Malaysia expects more than 16 million tourist arrivals this year and the government is planning more steps to restore confidence and revive the tourism industry. The tourism ministry is scheduled to open more offices abroad, considering the tourism potential in West Asia and China.
Although Malaysia recorded no tourist casualty in the tsunami disaster, the tourism industry has not been spared.

Langkawi residents should set their sights on tourism-related activities, cattle and buffalo farming and poultry rearing for a brighter future.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said these were among sectors which held promise as the island had natural resources which could be used to succeed. The Prime Minister said residents should develop new products and services for the island's booming tourism sector.

The RM40mil marina project on Pulau Tioman is being built to control and manage yachting activities that might otherwise cause more damage to the environment, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy.
He said the marina, which is one of 11 being planned under the 8th Malaysia Plan, would allow the Government to control such activities in a more structured manner.

Langkawi the emerald enchantment of the north that was once a haven for pirates, has become world renowned in the last decade as Caucasians, Japanese and others discover and become enthralled by the abundant and colourful marine life beneath its turquoise green translucent waters, and swaying casuarinas on the white sandy beaches embraced by sunshine all year round.

Australian travel companies report that thousands of tourists due to fly out for holidays on the beaches of the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea have cancelled, deferred or amended their plans in the past couple of weeks. Of those, the indications are that relatively few have pulled the pin entirely - most opting for a shift in timing or location.

London-based Le Meridien group, which is opening its RM380 million five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 8, is seeking a strategic partner to operate a resort in the country.
Le Meridien KL general manager Brian S Pirie said its options included an equity partnership or the offer of its management skills to run the property on behalf of the owner.

Langkawi Must Develop New Products, Says PM

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said tourism-related activities, farming and poultry were among sectors which held promise to Langkai as the island had natural resources which could be used to succeed. Residents should also develop new products and services for the island's booming tourism sector.

More Indians to Travel Abroad This Season

This year the number of Indians travelling abroad will be increased by 15 to 20%. With ensuing vacations, most of the Holiday planners are tempting employees of the business community and elite gentry of each city. Though the most popular destinations remain South and far East Asia, because of attractive prices, people are looking at more exotic locations like New Zealand, China, Spain, Turkey and Switzerland.

Carrying The Torch Lit By Her Mother

Datuk Seri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah is a down-to-earth Kedah princess, dedicated to continue the good work of her late mother’s foundation, Yayasan Sultanah Bahiyah.

Malaysian Visits To Thailand Down - Opportunity for Langkawi?

Tourist arrivals to Thailand in the second quarter fell 13 percent due to the unrest, especially from southern neighbor Malaysia, the Thailand's biggest source of visitors.

Langkawi to get world-class Theme Park?

The authority is in talks with an investor to build a world-class theme park. The investor is just as bullish about Langkawi's potential to be further developed.

Spas The New Money-Spinner for Asian Tourism Industry

As the 500 million US Dollar Spa industry expands, Spa facilities are becoming an essential component for upmarket hotels.

ASEAN: Total International Visitor Arrivals 2004

Tabular data showing total numbers of international visitors to ASEAN countries for the year 2004.

Middle East Travellers Prefer Malaysia, Thailand

Malaysia and Thailand are now the top selling global holiday destinations for Emirates Holidays (EH) after its own home base of Dubai.

Langkawi Ferries May Get Cheaper Diesel

Good news to visitors to Langkawi - there may not be any ferry fare hikes after all. Lower diesel prices are being considered to offset rising costs faced by ferry operators servicing the Langkawi route.

Sheraton Perdana Resort Langkawi Up For Sale

Bidders offered a total of RM136 million for four properties put up for sale by Faber Group Bhd, 11 per cent more than the aggregate indicative price. The four hotels up for sale are the 207-room Sheraton Perdana Resort Langkawi, the 268-room Sheraton Kuantan, the 66-room Merlin Inn Johor Baru (JB) and Merlin Inn Cameron Highlands.

Malaysia Moves to Revive Tourism Industry After Tsunami Disaster

Malaysia expects more than 16 million tourist arrivals this year and the government is planning more steps to restore confidence and revive the tourism industry. The tourism ministry is scheduled to open more offices abroad, considering the tourism potential in West Asia and China

How Red Tape and Poverty Prevented Warnings Going Out to Asian Shores

A system existed to alert the Indian Ocean countries to the deadliest tsunami in history, but scientists were unable to use it

Langkawi Corals Hit By Deadly Disease

Coral reefs in Langkawi are not only “stressed” but may become “a thing of the past” if nothing is done to control the spread of the deadly orange band disease, which has affected some 20% of the reefs there.

