Martha Stewart to visit Malaysia from May 19
NEW YORK: Talk-show celebrity Martha Stewart will be among a high-profile group from the United States visiting Malaysia for about a week from May 19, according to a Tourism Malaysia official here.
"We have prepared an elaborate programme for Martha Stewart and the group accompanying her," said Salahuddin Mohd Ariffin, vice president of Tourism Malaysia in New York.
With her celebrity status, Stewart is expected to be an instant hit with her Malaysian audience and generate considerable international publicity for Malaysia as a tourist destination.
She is more than an author, entertainer or television personality as over the years the businesswoman has evolved into an American icon.
Stewart has turned herself into one of the world’s strongest brand names and heads a US$200 million empire that rests on ideas of domesticity, style and elegance.
Her group includes her two associates, Memrie Mosler Lewis, a landscape architect, and Sophie Martha Herbert.
Others will be Zakary C. Pelaccio, a celebrity chef and owner of the Fatty Crab in New York City. Pelaccio spent some time in Malaysia where he learnt the ropes of Malaysian cuisine.
He returned to New York and started his Fatty Crab restaurant, which also serves Malaysian food.
The group will be led by Datin Amy Hamidon, the wife of Malaysia’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, Datuk Hamidon Ali.
Amy, who is also the president of the Women’s International Forum and passionately promotes Malaysia’s cuisine and culture, is credited with persuading Stewart to visit Malaysia.
Tourism Malaysia backed Amy’s initiative and made all the arrangements for the visit, preparing an extensive programme for the visitors so that "they derive the maximum comfort, enjoy the multifaceted culture and cuisines of Malaysia" as Salahuddin put it.
One of the highlights of the group’s programme is the Colours of Malaysia event which Stewart and the visitors will attend.
The event, featuring a colourful parade, includes spectacular sounds and sights of Malaysia, which many foreigners describe as a "feast for the eyes and ears”.
Malaysia’s tourism minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen has invited Stewart as her special guest.
Salahuddin said the group would visit Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Kota Kinabalu. In Kuala Lumpur, the group will witness the intricacies of songket weaving at the Tuanku Nur Zahirah Foundation.
Stewart will also have an audience with the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Nur Zahirah.
Stewart, who has a very popular talk show on food, as well as the other guests will be treated to a "hawkers’ dinner" at Kampong Baru to give them a better insight into local Malaysian fare.
Many American tourists who have visited Malaysia find the exotic array of fruits and vegetables in Malaysia fascinating –- be it the mangosteen, rambutan, starfruit or even the pungent durian.
Stewart has also been invited by Zulkifli Razali, executive chef of Bijan Restaurant at Jalan Bukit Ceylon in Kuala Lumpur to a cooking demonstration.
Tourism Malaysia is also organising an exclusive visit to the Petronas Twin Towers.
A day trip to Melaka has been planned to visit various landmarks of the city, which has strong Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and Indian influences evident in daily life as well as the state''s rich culinary heritage.
The Sabah part of the programme is being organised by the Sabah Tourism Board. The group will visit the House of Skulls at Mansopiad Cultural Village, Marine Eco Research Centre at Gayana Eco Resort and the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary in Sandakan.
Salahuddin said the rationale for organising visits by such high-profile visitors was to show them the "real Malaysia" in the "spirit of 1Malaysia" so that when they returned home, they could relay their positive impressions to others.
These celebrities, who have large fan followings, also became effective spokespersons for Malaysia, he said.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
New Tourism Products
Here's my thoughts about new niche tourism products
AS MALAYSIA enters an era of transformation in line with the New Economic Model (NEM), the time is now ripe for some sectors like tourism to go more into niche tourism products and services.
Take your report, “Love is in the air for newlyweds,” (Sunday Star, April 18) as a lead, we are now beginning to go for various modes and means to fulfil the lifestyle needs of our tourists.
We have heard a lot about people who are willing to fly to the romantic island of Bali just to have a wedding “made-in-heaven”. But what is so great about Bali that we don’t have on our many paradise islands of Langkawi, Penang, Redang, Tioman, Pangkor Laut, Mabul, etc?
