BOOSTING TOURISM WITH FOOTWEAR FAIR

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Besides scenic spots, culture, shopping
and food, the Tourism Ministry is embarking on shoes as an attraction to promote
Malaysia to the world.

Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen said a three-day 1Malaysia
International Shoe Festival would be held from April 2 to promote the country as
the shoe capital of the East.

Malaysian-born world-renowned shoe designer Jimmy Choo will also
showcase his 10 most successful shoe creations and deliver a talk at the event
at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

Ng said the number of tourists who shopped for shoes in Malaysia increased
by 19.9 per cent last year compared to 2008.

"We hope that this year, sales will increase by up to 25 per cent and will
stimulate the Malaysian economy," she told reporters.

The event would be jointly organised by the ministry and the Malaysian
Footwear Manufacturers Association.

Ng said Peter Chow, a renowned London-based trade buyer and owner of Davina
Fashion Shoe boutique, would speak on how to attract more international buyers
for Malaysian-made shoes.

The prime minister's wife, Rosmah Mansor, would launch the
festival, which would also feature the history of local shoes including Malay
Royal Court shoes and intricately-designed beaded Nyonya shoes, she said.

"With the support from Jimmy Choo, we believe our dream to establish
Malaysia as an international hub for shoe fashion and become a shoe-buying
centre is possible.

"We believe this event will not only create an economic opportunity but will
also attract more tourists to the country," she said, noting that Malaysian
brands such as Vincci, Bonia, Carlo Rino and Lewre had penetrated the
international market.

-- BERNAMA



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