Tanjung Sanctuary Resort to Undergo RM152mil Facelift

Tanjung Sanctuary Resort in Langkawi will undergo a RM152mil makeover in the next few years to raise it to five-star status.

Tourist Arrivals to Malaysia Rise Significantly After Tsunami

Tourist arrivals to Malaysia have shown a significant increase after the tsunami last December, from 1.2 million in January to 1.5 million last month.<br /><br /> Deputy Tourism Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that during the first two weeks of January, in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami, there had been a slight downturn in tourism arrivals in Malaysia

Malaysia to Woo Tourists from Russia and Central Asia

Tourist arrivals to Malaysia have shown a significant increase after the tsunami last December, from 1.2 million in January to 1.5 million last month.<br /><br /> Deputy Tourism Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that during the first two weeks of January, in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami, there had been a slight downturn in tourism arrivals in Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Update 2005

Malaysia target for 2004 was to attract 14.3 million international tourist arrivals, but the total was actually up 52%, said SE Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the country's Deputy Minister of Tourism at yesterday afternoon's press conference – to 15.6 million (Note, however, that the World Tourism Organization, WTO, disagrees with these figures.). The target for this year is a 6% increase to 16.6 million. And over 70% of arrivals come from neighbouring countries – Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Estimated spend by visitors was US$7.6 billion.

Malaysian Airline to Spend $395 Mln on A380 Hangar, New Seats

Malaysian Airline System Bhd., the nation's biggest carrier, plans to spend 1.5 billion ringgit ($395 million) this year and in 2006 on refurbishments and upgrades, its chief financial officer Low Chee Teng said.

Matta Fair: China and Europe Still the Favourites

China, Europe and local island destinations remain the crowd pullers, judging from the three-day Matta Fair 2005 which concluded yesterday.

Kedah Yes to Higher Langkawi Ferry Fare

The fares for ferry services from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi are expected to go up by RM5 soon. It is learnt the increase was agreed at a meeting here on Monday between the State Government and the ferry operators.

Langkawi Sea Floor Being Remapped

Royal Malaysian Navy ship KD Perantau is remapping the sea floor off Langkawi following the Dec 26 tsunami.

Mofaz Moves Into Electrical and Electronics Mart

Diversified entity, Mofaz Group has started producing its own electrical and electronics (E and E) goods and will soon open a new wholesale and retail centre in Langkawi

Survey: Small Medium Enterprises Set for Growth

Malaysian small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), like its counterparts in other Asian countries, are geared for growth and optimistic about 2005, according to the first annual Asia Business Monitor survey.

One Earth One Family - Serving a higher purpose theme of 3rd Global Summit on Peace through Tourism

The aim of the Summit, One Earth One Family, is to develop a 21st Century Agenda for Peace through Tourism that addresses key global issues of our time. One Earth One will be held at the award winning Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Pattaya, Thailand, October 2-5, 2005.

Sunshine Returns for the Travel Industry

Asian travel stocks, which trailed regional indexes during the past two years, may move ahead as the industry bounces back from the tsunami disaster.

Langkawi District Officer Gives Up Other Post

The Langkawi district officer no longer doubles up as president of the Langkawi Municipal Council.

Langkawi Ferry Passengers Demand Quality Service

As the government has approved a RM3 fare increase for ferries plying between Langkawi and the mainland starting next Wednesday, the passengers are hoping for nothing less than a quality service.

Travel Domain Set For 2005 Launch (SPECIAL REPORT: 25th WTM)

The travel industry's own `travel` domain will be launched in the first half of next year.

Malaysia Offers Master Plan to Rebuild Tsunami-Hit Banda Aceh

Malaysia will draw up a master plan for rebuilding Indonesia's tsunami-ravaged Banda Aceh which could include relocating the city on higher ground, constructing 120,000 new homes and a breakwater to prevent a repeat of the December 26 disaster.

Special Packages to Lure More Chinese to Malaysia

Malaysia hopes to attract 600,000 tourists from China this year but more optimistic projections put that figure at one million.

Tourism Conference to Be Held in May

An international conference on tourism, soon to be held in Malaysia for the first time, is expected to provide a quantum leap for tourism development in the region.

Sabah-Langkawi Tourism Collaboration

Instead of competing with each other, Langkawi and Sabah will see more collaboration in promoting the destinations, The Borneo Post reported.

Eden: New Wing to Give Profit A Significant Boost

Eden Enterprises (M) Bhd will see a significant improvement in its balance sheet in the next three years with the opening of the new wing of its Underwater World Langkawi, this month. Executive chairman Tan Sri Abd Rahim Mohamad said the Eden group will see significant profit contribution from its Underwater World Langkawi in three years.

