ID :
59256
Wed, 05/06/2009 - 17:07
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/59256
The shortlink copeid
FACTORS FAVOURING MALAYSIA`S TOURISM INDUSTRY ABOUND
By Muin Abdul Majid
DUBAI, May 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has a lot to attract Middle East visitors
such as a strong brand name, reasonable hotel rates and a plethora of things to
see and do for those who travel with their families.
Tourism Malaysia regional director for Africa, West and South Asia, Abdul
Rahman Shaari, reckoned that Malaysia had a positive image in this region,
boosted by the fact that it was a progressive Muslim country where religious
needs were respected.
"Halal food is easily available and the same goes for mosques and musolla.
And we're sensitive to the need of having piped-water in the toilet, unlike in
some other parts of the world," he told Bernama on the sidelines of the ongoing
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2009.
Abdul Rahman pointed out that hotel rates in Malaysia were reasonable as a
room at a five-star hotel would only cost around RM300 to RM400 per night, a
bargain compared to similar establishments in places like the Middle East, for
example.
"We need to highlight this more as some people may not be aware of it or
assume that our hotels are expensive," he said.
Some of the tour agents here had complained that hotel rates in Malaysia
had gone up, he said, explaining that after factoring in inflation and so on,
the rates were still comparatively reasonable.
Another thing that works in Malaysia's favour is the availability of
family entertainment, embodied by places like Sunway and Genting Highlands.
"These establishments are popular because they're like one-stop centres
where the theme park, accommodation and shopping are blended into one," said
Abdul Rahman.
According to him, plans to establish more such developments in Malaysia,
like the one in southern Johor, were a move in the right direction to sustain
the interest of visitors from the Middle East.
Another plus point for Malaysia is that it has relaxed visa requirements
for many countries in this region, including Iran, a move that has boosted
tourist arrivals to the Southeast Asian nation of 27 million people.
In terms of accessibility, Abdul Rahman said Malaysia was fortunate because
many Middle Eastern airlines had direct flights to Kuala Lumpur in addition to
the ones mounted by Malaysia Airlines.
"But there is a nagging concern that the number of seats will not be enough
to cater to increased travel demand during the peak season."
He said Malaysia Airlines should look into the possibility of spreading its
wings to more Middle East destinations, such as Tehran and Cairo, where travel
demand was growing.
The Malaysian delegation at the ATM is made up of over 100 participants
from 84 organisations comprising 55 hotels, 23 tour operators, four state
governments, KL Tower and Malaysia Airlines.
It is led by the Tourism Ministry's deputy secretary-general for tourism
Abdul Ghaffar A. Thambi.
-- BERNAMA
DUBAI, May 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has a lot to attract Middle East visitors
such as a strong brand name, reasonable hotel rates and a plethora of things to
see and do for those who travel with their families.
Tourism Malaysia regional director for Africa, West and South Asia, Abdul
Rahman Shaari, reckoned that Malaysia had a positive image in this region,
boosted by the fact that it was a progressive Muslim country where religious
needs were respected.
"Halal food is easily available and the same goes for mosques and musolla.
And we're sensitive to the need of having piped-water in the toilet, unlike in
some other parts of the world," he told Bernama on the sidelines of the ongoing
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2009.
Abdul Rahman pointed out that hotel rates in Malaysia were reasonable as a
room at a five-star hotel would only cost around RM300 to RM400 per night, a
bargain compared to similar establishments in places like the Middle East, for
example.
"We need to highlight this more as some people may not be aware of it or
assume that our hotels are expensive," he said.
Some of the tour agents here had complained that hotel rates in Malaysia
had gone up, he said, explaining that after factoring in inflation and so on,
the rates were still comparatively reasonable.
Another thing that works in Malaysia's favour is the availability of
family entertainment, embodied by places like Sunway and Genting Highlands.
"These establishments are popular because they're like one-stop centres
where the theme park, accommodation and shopping are blended into one," said
Abdul Rahman.
According to him, plans to establish more such developments in Malaysia,
like the one in southern Johor, were a move in the right direction to sustain
the interest of visitors from the Middle East.
Another plus point for Malaysia is that it has relaxed visa requirements
for many countries in this region, including Iran, a move that has boosted
tourist arrivals to the Southeast Asian nation of 27 million people.
In terms of accessibility, Abdul Rahman said Malaysia was fortunate because
many Middle Eastern airlines had direct flights to Kuala Lumpur in addition to
the ones mounted by Malaysia Airlines.
"But there is a nagging concern that the number of seats will not be enough
to cater to increased travel demand during the peak season."
He said Malaysia Airlines should look into the possibility of spreading its
wings to more Middle East destinations, such as Tehran and Cairo, where travel
demand was growing.
The Malaysian delegation at the ATM is made up of over 100 participants
from 84 organisations comprising 55 hotels, 23 tour operators, four state
governments, KL Tower and Malaysia Airlines.
It is led by the Tourism Ministry's deputy secretary-general for tourism
Abdul Ghaffar A. Thambi.
-- BERNAMA