To sum it up, I can simply say that the two winning points of Bali are the culture and arts scene. The whole island has an air of festivity day in and day out. Ours on the other hand, is a seasonal affair while some are just put together for the benefit of tourists. Bali also has all the trappings in terms of niche tourism products and services, which we sorely lack.
Talking about weddings in Bali, tour operators walk the extra mile by providing things like air tours in which one can arrive in style, or a lovers’ tour of the island and beyond.
Surely, we are not short of all these trappings and the icing-on-the cake stuff. Our tour operators should be more creative and come up with itineraries that can attract this particular segment of people.
For example, we can offer a helicopter ride for a bridal shoot to nearby Fraser’s Hill, our Little England, or to Bukit Tinggi, our “Petit France”, or to honeymoon retreats like Pangkor Laut and Langkawi, just to name a few.
We can save a lot in foreign exchange if Malaysians holiday at home instead of going to places like Bali, Bandung, Koh Samui, Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong like these places were their second home.
According to Tourism Malaysia, our tourist arrival figures have already surpassed the 20 million targeted mark. But then what is the quality of these visitors? Are they mere sightseeing tourists on packaged holidays or are they long-stayers with money to burn?
I suppose we must not be contented with the multiplying numbers achieved every year. If we want to raise our standard of living, we should also explore the top-notch tourist market.
I have just come back from an anniversary holiday in Lombok, Indonesia. With our strong ringgit, we were able to stay in a five-star hotel there. On the whole, Lombok is poor in terms of income and infrastructure but they are simply rich in tourism products.
By comparison, we were there for only four days and three nights while a middle-aged British couple whom we met were able to stay there for almost 20 days. Imagine, they were spending the pounds by the thousands to the benefit of the local community.
These are the visitors we should pursue. Tourism Malaysia and the local players should take the cue and lead the way in ensuring that in-bound visitors are not just day-trippers but are in the real sense of the word tourists with much disposable income to part with.
AS MALAYSIA enters an era of transformation in line with the New Economic Model (NEM), the time is now ripe for some sectors like tourism to go more into niche tourism products and services.
Take your report, “Love is in the air for newlyweds,” (Sunday Star, April 18) as a lead, we are now beginning to go for various modes and means to fulfil the lifestyle needs of our tourists.
We have heard a lot about people who are willing to fly to the romantic island of Bali just to have a wedding “made-in-heaven”. But what is so great about Bali that we don’t have on our many paradise islands of Langkawi, Penang, Redang, Tioman, Pangkor Laut, Mabul, etc?
To sum it up, I can simply say that the two winning points of Bali are the culture and arts scene. The whole island has an air of festivity day in and day out. Ours on the other hand, is a seasonal affair while some are just put together for the benefit of tourists. Bali also has all the trappings in terms of niche tourism products and services, which we sorely lack.
Talking about weddings in Bali, tour operators walk the extra mile by providing things like air tours in which one can arrive in style, or a lovers’ tour of the island and beyond.
Surely, we are not short of all these trappings and the icing-on-the cake stuff. Our tour operators should be more creative and come up with itineraries that can attract this particular segment of people.
For example, we can offer a helicopter ride for a bridal shoot to nearby Fraser’s Hill, our Little England, or to Bukit Tinggi, our “Petit France”, or to honeymoon retreats like Pangkor Laut and Langkawi, just to name a few.
We can save a lot in foreign exchange if Malaysians holiday at home instead of going to places like Bali, Bandung, Koh Samui, Ho Chi Minh City or Hong Kong like these places were their second home.
According to Tourism Malaysia, our tourist arrival figures have already surpassed the 20 million targeted mark. But then what is the quality of these visitors? Are they mere sightseeing tourists on packaged holidays or are they long-stayers with money to burn?
I suppose we must not be contented with the multiplying numbers achieved every year. If we want to raise our standard of living, we should also explore the top-notch tourist market.
I have just come back from an anniversary holiday in Lombok, Indonesia. With our strong ringgit, we were able to stay in a five-star hotel there. On the whole, Lombok is poor in terms of income and infrastructure but they are simply rich in tourism products.