Langkawi Folk Against Any Rise In Ferry Fares

Langkawi’s 65,000 inhabitants are against any increase in ferry fares.<br /><br /> Langkawi Umno division chief Abu Bakar Taib, who is also Langkawi MP, handed over to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday a memorandum protesting against proposals by ferry operators to charge more for the Kuala Kedah-Langkawi and Kuala Perlis-Langkawi routes.

The Eight Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers Joint Media Release

The ASEAN Tourism Ministers held their Eighth Meeting (M-ATM) on 24 January 2005 in Langkawi, Malaysia in conjunction with the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2005 (ATF 2005). H.E. Datuk Dr. Leo Michael Toyad, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia chaired the Meeting.

Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair 2005 A Major Success!

The second Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair held two weeks ago at Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu garnered a staggering total sales volume of RM115 million, exceeding the national carrier’s earlier target of RM100 million. RM111.7 million was recorded from the sale of air tickets and Golden Holiday packages, while the airline’s Internet Booking Facility (IBF) registered the remaining RM3.3 million.

PM Launches "Malaysia Airlines - An Experience Redefined"

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi tonight officially launched Malaysia Airlines’ An Experience Redefined, a comprehensive aircraft cabin upgrade complete with a new total inflight delivery service designed to capture a greater segment of the premium travelling market.

Don’t Delay Langkawi Projects, Says Dr M

Many new projects have been planned for this island resort but delay by the authorities in approving them has hindered their completion.

Malaysia's AirAsia Inks Airbus Deal to Stay Ahead of Competition

Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has inked a contract to buy 60 new Airbus aircraft, with an option to purchase another 40 A320 jets as part of its regional expansion, a report said.

Myanmar, Sri Lanka To Open Indirect Air Link

Myanmar and Sri Lanka will open indirect air link via Bangkok soon to promote bilateral ties and tourism industry, according to a report from Xinhua Wednesday.

Malaysia Airlines Gets Drawn to City

Malaysia Airlines will begin operations in Kolkata by January 2005. It will be part of the first phase of its India-wide expansion plans

Malaysia Airlines to open New Flights to India

Malaysia Airlines to begin operations from Kolkata - the gateway to eastern India - in late December.

Air Asia to Open Hong Kong Flights to Langkawi

Hong Kong travelers will soon be able to fly AirAsia to Langkawi - but only if they are prepared to set off from Macau.

February Arrival an all Time Record

Never before in the history of the tourism industry that the tourist arrivals reached 1.3 million visitors for February.

Singapore and Malaysia To Discuss Air Link Expansion Soon

Aviation authorities from Singapore and Malaysia will meet soon to discuss the expansion of air links between the countries. And there's more good news for travellers - Changi Airport Terminal 2's facelift is 40 percent complete, including a new snazzy Skyplex Entertainment Lounge.

Tourism To Grow To RM38b In 3 years

The tourism industry is expected to contribute up to US$10 billion (RM38 billion) annually to the economy in three years from US$6.8 billion last year, says Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad.

Tourists Feel Unwelcome - Unfriendly Attitude

Singapore tourists are complaining of the unfriendly attitude of Johor Malaysians, which are cancelling Tourism Malaysia's promotion campaigns.

Air Asia first LCC to fly to China

AirAsia approval for flights to Kunming, hopes Guangzhou, Tianjin and Beijing follow.

The Langkawi EPF Service Centre Now Open Daily

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) announced that their service centre in Langkawi, Kedah will be open on every working day with effect from September 1, 2004.

Haze Likely To Worsen, Says Indonesia

Haze from forest fires that is fouling skies over Indonesia and Malaysia may worsen in coming months as farmers continue to torch land to make way for crops, the government was quoted as saying Monday.

Post-9/11 Hassles bring Arab tourists to Malaysia

Well-heeled Muslims from the Middle East are heading to Malaysia in droves for their annual vacations. Arrivals from Saudi Arabia rose 53 percent in the first half of 2004, and hoteliers are predicting a bumper "Arab season" through September.

Malaysian Honeymoons Industry Booms

Malaysia is the honeymoon industry booming as the country's Tourism authority works with the hotels and resorts to promote the nation as a romantic fantasy destination.

Haze Threatens Malaysia Travel Business

The travel industry is expressing fears that the haze from Indonesian forest fires, which has driven away foreign travelers in the past, is posing a fresh threat to local businesses.

