Enhancing tourism in Msia- some good pointers

A little bird told me...................

Please find below an article written with regards on how to improve our tourism industry,
good pointers to note when answering questions relating to the above

Note the points that are highlighted


Monday July 28, 2008 - The Star
Pushing tourism to the forefront
By ELAYNE YEE SIEW LIN

TOURISM is one of the fastest growing sectors in the global economy.
A potent growth catalyst that can create high multiplier effects, tourism helps develop strong linkages in the economy and assists in the spin-off of other industries.
From the macro perspective, it assists in reducing the deficit in the services account of the balance of payments through increasing foreign tourists inflow, and reducing foreign exchange outflows as a result of domestic leisure travel by Malaysians.
The tourism industry is currently Malaysia’s third most important industry in terms of foreign exchange earnings after the manufacturing and palm oil sectors.
Its contribution to GDP growth is about 7.2%, suggesting that the industry is still in its infancy and, hence, offers much scope for future growth.
According to the Malaysia Retail Industry Report 2007, Malaysians and tourists spent nearly RM67.1bil in 2007, a 12.8% growth from 2006, and the fastest expansion in 16 years.
Tourists accounted for 10% to 12% of sales during Visit Malaysia Year 2007. The largest number of tourist arrivals is from Asean countries, followed by Japan, China and Australia. Markets of growing importance include India and the Middle East.
Being a key component of the services sector, the thrust of achieving rapid tourism growth on a sustainable basis can offer the Malaysian economy numerous benefits, particularly now that fuel prices have soared and is taking a heavy toll on the costs of living globally.
But does Malaysia have what it takes to push its tourism sector to the forefront? Attractions are certainly one of the attributes of the tourism industry for a nation with a potpourri of influences and heritage.
The tourism base needs to be expanded and diversified so as to create a distinct and unique image of the country's natural and cultural resources. It should strive to establish an appealing Malaysian identity.
Resources alone are not enough for a successful tourism industry. While it serves as a crucial factor for development in the tourism industry, it also hinges inextricably on the quality of the training and education given to the people who are responsible for the delivery of these services.
After all, they are the frontliners and unofficial “ambassadors” for the country, who are in direct contact with the tourists who visit Malaysia.
As tourism is a people-intensive industry, education and training should be put in the forefront of tourism development.

This would mean that more effort could be expended to promote tourism-related careers, stimulating interest in the industry as a source of employment, not only within the industry but other related service industries, particularly food and beverages, accommodation, transport, entertainment, shopping and other small- and medium-sized industries.
For the tourism sector to reach its full potential, funds allocated should be managed and used for appropriate programmes.
Major agendas such as preservation and conservation of national historical sites and other tourism-related infrastructure must be properly planned and implemented.
Coupled with the bearish sentiments currently prevailing and expected in the near term, aggressive and innovative marketing efforts are necessary to further promote this industry so as to reap the full benefits and potential of this sector, besides giving it a competitive edge against its competitors like Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Being a highly competitive industry, the relevant agencies such as the Tourism Development Corp should also monitor and enhance its products or services vis-a-vis those available elsewhere in the region.
Emphasis should be given to the development of competitive tourism products or services to enhance foreign exchange earnings and savings.
It is imperative that the needs of the tourism industry are matched to that of other economic sectors, particularly the services industries, agricultural production, handicrafts or souvenir products and fisheries, so that they can develop simultaneously, mitigating any negative impact that may arise.
The cost of information is another issue affecting tourism in the country. Tourism is a very information- and knowledge-intensive industry and the search costs pertaining to it is substantial, especially if emerging markets are to be developed.
Experience has shown that promotions have to be continuously conducted before tangible results can be realised. Thanks to modern information technology, this could be easily undertaken jointly by the various relevant agencies instead of each going on its own.
Collaboration could also be jointly undertaken between Malaysia and other Asean countries in the sharing of market research, promotional, media and information supply costs.
Besides being cost efficient, Malaysia can certainly take advantage of the intra-regional tourism flows, and fully exploit this multi-billion ringgit industry.
The writer is a research fellow with the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research


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Nobody will believe in you .... Unless you believe in yourself !

Ramsar Sites

A little bird told me........

What's a Ramsar site?
Name after a place in Iran, is an international convention on wetlands which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. It was first established in 1971 and came into force in 1975.

