MALAYSIA, THAILAND CAN WORK CLOSER TO BOOST TOURIST TRAFFIC

PHUKET, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Travel and tour operators in Malaysia can
collaborate more with their counterparts in southern Thailand to boost tourist
traffic between Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia and Phuket.

Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen said Malaysia and Thailand had a huge potential
for such partnership as both had their own distinct tourism products despite
their historical and geographical ties.

She cited Malaysia's ecotourism, with its famed 130 million years old virgin
rainforest and rich biodiversity, as well as its fascinating shopping experience
as among the products that could attract tourists.

"I see opportunities for greater collaboration and cooperation between Malaysia
and Thailand in tourism industry.

"They can look into ways on how to package products that will benefit both
sides," she told Malaysian reporters at an event in honour of the commitment and
long-term support of local Thai tour operators and tourism organisations, here
Thursday night.

Dr Ng is here since Thursday for a six-day visit to Thailand.

She also urged tour operators to take advantage of the increasingly frequent
direct flights from major cities in Malaysia to Phuket to work on such
partnership.

She added that historical link between northern state of Penang and Phuket in
southern Thailand on the uniquely rich Peranakan (descendents of early Chinese
community) culture should also be promoted.

"We hoped that through such collaboration, tourists who visit Langkawi and
Penang will also visit Phuket and likewise visitors to Phuket will also come to
Malaysia," she said.

She also declared open the "Malaysia Through Eyes of the Thais" photography
exhibition, featuring 15 photographs of Malaysian landscapes and landmarks taken
by eight Thai photographers.

The Tourism Minister also visited the Phuket Peranakan community and walked
along the Peranakan trail in the old section of Phuket town.
-- BERNAMA



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