PATA Reveals 21% Visitor Arrivals Growth for Early 2004

Early 2004 statistics for international visitor arrivals (IVAs) to 30 Asia Pacific destinations show 21% growth, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC) revealed today.

More Come To Malaysia For Honeymoon

More and more foreigners are attracted by Malaysia's honeymoon packages and approximately 100,000 newlyweds came to Malaysia in the first half of this year for honeymoon.

Countries Pledge to Boost Tourism

An association of 18 countries stretching from southern Africa to Southeast Asia pledged Friday to ease trade barriers and promote their tourism and fisheries industries.

Official Expects Tourists from Seoul to Top 100,000 This Year

"Last year about 60,000 Koreans visited Malaysia, and this year we're expecting more Koreans," he said, adding, "We hope that the number will increase this year to 100,000."

Asean ministers start economic unity talks

Southeast Asian economic ministers began talks here yesterday to discuss ways to speed up economic integration and free trade in an effort to move closer to establishing a regional economic community.

Fewer Tax Goodies seen for Tourism

Next week's budget is expected to deliver fewer tax 'goodies' and incentives to players in the tourism industry, composed of airlines, hotels and travel and tour agencies, according to economists.

Tioman Reef Threatened

Tioman was once rated as one of The World?s Ten Most Beautiful Islands, as it had that sort of heavenly splendour which made it the shooting site for the film South Pacific in 1958.

Ministry: Allow Mideast Tourists to Stay Longer

The Tourism Ministry has proposed to the Immigration Department to allow tourists from the Middle East to stay two months instead of one as Middle-East tourism surges.

Malaysia honoured to host World Tourism Day

Tourism Minister Datuk Leo Michael Toyad said it was an honour for Malaysia to be the host country, which would be rotated among the 144 members of the World.

Langkawi ASEAN Tourism Forum 2005 Blitz Kicks Off

1,500 delegates from all over expected. These represent major tour wholesalers, outbound tour operators, incentive organizers, airlines, car rental services, and special interest tour operators,

New Malaysia Airlines flights to India

Three flights a week between Kolkata and Kuala Lumpur to begin soon.

LINC Participant Saddled with Debts After Fall in Langkawi

Singapore man participating in LINC falls to the beach while trying to abseil from a 60m cliff on Pulau Tuba. The impact cracked his helmet, and the bleeding man was rushed to Alor Star General Hospital in Kedah.

Tioman's Great Barrier

Andrew Sia asks if Tioman should "try to become another Langkawi? Become a mega-shopping destination for duty-free alcohol, cigarettes and Pyrex? Build a RM40mil yacht marina and a 2km long airport runway over the very corals which attract tourists in the first place?" Which development strategy should it pursue?

Langkawi : Unhappy Landings Paradise Lost

Interesting historical article about what happened to the tourist industry in Langkawi during the 1998 financial crisis.

Tourism in Malaysia Foresees a Bright Future

Tourism Malaysia goals for 2005

ECOTOURISM: Green Is In with Asian Tourists

N Nithiyananthan reviews the rich diversity of adventure and ecotourism opportunities Malaysia has to offer.

EARTH MATTERS: Everyday Heroes of Recycling

About the art of recycling "The aim of their recycling project is to achieve zero waste. It can be done if everyone practises reduction, buys clean production, recycles and does composting".

Value for Money Deals at MATTA Fair

The upcoming Matta International Travel Fair offers value for money packages, said Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad.

Malaysia Budget Gives and Takes

To boost health tourism in Malaysia, prime minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi announced in his Budget 2005 speech, immigration rules for foreign medical specialists, therapists and patients would be relaxed. Huge liquor duty looms.

Airline Deals For ASEAN Tourism Forum Attendees

Malaysia Airlines, the official air carrier of ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2005, which will be hosted in Langkawi next year, is offering a 50 per cent rebate on flights to the island to registered delegates for bookings made before November 21.

Exhibition booths at Langkawi International Dialogue Showcase 2004 fully taken up

ALL exhibition booths at the Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) Showcase 2004 were fully taken up, according to Professor Dr Abu Abdullah, a Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) director, who sits on the showcase committee.

Langkawi International Dialogue Showcases Local Firms Success Stories

Themed Enhancing Technology For Socio-Economic Well-Being, this year's showcase saw the participation of 30 local companies, specialising in information communication technology, security appliances, software application solutions, bio-pharmaceutical and healthcare services, ballistics products, and remote sensing technology businesses.

Mustapa: It's All About Public Trust

He must have a thorough understanding of Malay culture, extensive networking and the ability to relate to all levels of society. At this level of the party hierarchy, the person must have the competency, knowledge and maturity to handle the demands of the job.

