elsewhere but this was its maiden participation in Berlin. "We have received queries from travel agents from Germany as well as from individual German tourists and senior citizens interested in visiting Johor. However, this show has a strong international flavour reflected in the fact that we have visits from travel agents in Poland, France and Italy. We are marketing our islands. Europeans prefer the sun, beaches and rain forest, all of which are available in Johor," Saari told Bernama.

Travel Package Scam Exposed

KUANTAN: Beware the cheap travel packages offered by unknown companies. They may end up costing more than any other travel package, with con artists at work.

The latest trick involves offering life membership for travel packages. Victims are later threatened with lawsuits unless they take higher premium packages.

AirAsia Offers Cheap Fares To 32 Spots

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (Bernama) -- AirAsia Bhd is offering promotional fares to 32 destinations in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

In its 'Magnificent Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand' promotion, the airline said the fare would start from RM25.

"Booking period is from today until Sunday for the travel period between Nov 11, 2011 and Feb 29, 2012. The fares are available only via Internet booking on www.airasia.com," it said in a statement on Tuesday.

Klawang Homestay Is The 8th Homestay

SEREMBAN, March 14 (Bernama) -- Klawang Homestay in Kampung Ulu Jelebu became the latest edition of Homestay facilities available in Negeri Sembilan.

State Tourism Malaysia director Hishamuddin Mustafa said it was the eighth Homestay facility in the state.

"The Klawang Homestay, located in Jelebu district has 29 participants or operators who provide comfortable rooms to stay, according to the prices offered," he told Bernama here today.more..

Malaysia: A Promising Destination For Indians

BERLIN, March 15 (Bernama)-- India's leading tour operator, the Travel Corporation of India (TCI), views Malaysia as a very promising destination. It also found that the number of Indians visiting Malaysia under its programme for Southeast Asia is rising.

Vishal Suri, TCI's Gurgaon-based chief operating officer told Bernama in an interview at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) here, that India's proximity to Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, made such visits very popular amongst outbound Indian tourists.

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Visa-Free For Taiwanese To Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (CNA) Malaysia will grant visa-free privileges to Taiwanese passport holders by the end of the month at the earliest, Chinese-language newspapers in Malaysia quoted Malaysian Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen as saying Tuesday.

According the reports, Malaysia's Foreign Ministry has informed Taiwan's authorities of the decision.

Malaysian Tourism Fair In Kuala Lumpur

THE third Malaysian Tourism Fair (MTF) will be held this year at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) Kuala Lumpur from May 20 to 22. Organised by the National Tourism Council of Malaysia (NTCM) and supported by Tourism Malaysia, this is the third time the annual fair is being held.
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Malaysian Operators Unaffected By Japan Crisis

WITH this period being low season for leisure travel to Malaysia, inbound operators have not seen many cancellations or postponements from Japan following the recent earthquake and tsunami there. 

 Sabah-based Tabin Wildlife Holidays’ marketing manager, Alixon Hoo, said she has only had one cancellation so far – from a Japanese couple from Tokyo – for which the company would provide a full refund. 

IATA: Premium Air Travel To Go Down

ZURICH: The Japanese disaster will reduce premium air travel in March as it makes up 6% to 7% of the global market, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said yesterday. “It is too soon to judge how the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in March will affect air travel, but the market is large enough to have a materially adverse impact on the international total for that month,” IATA said in a statement.
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Japan Air Passengers To Malaysia Radiation Free

PASSENGERS on flights from Japan to Malaysia being scanned for radiation contamination have so far tested negative, said a source from the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) yesterday.

This means the radiation levels that the passengers had been exposed to in Japan were within the safety limits set by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Malaysian Outbound MICE Hit By Japan Crisis

OUTBOUND Malaysian MICE players report that groups scheduled for Japan are switching destinations, as many fear the risk of radiation contamination due to the nuclear crisis there.