By comparison, we were there for only four days and three nights while a middle-aged British couple whom we met were able to stay there for almost 20 days. Imagine, they were spending the pounds by the thousands to the benefit of the local community.
These are the visitors we should pursue. Tourism Malaysia and the local players should take the cue and lead the way in ensuring that in-bound visitors are not just day-trippers but are in the real sense of the word tourists with much disposable income to part with.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
New Destinations
New demention in destinations and lots of prizes
AFTER its success in grossing RM1.8 million sales at the Matta Fair in March, Firefly is aiming to soar again at the two-day Malaysia Domestic Tourism Fair (MDTF) at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur from May 14.
Try out Firefly’s ATR Flight Simulator Challenge and see if you have what it takes to be a pilot
“There will be more than 100 travel packages for both airfare and ground arrangements tailored for everybody,” says its head of marketing and communications Angelina C. Fernandez.
Firefly will offer more new domestic destinations including routes served by Malaysia Airlines such as destinations in Sabah and Sarawak.
“Some of our packages will be very cost-efficient for groups. This will also cover ground travel. Some of our ground packages are guaranteed as the lowest in price,” she adds.
Prizes worth over RM250,000 in air tickets, hotels stays, spa treatments, meals and a wide range of merchandise are also up for grabs at the fair.
All buyers stand a chance to win a prize. Prizes are also given out through lucky dips and travel-themed games. Firefly’s top draw will be its ATR Flight Simulator Challenge where every pilot wannabe can have a near real experience to fly a plane. Winners will get free tickets to various destinations.
“We’ll be giving away tickets daily and the top ‘pilot’ of course gets the best ticket,” says Fernandez.
Scenarios on the simulator include flying at the Ipoh Airport as well as landing. Coaching will be given by qualified pilots and marks will be given on how well participants ma-nage their landings. Five minutes will be given for this challenge.
“As usual, we like to surprise our customers on site with more new things. We offer customers the best of the best,” she says.
Firefly is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines and was introduced as a “community airline” on April 3, 2007. Its flights operate from Penang and Subang in Selangor.
AFTER its success in grossing RM1.8 million sales at the Matta Fair in March, Firefly is aiming to soar again at the two-day Malaysia Domestic Tourism Fair (MDTF) at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur from May 14.
Try out Firefly’s ATR Flight Simulator Challenge and see if you have what it takes to be a pilot
“There will be more than 100 travel packages for both airfare and ground arrangements tailored for everybody,” says its head of marketing and communications Angelina C. Fernandez.
Firefly will offer more new domestic destinations including routes served by Malaysia Airlines such as destinations in Sabah and Sarawak.
“Some of our packages will be very cost-efficient for groups. This will also cover ground travel. Some of our ground packages are guaranteed as the lowest in price,” she adds.
Prizes worth over RM250,000 in air tickets, hotels stays, spa treatments, meals and a wide range of merchandise are also up for grabs at the fair.
All buyers stand a chance to win a prize. Prizes are also given out through lucky dips and travel-themed games. Firefly’s top draw will be its ATR Flight Simulator Challenge where every pilot wannabe can have a near real experience to fly a plane. Winners will get free tickets to various destinations.
“We’ll be giving away tickets daily and the top ‘pilot’ of course gets the best ticket,” says Fernandez.
Scenarios on the simulator include flying at the Ipoh Airport as well as landing. Coaching will be given by qualified pilots and marks will be given on how well participants ma-nage their landings. Five minutes will be given for this challenge.
“As usual, we like to surprise our customers on site with more new things. We offer customers the best of the best,” she says.
Firefly is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines and was introduced as a “community airline” on April 3, 2007. Its flights operate from Penang and Subang in Selangor.
Zoo Negara
Zoo lure at travel fair
The management of Zoo Negara promises a jungle at next month’s MDTF, with plants, pythons and macaws, writes JOHN TIONG
Feeding giraffes is a popular activity at the zoo
ZOO Negara Malaysia is bringing a little part of its wildlife park to the Malaysia Domestic Tourism Fair’s Hall Three in Putra World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur from May 14 to 16.