Tourism Industry Resilient against Terrorism

He cited leisure sports such as golf and international events like the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix and Le Tour de Langkawi as examples of the potential the sports tourism industry had of becoming a major source of revenue for the country.

Malaysia's Air Asia May Raise Up to US$263m Via IPO

Malaysia's ambitious budget carrier AirAsia is expected to raise as much as one billion ringgit (263 million dollars) in its initial public offering (IPO) due in November, industry sources said.

Romancing India

The Singapore and Malaysia tourism boards are fighting for the Indian traveller`s attentions

Get On With Project

The Perlis government wants the company awarded the Kuala Sangland land reclamation project to get on with the job. Get on with project, Shahidan tells firm.

TTG Travel Awards reaches new heights

This year's TTG Travel Awards winners received the biggest-ever endorsement from their peers and were honoured in a night of fame, glory and glamour on October 12 at Sofitel Central Plaza in Bangkok.

Vietnamese Visitors to Malaysia up 40 pct

Approximately 21,000 Vietnamese tourists travelled to Malaysia since the beginning of the year, according to the representative office of Malaysia's Trade Promotion Agency in Ho Chi Minh City.

AirAsia Gets Nod For Biggest Malaysia IPO This Year

Malaysia's first budget carrier AirAsia Bhd. (AIA.YY) has received the green light for its initial public offering, which is set to be the biggest share offer in the country this year - possibly raising up to 1.05 billion ringgit ($276.3 million), according to estimates from people familiar with the deal.

Marina Will Protect Marine Life

The RM40mil marina project on Pulau Tioman is being built to control and manage yachting activities that might otherwise cause more damage to the environment, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy.

Malaysia Records Big Increase In Tourist Arrivals

Tourist arrivals in Malaysiaduring the first eight months of the year recorded 10.4 million, an increase of 68 percent over the corresponding period of last year, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said Monday.

Le Meridien Eyes Langkawi for Resort-Style Property

He said Le Meridien was eyeing Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi or Penang to set up its second establishment in the country

Buildfolio to Develop Online Reservation System for GHM Hotels

GHM Hotels better known for their award winning line of world-class resort hotels like The Datai, Langkawi, The Legian, Bali, The Chedi, The Lalu, Sun Moon and The Serai, has awarded Buildfolio with a contract to build an online reservation system. This system is designed to replace third party reservation systems that hotels commonly use today.

Malaysia, truly changing (SPECIAL REPORT: 25th WTM)

Malaysia is ready to unveil a fresh marketing tagline but new tourism minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad insists that the new slogan will remain true to its origins.

400 SMS Complaints Against Cabbies Daily

The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board gets an average of 400 complaints a day against taxi drivers via the short messaging service.

MAS Resumes KL-Fukuoka Route

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) announced the resumption of its Kuala Lumpur-Fukuoka-Kuala Lumpur service beginning Nov 9, 2004 after it was temporarily suspended since May 15, 2003.

Tidak apa Attitude Will Harm Langkawi

Having been a regular visitor to Langkawi for more than a decade, I have seen the rapid development of this island. It has definitely made this island a popular tourist destination.

Malaysian Air Expects More Intl Passengers

Malaysian Airline System Bhd. (3786.KU) expects its international passenger volume to grow 25% in the current financial year ending March 2005, spurred by strong traffic from China and India, the Sun reports.

AirAsia IPO Already Oversubscribed

AirAsia has said that the retail shares will be priced at the lower of either a maximum MYR1.40, or 95% of the institutional price. An institutional price of MYR1.30 would place the retail price for the shares at around MYR1.24.

Tour operators, airlines eye Eid vacationers

Malaysia Airlines offers a number of package tours at special discount rates. The airline offers tour from Dhaka to Kuala Lumpur at $300, to Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur at $455, to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur at $471, to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur at $530, to Bali and Kuala Lumpur at $492, to Hongkong and Kuala Lumpur at $640 and to Singapore, Bali and Kuala Lumpur at $655.

Depressed Rooms Rates In South-East Asia Will Deter Investors

The depressed hotel room rates in South-east Asia should be viewed seriously as it would cause capital to flow out of the industry, said Ichigo Umehara, president of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts.

AirAsia: Good Response to Bangkok-KK Daily Flights

AirAsia is confident of maintaining a 70% to 80% load factor for its newly introduced direct flights between Bangkok and the state capital.

Malaysia's AirAsia Favors Airbus

Malaysia's AirAsia is leaning towards European aircraft maker Airbus for an order of up to 80 short-haul planes, a source close to the airline said on Monday, in what would be another blow to rival Boeing.

