TOURISM MALAYSIA'S AGGRESSIVE DOMESTIC DRIVE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia will continue to
emphasise on domestic tourism, a strategy Tourism Minister Azalina Othman Said
hoped would serve as a buffer to the country's economic slowdown.

"We will continue an aggressive drive on domestic tourism to encourage more
Malaysians to take up vacations locally, and during the school breaks,
especially in the current global economic uncertainties.

"I hope such campaigns will serve as a buffer to the economic downturn we
are currently facing," she said at the launch of Zoom! Malaysia jingle on AMP
Radio Networks at KL Tower here Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters later, Azalina said the Zoom! Malaysia campaign which
was launched last May to promote domestic tourism destinations among Malaysians,
had received positive feedback.

She was optimistic that the number of local tourists would see a steady
rise.

"For local tourists, the numbers are quite high but the calculation is based
on hotel occupancy.

"On an average assessment, we look at the tourism product market-users
...whether they get positive feedback from local tourists," added Azalina.

The 60-second jingle already being aired on local radio stations since last
month, is expected to be played until January next year.

In addition, the Zoom! Malaysia advertising campaign will be publicised
through the five radio stations on promo-vehicles which are expected to make
on-site visits to Tourism Malaysia's events from where the announcers will
report the unfolding events live.
-- BERNAMA