Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia)

The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) or Tourism Malaysia in short, is a statutory body established under the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992. The functions of the Board (Tourism Malaysia) are as follows:

Stimulate and promote tourism to and within Malaysia Invigorate, develop and market Malaysia internationally and domestically as a tourist focal point Coordinate all marketing or promotional activities relating to tourism conducted by any organisation, government, or non-governmental agency Recommend to the minister relevant measures and programmes that stimulate the development and promotion of the Malaysian tourism industry and to implement them upon approval

In line with the role of Tourism Malaysia as a promotional organisation, the following objectives are upheld:

Increase foreign tourist arrivals Extend the average length of stay of the visitors to increase tourism revenue Stimulate the growth of domestic tourism Increase the benefits/share obtained from the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) market

Vision To make the tourism industry a primary source of national revenue and a prime contributor to the socio-economic development of the nation Mission To market Malaysia as a premier destination of excellence in this region Quality Policy Tourism Malaysia is committed to the professional and effective dissemination of national tourism information, the fulfillment of customer requirements and supporting or assisting customers in making their visits to Malaysia a success

Quality Objective

To produce an outgoing and knowledgeable workforce To disseminate tourism information accurately and efficiently with customer-friendly service

Education/Youth Tourism Malaysia has developed various attractive and educational youthoriented tourism products to encourage young people including foreign students in Malaysia to travel within the country. Blessed with a wide range of natural assets and cultural wonders, Malaysia is an ideal place for students to explore and add to their experience of the country. Among the tourism products that cater to the interests of the young travellers include:

Summer courses organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia The two-week courses for foreign students explore such topics as Malaysias tradition and iconinc structures; Asian civilizations; living in a multicultural society; jungle trekking and tours to Johor and Melaka heritage sites.

Homestay programmes Homestay programmes are ideal for foreign students to learn about Malaysias culture and way of life. Each homestay village has unique activities such as jungle trekking, fishing, rubber tapping, fruit picking, handicraftmaking, Malay traditional self defense class, etc. Visit www.go2homestay.com Eco-tourism, soft Vadventure tourism and sports tourism There are facilities and packages for students to try scuba diving, snorkeling, caving, rock climbing, hiking, river rafting, mountain climbing, cycling, kayaking, camping, birdwatching, archaeological tours, eco and nature tours, etc. Volunteer Tourism and Working Holiday Programmes Combining a holiday with voluntary work is a fast growing niche market in the tourism industry worldwide. Known as volunteer tourism or voluntourism, it allows tourists to participate in goodwill activities. Among the programmes are the Heart2Heart with Orangutan at the Matang Wildlife Centre and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre in Sarawak; Juara Turtle Project at TAT

Turtle Sanctuary in Tioman Island, Pahang; Volunteer with Indigenous Communities on Conservation Projects in Borneo; etc. Event-based Activities Students can take advantage of their time in Malaysia to catch exciting events such as the PETRONAS F1 Grand Prix; Motorcycle Grand Prix, Colours of Malaysia; concerts; theatre performances; music festivals, etc.

Malaysia believes that education/youth tourism is a powerful tool for the promotion of goodwill and peace among nations and communities, regional integration and cross cultural exchange. In addition, education/youth tourism can be used to empower youth and rekindle interest in cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The emphasis of Tourism Malaysias campaign is based on the multicultural population of our country which is the melting pot of Asia. The Malaysia, Truly Asia brand will continue to be used while sub-brands will be developed for key overseas markets to reinforce the image of the country. Tourism Malaysia has a wide network of tourism overseas offices such as Malaysian embassies and consulates worldwide which provide information pertaining all the tourism products that Tourism Malaysia offers.