Malaysia presently has 5 Ramsar sites:
1) Pulau Kukup State Park - Johore
2) Sungai Pulai Forest Reserve - Johore
3) Tanjung Piai State Park - Johore
4) Tasek Bera - Pahang
5) Kuching wetlands National Park - Sarawak

Benefits of being listed as a Ramsar site:
a) funding for management activities like forest management plan prepartion
b) enhanced protection
c) bio-diversity assessments
d) increased access to expertise

Sabah is proposing to conserve and permanently protect some 78,000ha of mangroves and forest reserve in the Lower Kinabatangan-Segama region, 250km from Kota Kinabalu ., which is 3 times the size of Kuala Lumpur.
Once approved, Sabah would have the largest Ramsar site in Malaysia.
With the listing, it would further raise the profile of Sabah's conservation efforts internationally and thereby create a positive effect on the state's growing nature-based tourism industry.

ref: The star-19Jul 2008

"When you keep saying that you will do it tomorrow, then your tomorow will never come"

A peep into what travel writers look for ...

A little bird told me......

I enclosed an article written by a travel writer for your reading pleasure. Note the following which are highlighted :
a) what places are covered
b) how wide are the areas covered
c) Activities planned for them
d) local cuisines that they sample
e) Types of hotels that they stay that would feature local architecture

HOLIDAYS ARE NEVER TOO LONG IN PAHANG

When a five-day familiarization excursion to Pahang for journalist and travel operators was organized by Tourism Malaysia recently, I knew this is one occasion not to be missed. Pahang with its alluring natural assets has always mesmerized me with its beauty and never-ending list of places to visit and things to do. It’s probably the love for nature or maybe more, I am not too sure but who can discount the fact that this state has more attractions than elsewhere in the country. Taman Negara National Park, Mount Tahan, Tioman Island, Cherating Beach, Bera Lake, Kenong Rimba National Park, Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hills – all of which are among the places that sits high on the list of Malaysia’s premier attractions, are located in Pahang.

Our journey started in Kuala Lumpur where the participants gathered at the Putra World Trade Centre to board a special coach for the length of the visit. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, I could only join the group in Kuantan

Earlier along the journey from Kuala Lumpur, the others in the special coach were brought to the Kuala Gandah elephant sanctuary and Deerland – two animal sanctuaries located in the Lanchang area of the state, just two hours from the capital. The former is managed by the Wildlife and National Parks Department and was established to relocate troubled or troublesome pachyderms (which of course was not through the elephants fault), as well as rehabilitate chosen ones to help in the relocation process and to entertain visitors with rides and bathing together sessions in a stream that flows through the area.

On the other hand, an animal lover who created his sanctuary for the benefit of local deer manages Deerland. Here, visitors can also see and get to touch a friendly Malaysian Sunbear, which is a rare opportunity as these species are said to be the most aggressive among all bears. A friendly Python that seems to enjoy the human touch is also another popular resident here, along with peacocks, monkeys and other smaller animals.

It was late evening when the group arrived at the Swiss Garden Resort and Spa, Kuantan where its General Manager did a short introduction on the hotel and a mini tour followed. It is a popular hotel in the international standard category with nice huge rooms, several restaurants including one specializing in Chinese cuisines, a spa, fitness and business centres, a pub, a huge swimming pool and a nice stretch of beachfront.

Early next morning, we were taken to the Royal town of Pekan where the day started with a briefing ceremony on the upcoming Pekan Fest 2007, scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 3. It will be an inaugural event and among its highlights are an education fair, a career drive and awareness showcase, exhibitions of small and medium industries and Pahang traditional crafts, an auto and Motor Show, a Tourism Malaysia Showcase, a bazaar, water-based activities and musical performances.

We then proceeded to the Pahang State Museum and Watercraft Museum. The former is an old colonial building, which is an attraction in itself and its exhibits include Royal regalia, old photos of historical importance, weaponry of yesteryears, and traditional musical instruments.

The Muzium Watercraft is where you can see the glory of traditional boats, used long ago by people of importance. The vessels display intricate and colorful carvings and even the heads and shapes of mythical creatures are incepted into their designs.

The next stop was at Pulau keladi where the birthplace of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, is located. The house where he was born has been restored and contains some very nostalgic memorabilias, which include old bedroom sets, iron boards, utensils and a sewing machine.

In the vicinity is a traditional silk weaving centre specializing in producing a limited but exclusive number of ceremonial wears. We got to see the tedious and painstaking process involved in creating these masterpieces.
It was evening when we headed back to our hotel and along the way, we stopped at a popular roadside stall famous for its fried bananas and keropok Lekor, a traditional fish-based product, which is a favourite snack in the peninsula.