So far, Sri Sutra Travel has had a 44-pax incentive group scheduled for six-days/five-nights in Tokyo and Osaka in April change their destination to Dubai. An ICT-based company that booked an incentive trip for 60 pax to Tokyo in July has also put travel on hold as they ponder whether to proceed.

Many Tours To Japan Cancelled & Diverted

GEORGE TOWN: Tour operators here are being inundated with calls from holiday-makers over their trips to Japan. Happy Holidays Sdn Bhd director Marie Lim said all tours to Japan booked through the company had been postponed or cancelled.

She said they feared radiation exposure from the damaged nuclear plants, adding that about seven groups were slotted to go to Japan with each comprising between 20 and 30 people.

Travellers To Japan Get A Refund

KUALA LUMPUR:  Tourism industry players including several airlines in Malaysia have agreed to allow those who are scheduled to travel to Japan between March 11 and April 15 to get a refund for their tickets or to postpone their trips in view of the current situation in Japan.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said this unprecedented decision was achieved after a meeting yesterday between top officials of the ministry with Malaysia Travel and Tour Association (MATTA), Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines and Japan Airlines.

No Change To Tourist Target

KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism Ministry will not adjust its tourist arrival target despite a bleak outlook for the tourism sector in the wake of the twin disasters in Japan and the political upheavals in the Middle East.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said she was optimistic of achieving the target of 25 million tourists to Malaysia this year, one million more than the 24 million visitors recorded last year.

British Visa To Be Via Manila Only

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian students applying for British visas could soon face more anxiety.

The British High Commission is to cease processing visa applications under Tier IV (students) and those applying under other tiers. From November, the decision to grant or reject British visas for Malaysians will be made by the British visa centre in Manila.

Cheaper Overseas Flights Hurt Domestic Tourism

KUALA LUMPUR: Cheaper popular overseas destinations are taking the shine away from domestic tourism, especially with more very low-cost travel packages.

State, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, said while this was good, it gives people a chance to travel to popular places at a very low cost, it also posed a challenge in the effort to attract more domestic tourists to Sabah. "For example, even going to London nowadays only costs about RM199 and even RM99, I mean how to beat, because going to Tawau costs over RM300," he said.

Sarawak Tourism Federation Not Keen On Metal Railing Proposal

KUCHING, March 18 (Bernama) -- The proposed erection of metal railings at popular tourism haunts and crime hotspots in Sarawak to minimise crime could serve as a double-edged sword. While the proposal was was noble, Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) president Audrey Wan Ullok said other alternatives should be explored before its implementation. The STF represents key tourism players in the private sectors.
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MASwings To Revive KK-Mulu Sector

KUCHING: MASwings will revive the Kota Kinabalu-Mulu sector by introducing a direct non-stop Kota Kinabalu-Mulu-Kota Kinabalu service, effective March 27.

“With the increase of tourist arrival into Kota Kinabalu, after its introduction as Malaysia Airline’s Eastern Hub and the commencement of direct services from KK-Haneda and KK- Kaohsiung on 15 November 2010 as well as KK-Perth on 15 Jan 2011, we believe the route will be able to meet the demand of many tourist arrivals into Kota Kinabalu continuing their journey to Mulu” said head of commercials Azlan Awang Tanjong.

Malaysia’s Inbound Agents Reel From Japanese Cancellations

KUCHING: MASwings will revive the Kota Kinabalu-Mulu sector by introducing a direct non-stop Kota Kinabalu-Mulu-Kota Kinabalu service, effective March 27.

“With the increase of tourist arrival into Kota Kinabalu, after its introduction as Malaysia Airline’s Eastern Hub and the commencement of direct services from KK-Haneda and KK- Kaohsiung on 15 November 2010 as well as KK-Perth on 15 Jan 2011, we believe the route will be able to meet the demand of many tourist arrivals into Kota Kinabalu continuing their journey to Mulu” said head of commercials Azlan Awang Tanjong.