A bubbling, active melting pot of races and religions where malays, Indians, Chinese and many others cultural groups live together in peace and accord. Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical glory, it has also made Malaysia residence to hundreds of colorful festivals. Its no speculate that we love celebrating and socializing. Geographically, Malaysia is as assorted as its traditions. One of Malaysia's key attractions is its tremendous contrasts. Soaring skyscrapers appear down upon timber houses built on stilts, and five-star hotels sit several meters away from antique reefs. For the wonderful holiday full of surprises, diverse cultures and normal wonders, the time is now, the position is Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur has a energetic nightlife scene and a attractive art and concert culture, which blends fashionable and conventional styles from many backgrounds. There is the widest range of fair actions accessible with state-of -the-art services to impress any honorable aficionado. The structural design is rather odd and is definitely unique, from 100 year old mansions to overwhelming sky scrapers, and all within meters of each other. Malaysia is enriched with many beautiful islands. you can without difficulty enjoy an assortment of water sports and those who are not so athletic can certainly try fishing on the islands of Malaysia. You can smooth spot many tourists taking sunbath enjoying swimming. This radical structural conversion of Malaysia's economy which has been fairly impressive in these 40 years has been the consequence of practicality and a number of crucial steps taken by the Malaysian administration. Malaysia today is measured one of the world's foremost exporters of semiconductor devices, computer hard disk drives, audio and video products, and room airconditioners. A wonderful safe place comprising of island life, adventures, city enthusiasm and oriental culture & heritage, Malaysia has been attracting tourists from all alcove and curve of the world as an ideal travel destination for in excess of a decade now. With lively, enjoyable dance forms, with a fabulous culture that represent fruitfulness, observation and distinction, with complicated established festivals like the bamboo dance and the warrior dance, and with a strong sense of group of people, Malaysia is in fact a land of numerous cultures, wonders and attractions in the heart of Asia. Malaysia as a purpose of superiority, the travel/tourism development department of Malaysia has been able to increase the number of overseas tourists and also extend their average length of stay, thereby increasing Malaysia's tourism proceeds considerably over the years. Malaysia is one of the growing of South-East Asian tourism, a nation looking to the future while cherishing the ways of the past. Malaysia was first mentioned in Chinese and Sanskrit records of the seventh and eighth centuries. In following centuries the area was under the authority and loose control of various Thai and Indonesian empires, including the great Sumatra-based civilization of Sri Vijaya. About Author Priya Singh wrote this article on behalf of Malaysia Tours. For more information on Trip to India , discount airline tickets and travel tips for visiting Tour and hotel deals online you can visit joy-travels.com

Travel and Tourism in Malaysia

May 2012
Price: US$1,900

About this Report Table of Contents Segmentation Statistics Included Methodology

About this Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Slow economic recovery affects travel and tourism Malaysias post-recession economic recovery was hit by the stock market crisis in Europe and the US in 2011. This caused many companies to use cost-cutting strategies, such as reducing the number of employees in the second half of 2011. Job instability forced some consumers to reduce unnecessary spending, such as travel. Hence, the growth in departures slowed in 2011. However, the increasing promotion of the countrys hugely diverse tourism offer, such as diving and ecotourism, by Tourism Malaysia, saw arrivals record stronger growth in 2011. Volatile oil prices hit tourism players Political unrest in the Middle East and Africa region, especially Libya, has caused major fluctuations in crude oil prices in the world. Various transportation players, such as airlines and car rental firms, were severely affected by rising crude oil prices. For example, the leading player in low cost carriers, AirAsia Sdn Bhd, reintroduced a fuel surcharge in May 2011, to cope with rising operating costs caused by higher fuel prices. Similarly, land transportation players, such as bus/coach and chauffeur-driven car operators, were forced to raise their prices. Higher demand for low cost travel and tourism The global slowdown in economic recovery forced many travellers to choose low cost carriers like Airasia and cheaper accommodation in 2011. The tourists that switched to low cost travel airlines and accommodation during the recession in 2008 and 2009 are likely to stick to such options as they have become accustomed to them. People on tight budgets choose to travel with low cost airlines like Airasia and stay in budget accommodation like Tune Hotels. Price-cut strategies enable operators to gain shares Price-cut strategies enabled tourism operators to gain sales shares in 2011. As the stock market crisis slowed economic recovery, price cuts and promotions helped to sustain growth

in travel and tourism in Malaysia. In addition, the countrys tourism offer was heavily promoted at travel fairs, such as the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents Travel Fair and Malaysian Domestic Tourism Fair. Online bookings continue to grow in travel and tourism Growing internet penetration in Malaysia caused many travellers to make online bookings in 2011. Air, travel accommodation and car rental remained popular products in terms of online bookings. Operators in these travel and tourism fields provide full information and booking services online. AirAsia and Expedia Inc created a partnership to tap into the potential of online travel bookings, while maximising cost efficiencies. Moreover, some operators offer promotions and discount packages only to customers booking online.

Travelling to Malaysia
By Air:
Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier, currently flies to 95 destinations worldwide. Many other international airlines offer flights to Malaysia, most of which land at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) approximately 35 miles (55km) South of Kuala Lumpur. Air traffic to and from Malaysia is estimated to grow between almost seven per cent a year over the next decade. The new KL International Airport at Sepang has one of the most sophisticated passenger facilities in the region. Some of the international airlines that fly to Malaysia are Aeroflot, Air France, Air India, Air Lanka, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Vietnam, Alia/Royal Jordanian Airlines, Balkan-Bulgarian Airlines, Bangladesh Biman, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Eva Air, Garuda Indonesia, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Kampuchea Airlines, Koran Airlines, Lufthansa, Pakistan Airlines, Phillipine Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Dutch Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sempati Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai International, and Uzbekistan Airlines.

