46 REGION ASIA Brought
46 REGION ASIA Brought to you by Truly Asia Malaysia Works on Boosting European Arrivals Langkawi’s SkyBridge enables visitors to obtain a view never before possible over the virgin rainforest. While Malaysia looks to boost its image and tourism strategy, the country has announced ambitious targets to more than double the total number of European travellers in years to come. Despite the termination of many non-stop flights between Europe and Malaysia, the preparation for Malaysia Visit Year 2020 looks like greatly stimulating European market. The Malaysian government has begun pouring money back into its tourism promotion and infrastructure, one of the most dynamic economic sectors for the country. The campaign will be targeting total international arrivals of 36 million travellers by the end of 2020, of which 2.5 million could come from Europe. This is to be compared with some 26.5 million arrivals last year including 0.99 million European visitors. Recently, some important events have been kindling growing optimism for Malaysian tourism authorities. “We are very pleased by the recent launch of four weekly non-stop services from Doha to Penang by Qatar Airways which allows quick connections to some 50 cities across Europe. And we feel thrilled by the announcement of Condor launching three weekly services from Frankfurt to Kuala Lumpur from this coming November”, indicated Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia has signed marketing partnerships with Emirates and Condor to promote the destination in Europe. The tourism agency and the Ministry of Tourism signed collaborative partnerships and alliances with European trade partners as a key driver to spur growth of visitors to Malaysia in the run up to the Visit Malaysia Year campaign 2020. MALAYSIA HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN CONFIRMED AS THE OFFICIAL ITB BERLIN 2019 PARTNER COUNTRY - A MAJOR BOOST FOR THE DESTINATION Among them is a recently signed partnership with ECTAA (Confederation of European Travel Agents and Tour Operators Association) for Malaysia as its Preferred Destination Partner 2018 as well as with the Confederation of Spanish Travel Agents and the Association of Portuguese Travel Agencies. In September, Langkawi will also welcome PATA Travel Mart, attracting 2,000 global trade professionals. And, last but not least, Malaysia has officially been confirmed as the Official ITB Berlin 2019 Partner Country - a major boost for the destination as it will be the opportunity to highlight the coming Visit Malaysia Year 2020. They integrate in the campaign UNWTO “Travel-Enjoy-Respect”. While both the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia are now working to launch a renewed image of the destination, the country will be positioned for the time being as a family-friendly destination as well as a paradise for nature lovers. “We have for now a clear message to position the country as a safe family-friendly, familyfun destination. We also want to emphasize that Malaysia is a great nature paradise, especially with its pristine rainforests and its beautiful coastline. We need also to stress back the sense of welcome and dedication of our people towards foreign travellers. This is actually part of our culture”, added the Tourism Malaysia Director General. Other niche themes will look at promoting themes such as medical tourism, culture, education or gastronomy. A number of breath-taking attractions are being promoted at ITB this year, none the least of which is the “world’s most spectacular pedestrian bridge” – also the longest free span and curved bridge in the world – the SkyBridge in Langkawi, or the Habitat on the isle of Penang – a structure rising above the forest from which one can obtain an incredible 360° view over the island TOP EUROPEAN MARKETS TO MALAYSIA JANUARY-OCTOBER 2017 Total Europe 847,121 United Kingdom 306,331 France 115,132 Germany 94,644 Netherlands 66,641 Russia 54,521 Italy 38,768 Sweden 28,387 Switzerland 18,062 (Source: Tourism Malaysia) Malaysia targets 2.5 million European arrivals during its Malaysia Visit Year 2020, more than doubling 2017 numbers. ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 8 th March 2018 www.itb-berlin-news.com
Brought to you by ASIA REGION 47 ADVERTORIAL Penang: There’s So Much to Do! Adventure, Culture, Nature and History… In Penang, variety is the spice of life… When most people think of the Malaysian state and island of Penang, nature and culture instantly come to mind. But this destination, resolutely turned to the future, will surprise more than one sightseer with an extraordinary array of activities for a very broad range of visitors. HEART-STOPPING ADVENTURE AT “THE TOP” Where else in Asia (or the world) can you step out of the window of the 65th floor of a skyscraper? The Gravityz is the world’s highest ropes course challenge – a new attraction at “the Top” – the KOMTAR building in George Town, a legendary building which has recently been completely renovated, with the addition of three new floors and a number of spectacular attractions. The Gravityz Ropes Course Challenge is adrenaline-filled journey that the visitor will never forget, including the “Confidence Path”, the “Great Bridge” and the “Z Wire”. GEORGE TOWN AND ITS HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE George Town, the capital of Penang, is a large, bustling city, and while it has a futuristic veneer, it’s heart still beats to the rhythm of its rich historic past. Penang was the first British outpost in South-East Asia, founded in 1786, and the city centre is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site measuring 2.5 sq km. The city features Malaysia’s best restored and readapted traditional architecture as well as a multitude of heritage trades and arts, and is a living testimony to the multicultural heritage and traditions of Asia. The city is a kind of “fusion” of a number of cultural elements that create a unique architecture, culture and townscape unparalleled anywhere else in the region. The true value of George Town’s historic aura is simply too unique to define. There is no other site quite like this in the world. ASIA’S STREET ART CAPITAL Soon after George Town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the state government began capitalising on global interest, branding itself through the arts. To this end, street art has become a huge draw card since the onset of Instagram and other social media, through which visitors “put themselves in the picture”. The growing popularity of these works arguably makes George Town the Asian capital of street art. NEW @ THE HABITAT From city to tropical rainforest is just a short drive. The Habitat is a world-class eco-tourism facility located on the fringes of a 130-million-year-old virgin rainforest on Penang Hill. This rainforest is untouched and exists side by side with urban Penang and its environs. Since the beginning of 2018, visitors have been able to get a “different” glimpse of the rainforest with a 230-metre canopy bridge entitled “Langur Way”, comprising two new suspension bridges 40 meters above the rainforest floor. SETTING THE TASTE BUDS DANCING Penang is renowned for its street food, where one can uncover local treats or classic menu favourites served at any time of the day, including, for the more daring, the local Durian fruit. Meanwhile, those wishing to learn more about the delicious tropical spices that are the basis of delectable local cuisine are able to visit the Tropical Spice Garden, in a beautiful beachside forest location. Cooking lessons are also available allowing a veritable “hands on” experience in a paradise-like setting For more information, please visit www.mypenang.gov.my Hall 26a / Stand 117 The Gravityz Ropes Course Challenge Pinang Peranakan Mansion Langur Way Canopy Walk ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 8 th March 2018
