MALAYSIA-IRAN SPECIAL PANEL SET UP TO TAP TOURISM POTENTIAL

from Mohamad Bakri Darus

TEHRAN, May 9 (Bernama) - A Malaysia-Iran special committee will be formed to discuss and tap the tourism potential of both countries.

Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen said the Iranian government and tourism industry players are interested to know more about Malaysian tourism.

"The establishment of the special joint committee was agreed by Iranian Vice-President Hamid Baghaei," she said after calling on Hamid here on Sunday.

Dr Ng is leading a delegation of tourism industry players to promote Malaysia in Iran from May 7-9.

Some 116,252 Iranians visited Malaysia last year, up 14.3 per cent from 101,664 in 2009. Some 117,000 Iranian tourists are targeted this year.

She said a consortium of travel companies from Malaysia and Iran will be formed to promote both countries.

Malaysia will promote products like flower gardens, shopping, the
international shoe festival and sun and beaches.

The ministry is discussing with the Iranian government to increase flights from Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad to Kuala Lumpur.

Iran Air operates four Tehran-Kuala Lumpur weekly flights, AirAsia X has 3 flights from Tehran and Mahan Air with two flights from Shiraz.

Dr Ng proposed that a luxury package for retired Iranians be created so that they spend their time visiting Malaysia.

She warned that firm action will be taken against travel companies that take advantage of Iranian tourists by taking them to shops selling expensive items.
- BERNAMA