By Rail:
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM), or Malayan Railways, connects to both Singapore and Bangkok. The trip from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur takes 7 to 10 hours; from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur is about two days.

By Bus or Car:
Buses from the Ban San terminus in Singapore travel to many different points on peninsular Malaysia; buses from Bangkok or Haadyai in Thailand travel to both the West and East coasts of Malaysia as well as to Kuala Lumpur. Entering Malaysia by rental car is not difficult from either Thailand or Singapore, and the North-South highway makes travel along the west coast quite convenient (10-12 hours from Singapore to the Thai border).

Getting Around Within Malaysia

By Air:
There are a growing number of domestic airlines serving popular tourist destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu, Pulau Tioman, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Pangkor, Taman Negara, Kuantan, Ipoh, Penag, Malacca and Pulau Langkawi. These Airlines include Pelangu Air, Berjaya Air and Mofaz Air.

By Rail:
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) or Malayan Railways has an impressive rail network that stretches from north to south and east to west in Peninsular Malaysia. KTM offers a number of special deals for tourists. The KTM Railpass offers all the benefits of first-class travel at economy rates. Railpass holders are allowed unlimited travel on any passenger train in Malaysia and Singapore for the duration of the railpass. The price for adults is US$55 for 10 days and US$120 for 30 days. For children between 4 and 12 years old, the Railpass is US$28 (10 days) and US$60 (30 days). For only US$32, youths (not Malaysians or Singaporeans) below the age of 30 holding the ISIC, YIEE Card, or Youth Hostel Card receive unlimited travel on KTM for 7 days. The Eurotrain Explorer Pass-Malaysia is valid for second or economy class travel on all KTM services in Peninsular Malaysia (including Singapore). A luxury train service, the Eastern and Oriental Express, which is modeled after the renowned Orient Express, is also available. The 41-hour round-trip journey from Singapore to Bangkok and back again passes through Kuala Lumpur as well as some of Malaysia's most beautiful regions.

By Bus:
Buses are the most popular form of transport in Malaysia. Air-conditioned express buses and non-air-conditioned regional buses are available from Kuala Lumpur to many other towns in Peninsular Malaysia. Buses plying within towns and cities charge fares according to the distance covered. The exceptions are the mini buses in Kuala Lumpur. They charge a standard fare of 60 sen to any destination within their routes.

By Car:
Limousine service is available from the airport to hotels in the city. To hire one, please enquire at the taxi counter. Interstate taxis are an inexpensive and rapid means of travel from one state to another. The taxi stand in Kuala Lumpur is located on the level 2 of the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal. Fares for interstate taxis are fixed. Meters are generally not used by these taxis, so you should be sure to negotiate a fare before the journey. City taxis are metered. In Kuala Rumpus taxis are easily recognizable by their yellow and black colour or the new red and white colour. Taxi fares are calculated according to meters. The flagged down fare is RM 1.50 for the first two kilometers and 10 sen for every 200m there after. There is no extra cost for air-conditioned taxis. A 50% surcharge on the fare from midnight to 6 am is normal.

Guided Tours:
Sightseeing tours can be arranged through the Tourist Information Centers or your hotel. All tours are accompanied by licensed tour guides; tour operators are required to be licensed under the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism.

Self-drive Tours:
Roads in Malaysia are among the finest in the region. Auto touring is an excellent way to see the country via highways that pass through spectacular scenery and roads that pass through quaint villages. An international driving permit or a valid drivers license issued by your government are required to drive in Malaysia. Rates for a car vary from RM60 to RM260 per day. Car rental can be arranged through your hotel or directly with a car rental company. All international rules apply to tourists driving in the country. Minor road offences not involving accidents are compoundable and can be settled at the nearest police station. Drivers on a self-drive holidays should keep in mind that traffic circulation is on the left. At roundabouts give way to the driver on your right. Drivers and front seat passengers are required by law to wear safety belts. The Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) is the national motoring organisation of Malaysia. Tourists who are members of motoring organizations affiliated to AAM are given free reciprocal membership. Petrol (premium) currently costs RM1.10 per liter. Unleaded petrol can be obtained at most petrol stations.

Trishaws:
Trishaws (bicycle rickshaws) are less a form of transport than a leisurely mode of touring. Although trishaws are much less prevalent these days, they are still a popular way to tour in Melaka, Georgetown, Kota Bahru, and Kuala Terengganu. Be sure to negotiate the price before you get in. A half day of sightseeing costs about RM25.

Motorbikes and Bicycles:

Two-wheel transport is not generally available for hire in Malaysia. However, a growing number of resort destinations do offer cycles for hire.