MAS Looks To Europe And Asia for growth

The launch of Malaysia Airlines inaugural Kuala Lumpur-Stockholm-New York return service on November 1 signals the airline's expansion into Northern Europe.

Malaysian Airlines to Fly Zambo-Tawi-Tawi-Malaysia Route

Without announcing the specific date, Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sahali Sadikul said Phoenix Airways, which could accommodate 60 passengers a trip, is set to operate this month after a feasibility study showed that the business is a potential endeavor to service Filipino commuters.

Langkawi Ferry Fare Hike Postponed

Operators of ferry services to Langkawi from Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis have postponed the RM3 fare hike they announced on Wednesday. The operators received a letter from the Transport Ministry Thursday asking them not to raise fares without its prior approval or face revocation of their domestic shipping licence.

Malaysia among top 15 FDI destinations

Malaysia is among six Asian markets that enjoy the strongest investor confidence, the latest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index, an annual survey of chief executive officers, chief financial officers and other top executives from the world’s largest companies, has revealed.

AirAsia eyes Australia with stake in Indonesian carrier

AirAsia has said it plans to fly to Australia with the acquisition of an Indonesian private airline.

Upgraded MAS Planes Take To The Sky From December

Malaysia Airlines’ reconfigured Boeing 777-200 will begin operations in December, flying to Tokyo, Zurich and Sydney while the retrofitted 747-400 will be deployed on the London route in February.

Plan to Boost ‘Travel Now, Pay Later’ Scheme for Students

Combining elements of saving and travelling. Tourism Malaysia plans to promote the concept of `travel now, pay later` among Malaysian students.

PATA South Asia Tourism Forum

MAS to Launch Stockholm service on November 1

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will launch its Kuala Lumpur- Stockholm service as well as a direct service between Stockholm and New York, this November 1.

AirAsia Buys Indonesia Airline For $2

Malaysia's AirAsia Sdn. Bhd. (AIA.YY) has bought a small Indonesian airline, AWAir, for a token $2, the Edge weekly business newspaper says.

India`s Outbound Boom: Is Price the Key?

PATA Premier Partner Abacus International has revealed figures that suggest that India may be emerging as a major source market for Asia Pacific.

Time to Increase Singapore-Malaysia Air Links

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysia Airlines have a virtual monopoly on the fourth-busiest route in Asia, the one between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the local daily reported.

Malaysia Airlines Plane Evacuated Over Bomb Hoax

A bomb threat which turned out to be a hoax forced hundreds of passengers on a Malaysia Airlines flight to London to be evacuated before their plane was scheduled to take off, airline officials and reports said Wednesday.

MAS, AirAsia To Put Aside Rivalry and Work Together

Malaysia Airlines and low cost carrier AirAsia agreed to put aside their differences and work together in the interest of the nation and the aviation industry.

Malaysia Airlines Grabs Golf Championship Crown

Malaysian Airlines team emerged champions in the 16th Inter-Airline Management Golf Tournament at the Empire Hotel and Country Club on Monday. The meet hosted by Royal Brunei Airlines saw four other member airlines vying for honours.

Internet Visa For Chinese Tourists To Malaysia

Chinese tourists to Malaysia can now apply for their visas via the Internet, a move aimed at encouraging more Chinese to holiday in Malaysia.

Shanghai Movers & Shakers Love May Travel

To travel abroad is no longer a luxury for upwardly mobile Shanghainese. Nowadays, it's the fashion.

Malaysia Airlines Plane Grounded After Wires Found Tampered

A Bangkok-bound Malaysia Airlines plane was grounded Tuesday after maintenance staff found some electrical wires in the cockpit were tampered with, The Star newspaper reported Thursday.

Malaysia To Host Asia Cup 2004 in December

Malaysia will host the final round of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Asia Cup 2004 in Kuala Lumpur this Dec 10-12.

LTdL Is Asia's First Hors Category Race

Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) has moved up in status as Asia's first race with a Hors category awarded by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

Malaysia Plans To Ban Sale of Duty-Free Cigarettes

There may be no more tax-free cigarettes sold at duty-free shops in Malaysia as part of the government's efforts to snuff out the smoking habit, the health authorities say.

Malaysia Will Continue To Host LTDL, Says Abdullah

Malaysia will continue to host the prestigious Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) cycling championship, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Sunday.

Foreign Roadshows to Kick-Start Andaman Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is to launch one of the largest tourism marketing drives in the Thai history through a series of foreign roadshows aimed at restoring tourist confidence in the country's southern Andaman coast.