A short break to freshen up and we were set for Kuantan, this time for a night cruise up the Kuantan River followed with dinner at the jetty, hosted by the Kuantan Town Council.

The cruise was quite interesting as we were shown various fish landing places as well as fireflies, congregating at certain swaths of the mangroves along the river’s banks. However, it would be a good idea to get some protection from the damp wind, as it is an open-sided boat and the cruise was quite a chilly experience especially it being the rainy season at that time.

It wasn’t long before we had to check out of Swiss Garden for our next visit. This one had a little adventure added, as we were taken to the Tin Museum at Sungai Lembing, a town where time seemed to have stood still for a long time. The museum is an interesting and pretty building, located on a hillock with manicured slopes and pretty flowers. Inside is the insight to an old mine located nearby, which used to be the country’s biggest tin mine and still holds the record as the world’s deepest.

It was noon when we headed to the popular Sungai Pandan waterfall and recreational forest. This is a popular spot during the weekend and I would say, surely we are lucky to be here on a weekday. We had our best lunch for a long time, very traditional and courtesy of the forest park’s management.

Here, the magnificent waterfall drops down a huge wall and is an inviting respite for those seeking to cool off on a hot day. More alluring to me was the jungle slopes and stairways leading to the top of the drop, partly because I wanted a different view, having been here several other times before, and partly to burn off some food after over indulging during lunch. The trek up is relatively easy and standing among the huge rocks in the centre of a stream that is about to plunge more than a hundred metres as well as the magnificent view beyond make this short climb a memorable effort.

We then proceeded to the Balok Beach to see the opening ceremony of Monsoon Madness 2007, an international windsurfing event held during this period to take advantage of the high winds during the monsoon season.

We stayed the night at Impiana Resort Cherating, a hotel with wood and timber interior and rooms that combine traditional Malaysian and Balinese charms. The resort also boasts a long and quiet beachfront as well as a huge swimming pool and fun pub.

The hotel hosted our dinner, which mainly comprised barbecued specialties. A karaoke session was also organized and many of the group members managed to flaunt their singing skills.

We then visited the nearby Cherating Turtle Sanctuary and were shown some newly hatched turtles, which was later released to take on the perils of the open seas. They were such adorable creatures and it is quite heart wrenching to know that only one in a thousand will survive to adulthood.

Up again early on our final tour day and this time, it was to Pantai Sepat, a seemingly endless stretch of beach hosting a fishing community and offering sweeping views of Kuantan’s skyline, some 15km away.

We were to be taken from here to the Sharsha Riding Centre, which turned out to be a rehabilitation centre for injured or unwanted racehorses as well as a breeding centre for special breed of goats and cows. There is also a aviary with various species of local pheasants, Mandarin ducks, green and blue peacocks and hybrid pigeons.

However, stealing my interest was too adolescent short-tailed macaques. They looked and behaved very human and were rather handsome too. Vying for attention, they kept giving cheeky and forlorn looks and their keeper told me these little creatures can be quite naughty.

Our next and final hotel check-in was at MS Garden in Kuantan. It was a classy new hotel and located in a very centralized area of this sprawling town. Besides it is the Kuantan Megamall, a huge and enticing shopping complex that managed to lure all of us to do some minor shopping.

Dinner was at Tanjung Lumpur and was courtesy of Tourism Malaysia Pahang.

They surely took special effort to ensure we did not leave hungry. It was a seafood galore occasion with heaps of fried squid and huge prawns, Grouper, cockles, Blue crab, and more. I guess none of us will forget this huge feasting session.

World Heritage Sites

A little bird told me.......

Unesco accepts George Town and Malacca as World Heritage Sites
Malaysia’s first cultural World Heritage Site.

