MINISTER PROMOTES HOMESTAY TO ASEAN-CHINA CONFERENCE DELEGATES

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen Wednesday
night took the opportunity to promote the excitement of Malaysian homestay to
the delegates of the fourth conference of the Asean-China People-to-People
Friendship Organisation.

"Homestay is not just about accommodation but also experiencing the
lifestyle of the local village communities. The tourists will also be able to
participate in the various cultural activities like playing traditional games
and doing the traditional dances," she said to the 200 delegates at a dinner
here to welcome them.

Dr Ng said the homestay concept would also be incorporated in the 'Twin City
Fellowship' programme.

She said Malaysia always supported any kind of partnership between China and
Asean countries as visitors from these countries made up 70 per cent of the
total 22 million visitors to Malaysia last year.

Meanwhile, Asean-China People-to-People Friendship Organisation president Gu
Xiulian in her speech said the organisation always looked forward to working
with Malaysia and other Asean countries as such cooperation would be
economically beneficial to both sides.

The participants of the two-day conference which kicks off Thursday are from
the 10 Asean countries and China.
-- BERNAMA