“We will create a jungle setting with a waterfall, plants and trees and exhibit some animals such as pythons and macaws,” says its director, Dr Mohamad Ngah.
Visitors will be allowed to take pictures with these animals for free and there’s a 20 per cent discount on entrance tickets to the zoo.
As the zoo is also a place to learn about conservation work, its booth would be a very informative place for those keen to know more about nature conservation and the park’s classes and training on the subject.
Zoo Negara Malaysia, the size of about 50 international soccer fields, is only five kms from the KL city centre. It is 47 years old and is managed by Malaysian Zoological Society, a non-governmental organisation.
The zoo is well known for its huge collection of animals. There are 5,137 animals of more than 450 species, many of which are endangered. “The animals are mostly kept in enclosures that reflect their natural habitats,” says Dr Mohamad.
Visiting the zoo is a lot of fun as there are daily shows by sea lions, macaques, macaws and elephants. Visitors will get to even know how elephant nails are cleaned.
There is a restaurant, three cafes, a bee museum and a souvenir shop within the wildlife park.
It also caters to those who are looking for something different to hold personal or company functions, says Dr Mohamad, adding that the Savannah Walk — where the largest mix of animals are kept — has a scenic spot with an African setting that can accommodate up to 500 people.
Another area, the Bears, has a waterfall to enhance its green atmosphere and is ideal for small functions.
“Zoo Negara is also an open classroom for young minds to learn about and to nurture their interest and care for wildlife,” says Dr Mohamad.
He hopes visitors to MDTF will take the opportunity to learn more about the zoo and get the best deal out of packages offered at the fair.
Zoo Negara in Hulu Kelang, Selangor, is open daily from 9am to 5pm. For details, call 03-4108 3422/7/8 or email customerservice@zoonegara.org.my or visit www.zoonegara.org.my.
The management of Zoo Negara promises a jungle at next month’s MDTF, with plants, pythons and macaws, writes JOHN TIONG
Feeding giraffes is a popular activity at the zoo
ZOO Negara Malaysia is bringing a little part of its wildlife park to the Malaysia Domestic Tourism Fair’s Hall Three in Putra World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur from May 14 to 16.
“We will create a jungle setting with a waterfall, plants and trees and exhibit some animals such as pythons and macaws,” says its director, Dr Mohamad Ngah.
Visitors will be allowed to take pictures with these animals for free and there’s a 20 per cent discount on entrance tickets to the zoo.
As the zoo is also a place to learn about conservation work, its booth would be a very informative place for those keen to know more about nature conservation and the park’s classes and training on the subject.
Zoo Negara Malaysia, the size of about 50 international soccer fields, is only five kms from the KL city centre. It is 47 years old and is managed by Malaysian Zoological Society, a non-governmental organisation.
The zoo is well known for its huge collection of animals. There are 5,137 animals of more than 450 species, many of which are endangered. “The animals are mostly kept in enclosures that reflect their natural habitats,” says Dr Mohamad.
Visiting the zoo is a lot of fun as there are daily shows by sea lions, macaques, macaws and elephants. Visitors will get to even know how elephant nails are cleaned.
There is a restaurant, three cafes, a bee museum and a souvenir shop within the wildlife park.
It also caters to those who are looking for something different to hold personal or company functions, says Dr Mohamad, adding that the Savannah Walk — where the largest mix of animals are kept — has a scenic spot with an African setting that can accommodate up to 500 people.
Another area, the Bears, has a waterfall to enhance its green atmosphere and is ideal for small functions.
“Zoo Negara is also an open classroom for young minds to learn about and to nurture their interest and care for wildlife,” says Dr Mohamad.
He hopes visitors to MDTF will take the opportunity to learn more about the zoo and get the best deal out of packages offered at the fair.
Zoo Negara in Hulu Kelang, Selangor, is open daily from 9am to 5pm. For details, call 03-4108 3422/7/8 or email customerservice@zoonegara.org.my or visit www.zoonegara.org.my.
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