Firefly Promoting Holiday Flights

PETALING JAYA: Firefly will have additional flights from Johor Baru’s Senai airport to Langkawi and Penang between May 27 and June 12 in view of the school holidays.

“To promote the flights during the said period, Firefly will be offering a special fare from as low as RM39 all-in, one way, from now to March 23,” head of marketing and communications Angelina Fernandez said in a statement.

She also said there would be flights from Johor Baru to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu on May 19 and June 16 respectively.

Tourism Players Should Help Japan - MATTA

KOTA KINABALU: Travel agents in Sabah will continue to receive cancellations or deferment of traveling plans from Japan until the crisis affecting the country is over.

It will take time for the Japanese nation to recover and at the moment, the mood of its citizens to travel is subdued, said Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) Sabah Chapter chairman KL Tan.

However, tourism players in the state should not be overly concerned about the Japanese tourists canceling or rescheduling their visit to Sabah.
Instead, they should pool their resources together to help the disaster-struck country, Tan said when asked if the number of Japanese visiting Sabah had been affected by the earthquake-tsunami disaster which hit the country last week.

AirAsia Violates Open Sky Policy

The State-owned Enterprises Ministry has urged the Transportation Ministry to take action against AirAsia for its alleged violation of the Open Sky policy.

Deputy SOE Minister for Infrastructure and Logistics Widayatin said that under the policy, the Malaysian budget airline could only fly to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Juanda airport in Surabaya, Sultan Hasanuddin airport in Makassar, and Polonia airport in Medan beginning in 2015, kompas.com reported Monday.

Malaysia Recorded 17% Rise In Hotel Prices

Johan Svanstrom, Vice President and Managing Director for Hotels.com in Asia Pacific, told ADOI, “Even though prices in Asia Pacific fell last year as compared to 2009, the price level in the region is 15% higher than in 2004 when the Hotel Price Index was first launched. We are seeing a varying price landscape in Asia Pacific with some markets recording price declines, but hubs like Malaysia and Singapore are recording healthy growth in room rates thanks to strong bounceback in corporate travel and renewed tourism interest from the rest of the world.
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Thailand & South Korea Eye Malaysian Muslim Market

MALAYSIA'S Muslim population has caught the attention of at least two NTOs, Thailand and South Korea, who are putting out specific initiatives this year to lure more travellers from this segment.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) director, Malaysia and Brunei, Wiboon Nimitrwanich, said this was the first time TAT was specifically targeting the Muslim population in Malaysia.

AirAsia Offers Hong Kong Specials

AirAsia, an international low cost airline based out of Malaysia, is presenting new fare offers for flights out of Hong Kong, as part of their Project Fly Stage 2 promotion. The discounted fare applies to all our international routes from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Sabah, Bangkok, Phuket and Medan starting from $36.

Booking period is from March 21 to 27, 2011, for the travel period between November 11, 2011, and February 29, 2012.

Passengers From Japan Screened For Radiation Level

KUDAT, March 19 (Bernama) -- All aircraft passengers coming directly from Japan will have to undergo checks to determine radioactive levels at the main entry points in the country, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.

He said the inspection on passengers travelling on MAS, AirAsia and Japan Airlines had started since March 16 at the KL International Airport and March 18 at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) which involved the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT).

Refunds For Missed Flights To Japan

KUALA LUMPUR: Airline companies have agreed to refund passengers for the flights to Japan that they had missed following the strong earthquake and tsunami there last week, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Tour package operators have decided to charge an administrative fee of a maximum RM200 per passenger and return the balance, she added.

Where Are The Expedias Among Traditional ASEAN Agents?

OPPORTUNITIES abound for traditional travel agents in ASEAN to be the online leader in their respective markets, but they need to change their approach, several panelists at yesterday's ASEAN eTravel Mart in Bangkok said. 

With travel e-commerce poised to increase in ASEAN as infrastructure that supports online transactions – from broadband to payment regulations – improves, the space will remain fragmented and not at all saturated, with lots of opportunities for everyone.