The historical sites of George Town and Malacca have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO –The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation at Quebec-Canada – a much sought after listing by nations across the globe.
The recognition will see historical and cultural properties in both cities to be listed on the Unesco World Heritage List.
Malaysia had been bidding for the prestigious listing since 2004.
PENANG
The core areas encompass the historical sites of George Town, including the Lebuh Acheh historical enclave and sites such as the Lebuh Acheh Malay Mosque, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Kling Mosque, the Goddess of Mercy Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Khoo Kongsi, St George’s Church, Assumption Church, St Xavier’s Institution, Convent Light Street, Little India, the museum and court building, the commercial area of Beach Street, Fort Cornwallis, Esplanade, City Hall, the clan jetties and the port areas.
MALACCA
In Malacca, the historical sites near the St Paul’s Hill, the 17th century Dutch Stadhuys buildings, Jonker Street with its Dutch-era buildings, Jalan Tukang Besi, Kampung Morten and Malacca River have been recognised as part of the world heritage sites.
George Town and Malacca were among the eight sites chosen by Unesco as the latest World Heritage Sites. The other sites are in Croatia, France, Papua New Guinea, San Marino, Slovakia and Germany.
Besides being better able to preserve the state’s rich heritage, UNESCO recognition would also bring in economic benefit for the people through the tourism and service industries following expected increase in tourist arrivals.
Sabah and the Mulu National Park in Sarawak were also inscribed as natural sites in the World Heritage List.
The recognition would bring benefit for the state in terms of funding for conservation and preservation work including gaining foreign expert assistance in joint exchange programs, and also an increase in heritage and historical tourism.
A permanent conservation and preservation unit would be set up by the city council to oversee the implementation of UNESCO’s guidelines, failing which it can also be taken away.
George Town, has been recognised for its largest concentration of pre-World War II buildings in South East Asia and multi-ethnic living heritage.
“Malays, Indians, Chinese, Eurasians, Armenians, Japanese, British, Jewish, Filipinos and other small nationalities have contributed to the development of George Town,” he said.

Ref: The Star - July 08 2008

A GOAL IS CREATED TWICE -- FIRST MENTALLY THEN PHYSICALLY....

Pointers for Bird Watching Questions

A little bird told me......

observe the bold letters within the script:
extrated from Virtual Malaysia:

KUALA GULA BIRD WATCHING HAVEN
A bird watcher's paradise,

Kuala Gula is a bona-fide eco tourism destination.People enjoy and appreciate Kuala Gula for its serenity, rural charm and plenty of bird life !

Though essentially a fishing settlement, Kuala Gula has in the past few years, become one of the favourite locations for bird-watching. Species such as the Milky Stork and Lesser Adjutants are just a couple of the attractions for bird enthusiasts, or birders, to spy for here. Aside from the resident varieties of kingfishers, egrets and species of shore raptors that are visible all year round, migrating fowls pass through in droves on their journey from the north to escape the winter. This journey takes place around October through March, marking the peak season when birders descend upon Kuala Gula's shores and mudflats to witness the spectacle.

Hiring nature guides in Kuala Gula is not a problem, provided you book in advance. The guides, many of whom are local residents trained by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) will take you to the best spots where you will be regaled by the sheer variety of migratory birds for as far as China, Japan, Russia and Mongolia.

Good pointers for questions pertaining to Eco-tourism

A little bird told me........

Extract from Editor’s Note – Virtual Malaysia Magazine
Good travel ideas with regards to eco-tourism

“ With its vast natural resources encompassing pristine 130-million year old tropical rainforests, rushing rapids , placid lakes, breathtaking shores and islands, as well as rugged landscapes, Malaysia today is becoming a favourite eco-destination for visitors from all over the world.

Coupled with easy access to seemingly remote sites as well as the availability of various categories of accomodation within easy distance, many natural places of interest in Malaysia are becoming choice destinations among nature loving travellers as well as endurance sports enthusiasts.

Attested by the rapidly growing number of extreme sportingevents as well as nature challenges in the country that see high international and local participation, we can safely say that Malaysia is fast securing a place as a favourite eco-venue in the region.

From less arduous feats like short jungle treks and angling to full-fledge extreme sporting events such as white-water kayaking, 4-wheel competitions, eco-challenges and rock climbing, the options awaiting eco-travellers and adventure-lovers abound.

Activities such as eco-challenges in Taman Negara and Kuala Kubu, kayaking down the choppy Kenaboi river, the punishing yet rewarding climb to the peak of Mount Tahan, and the vast potentials awaiting visitors to Kenyir Lake, all speak of the growing recognition of Malaysia's great outdoors and its timeless natural world.

With this recognition, comes greater awareness of nature conservtion, which Msia can proudly claim to have done wisely with it numerous state and national parks, forest reserves, marine parks as well as recreational forest reserves. There is one within easy reach from all major towns and cities and few places can boast of primeval natural destinations just less than an hour's drive from the capital or any major city in the country.

Growing public awareness and appreciation, which is also being fuelled by the increasing interest in eco-travel, spell a good future for the country's natural reserves, which may soon see Malaysia becoming a top eco-destination."