Book Your Trip to Help

Based on its assessment of tourism infrastructure in tsunami-affected areas, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) wishes to emphasise that most properties and attractions in Indian Ocean destinations have sustained little or no damage.

ASEAN Tourism Forum 2005: Opportunities & Challenges

Amid the tug-of-war backdrop between heightened opportunities and extreme challenges, the 24th ATF is expected to deal squarely with the snags and fully tap prospects that wait on its member countries’ doorstep - to unite and intensify their respective efforts in beefing up the regional tourism industry

WHO Director-General Tours Tsunami-affected Areas

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr LEE Jong-wook, has arrived in Jakarta at the start of a five-day visit to Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Since the tsunami struck, WHO has been working together with the core group of countries helping to provide humanitarian support

Tsunami Fear Fails to Kill Travel Bug

The deadly SARS had seen flight withdrawals and a lean phase for months in outbound traffic to South-East Asia, but the tsunami that resulted in deaths over 100,000 has not been able to change the travel plans of city travellers and it continues unabated

Malaysia Appoints Ambassador to Nepal

Tacitly acknowledging the deepening labour and diplomatic relations with Nepal, the Malaysian government has for the first time appointed its resident ambassador to the Himalayan kingdom

German Tour Operators Plan Resumption of Holidays in Tsunami Effected Zones

German tour operators are planning to resume normal package holidays in the flood-hit areas of southern and south-east Asia over the next few weeks to support the destinations and their economies

Wooing Back Tourists

"FRANCZIZSKA", "Conradha", and "Scottyswe" are considering going for a holiday to Malaysia, but they share a common problem: none are certain how badly this country was hit by the Dec 26 tsunami.

Call to End Exit Tax Within Asean Region

Asean countries should consider doing away with exit tax to encourage people to travel within the region.

International Travel Fair in June

Themed Dream Holidays, Dream Bargains, the Malaysia International Travel Mart 2005 (MITM 2005), involving some 150 organisations, is set to draw about 80,000 visitors over two days from June 18.

Push to Gazette Pulau Perak As Marine Park

Pulau Perak urgently needs to be gazetted as a protected marine area, if Peninsular Malaysia wants to have a marine park comparable with the Sipadan islands off Sabah. A survey by the Universiti Malaya Maritime Research Centre (UMMReC) recently found that Pulau Perak, about 60 nautical miles southwest of Langkawi, has abundant marine life and corals.

The New Loneliness On Malaysian Beaches In Tsunami's Wake

Without help Anna Mary and her husband will be unable to open their Miami Beach restaurant that was destroyed by the tsunami on the Malaysian island of Penang on December 26. The tsunami waves destroyed the kitchen of the timber building and swept the deckchairs, which Anna Mary rented out to tourists, out to sea.

Is 'Incredible India' glossing over 'ugly realities'?

Is India's glossy tourism promotion campaign masking some ugly realities? Is the 'Incredible India' campaign in danger of becoming an 'Incredulous India'? Malaysian tour operators, who spoke to some visiting Indian journalists, would tend to think so after feedback from their clients whom they sent to India in recent years.

Calcutta Count Soars in Malaysian Skies

First-class bookings on Singapore Airlines have grown by 300 per cent in Calcutta, while the number of tourists to Malaysia from this part of the country rose by about 6,000 people last year. And there are no signs of a slowdown.

Malaysia Airports Bidding for Routes Forum 2008

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has submitted its bid to host the Routes Forum 2008 in Kuala Lumpur. It hopes its experience in organising the Routes Asia forum would be taken into consideration as the airport operator has successfully organised the Asian version for three consecutive years.

Anti-Japan Protests Make Asean More Attractive

Asean's attraction as an investment destination for Japanese companies has somewhat been boosted by the anti-Japan protests in China in recent weeks, said secretary general of Asean-Japan Promotion Centre on Trade, Investment and Tourism, Nobutoshi Akao.

Encouraging Malaysians to Make Reading a Habit

Reading is crucial to becoming a lifelong learner and MCA has adopted three steps to cultivate the reading habit, said party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.

Malaysians Wives In Qatar Promote Tourism In Malaysia

Malaysian members of the International Potluck Group in Qatar did their bit to promote Malaysia this weekend when they hosted the group's monthly gathering. The Malaysian women not only presented a smorgasbord of mouth-watering Malaysian delicacies, they also decorated the venue with authentic bunga Mangga, handicraft ketupat, batik wall hangings and information display boards along with Tourism Malaysia posters and brochures.

Singapore Spa Industry Set for Double-Digit Growth

During a three-day industry event, the Spa Association of Sinagpaore said the country, Langkawi, Phuket and Bali could work together to grow Southeast Asia as a preferred spa destination.

