MALAYSIA PROMOTES LESSER KNOWN ATTRACTIONS TO SINGAPOREANS

SINGAPORE, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is promoting lesser known places
of interest to Singaporeans, according to Tourism Malaysia Director-General,
Mirza Mohammad Taiyab.

He said as Singaporeans are frequent visitors, Malaysia needed to offer
fresh, all-year round attractions, to ensure their stay was fun and worthwhile
as well as to keep them coming.

Speaking at the launch of Travel Malaysia 2009 at the Suntec City Convention
Centre here, Mirza said Singaporean visitors were very important to Malaysia as
they account for about 50 percent of tourist arrivals.

He said last year Malaysia recorded about 22.5 million visitors into the
country and about half, were from the city-state.

He added that on an average, Singaporeans made three visits to the country,
although the island Republic had a population of slightly over four million.

Mirza said Singaporeans were now looking for adventure and eco-tourism,
apart from getting to know more about Malaysia's culture, heritage and
lifestyle.

He said Malaysia was now promoting aggressively the homestay holiday
escapades to captivate the Singapore tourists.

About 80 exhibitors ranging from Malaysian hotel and resort operators to
local travel agencies and transportation companies are participating in the
annual three-day travel fair.

The fair is organised by the Singapore Express Bus Agencies Association.
-- BERNAMA