Halim Mazmin Unit Invests RM1.5mil to Double Fish Output

Langkawi Sea Farm Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of shipping group Halim Mazmin Bhd, is doubling the size of its fish farm production in the waters of Langkawi at the cost of RM1.5 million this year.

Malaysia Popular As Tourist Destination With Hong Kong Residents

The jump in tourist arrivals in Malaysia from Hong Kong last year is a pointer to the continuing popularity of Malaysia as a tourist destination amongst the residents of this Special Administrative Region, as this former British colony is now referred to.

Tourism Ministry To Use TSA System Next Year

The Tourism Ministry will use the Tourism Satellite Accounting (TSA) system next year to improve its data collection for the tourism industry.

India Airlines Slashes Promotional Fares to South-East Asia

In a clear indication that the fare war is hotting up in the Southeast Asian sector, the Indian Airlines has further reduced their fares from Chennai to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. The new uniform return fare of Rs 10,475 will be effective between June 1 and June 30, 2005.

Malaysia Agrees on Giving Duty-free Access to 19 Local Items

Malaysia agreed Tuesday to give duty-free access to 19 categories of Bangladeshi products and relocate its labour-intensive industries in Bangladesh, report agencies.

Kedah Sees Further Investment Of RM500 Mln From Japan This Year

The Kedah state government is projecting a further RM500 million investment from Japanese investors in the state's various sectors this year.

Holidays in Hell

Australian travel companies report that thousands of tourists due to fly out for holidays on the beaches of the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea have cancelled, deferred or amended their plans in the past couple of weeks.

Malaysia Back on Holiday Track

It's tourism business as usual in Malaysia - and Malaysia Airlines and the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board will be keen to reinforce that to visitors at the AFTA-Advertiser Holiday Expo

Malaysia Will Continue Sending Troops to Indonesia

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said Indonesia's order to foreign troops to leave the tsunami-lashed Aceh by March 26 did not include Malaysia. He said that Indonesia had clarified that they only wanted foreign troops who were not involved in the humanitarian missions to get out of the region

Asians Count on Tourism Plan for Tsunami Recovery

Travel agents and airline representatives are meeting in Langkawi this week to discuss ways of making tourists aware that staying away just makes a dreadful situation worse for some survivors. They have already begun by inviting the world's travel writers to see the extent of the damage for themselves.

Tourism Industry Will Survive Tsunami Blow

Southeast Asia's tourism industry has lost billions of dollars since killer tsunamis struck last month but is expected to bounce back quickly, ministers said yesterday. Tourism ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) agreed at a meeting here to intensify marketing co-operation to woo tourists and assure them the December 26 calamity was an isolated event

ASEAN Working on Easing Regional Travel

Asean leaders are working towards having a single visa or even a visa-free entry for member countries. Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad, however, said no time limit had been fixed to realise hassle-free travel to tap the 500 million-strong Asean population.

Japan, China to Aim Tourists at Tsunami-hit Asia

Japan and China pledged on Tuesday to help put Southeast Asia's tourism industry back on its feet after last month's devastating tsunami and to urge their tourists to visit the region.

Langkawi Memento Misspelled

Colette Hassan's encounter with a rather apalling notice board welcoming tourists to Langkawi

Langkawi Fire Losses Up to RM2 Million

The fire that razed 120 houses in Bukit Malut here last Sunday caused losses amounting to RM1.99mil, Langkawi district officer Datuk Rasli Basir said.

Female Travelers Becoming Asia's Next Big Spenders

According to a new Asian lifestyles survey, about 40 percent of the 139 million travelers in the Asia-Pacific region nowadays are women.

UN Surveys Ecological Ravages of Tsunami

The United Nations Environment Programme has already begun systematically logging the environmental impacts of the Asian tsunami disaster.

From the Telekom Malaysia Le Tour de Langkawi

In view of the forthcoming Le Tour de Langkawi (28th Jan – 6th Feb 2005), the Managing Director of LTdL wishes to present clear information on the current situation of tsunami aftermath in Malaysia.

Hill Thanks Malaysia for Help

Australia thanked Malaysia today for letting it use the country as a hub for some of its military relief efforts in Indonesia, underlining increasingly warm relations between the two nations

Malaysia As Centre for Islamic Products

Malaysia must capitalise on its first mover advantage in Islamic financing and establish the country as the centre for international Islamic capital market.

Disaster Relief - ICTP Survey

If there there is anything that you believe the world tourism community should be doing to respond to future disasters, please extend your sugqestions and thoughts to us