The Sabah Homestay Programme is expected to remain bullish this year, where RM3.7 million in receipts are projected from the 16 programmes involving 209 houses in the state.
Sabah Homestay Association president, Jeffry Yahya, said this year it expected the receipts to increase by at least 50 per cent from last year's target of RM2.5 million.
"Last year, we were ranked number one in Malaysia. To date, we have seen a 35 per cent increase compared with the first quarter of last year. So we are off to a good start.
"The increase is seen in the number of participating tourists and receipts recorded," he told reporters after the launch of '365 Days Celebration with Homestay Sabah' brochure here Tuesday.
He said only one or two homestay operators here were affected by the Japanese earthquake as the majority of them catered to European market.
On the claims by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen of the existence of illegal homestay operators, Jeffry said this happened a few years back because of there was no official Homestay logo.
He said the association has the logo now and starting this year, it would be easier for tourists to identify between a genuine and illegal operator.
Earlier, Sabah Tourism Board chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Tengku Zainal Adlin, said last year, 17,558 tourists, both local and foreign, had a taste of the 'kampung' lifestyle through the homestay programmes.
"The programes generated RM2.46 million in receipts, an increase of 14 per cent from RM2.13 million recorded in 2009," said Zainal, who is also a member of Tourism Malaysia board of directors.
Meanwhile, Tourism Ministry's Sabah office director, Nely Nasir, said the ministry has identified 25 illegal homestay operators during their checks at Kundasang, Kota Belud and Kudat in February.
NO LIES... JUST THE FACTS!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
GUIDE TO MEDICAL TOURISM
Recent reports regarding medical tourism of botched surgeries, lack of legal recourse for patients and post-operative complications have fuelled a perception that medical tourism is unsafe and risky. However, Dr Prem Jagyasi, author of a recently launched Medical Tourism Guidebook, argues that cross border healthcare won’t put a patient at risk, rather the lack of meticulous planning and preparation will. He emphasised that medical tourism is an age-old concept that has been occurring since the period before Christ, and has lots to offer if planned meticulously.
According to the recent medical tourism research conducted by Dr. Prem, a staggering 94% of industry experts think that medical tourism has yet to reach its full potential. Also, 59% of them believe that accessing reliable information is a big hurdle in the growth of medical tourism.
To help address this knowledge deficit, Dr. Prem has launched a comprehensive Medical Tourism Guide (Health Tourism Guide). The guidebook is available for free preview at http://www.DrPrem.com.
Dr Prem advises, “Even though the process of accessing care in a foreign location might seem simple, there are several intricacies, challenges and issues associated with the industry that all potential medical travellers should be aware of in order to help make their journey successful.”
In order to facilitate meticulous planning, the guidebook lists essential preparation steps that can help ensure a safe and successful medical journey. “Patients need to organize all the post-operative arrangements before they travel, appropriately budget for medical tourism and pack the essential items they would require,” added Dr Prem.
The guidebook also provides essential info on the top 50 medical tourism destinations around the world. Dr. Prem says, “Picking the right healthcare destination is an essential factor that determines the success of your medical journey. The risk of picking the wrong country can be eliminated via thorough research before a medical tourist travels.”
According to the recent medical tourism research conducted by Dr. Prem, a staggering 94% of industry experts think that medical tourism has yet to reach its full potential. Also, 59% of them believe that accessing reliable information is a big hurdle in the growth of medical tourism.
To help address this knowledge deficit, Dr. Prem has launched a comprehensive Medical Tourism Guide (Health Tourism Guide). The guidebook is available for free preview at http://www.DrPrem.com.
Dr Prem advises, “Even though the process of accessing care in a foreign location might seem simple, there are several intricacies, challenges and issues associated with the industry that all potential medical travellers should be aware of in order to help make their journey successful.”
In order to facilitate meticulous planning, the guidebook lists essential preparation steps that can help ensure a safe and successful medical journey. “Patients need to organize all the post-operative arrangements before they travel, appropriately budget for medical tourism and pack the essential items they would require,” added Dr Prem.
The guidebook also provides essential info on the top 50 medical tourism destinations around the world. Dr. Prem says, “Picking the right healthcare destination is an essential factor that determines the success of your medical journey. The risk of picking the wrong country can be eliminated via thorough research before a medical tourist travels.”
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
TRAMS AT KL LAKE GARDENS
PLANS to connect attractions surrounding the KL Lake Gardens via tram service is in the works, said Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail.
“The plan is to utilise it to ferry tourists from one attraction to another within the area. We are talking to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to see if the trams can be used for such a purpose,” he said after closing the “10,000 Expressions of Green KL” campaign at the Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
He said there were many things to see in the area such as the National Museum , National Planetarium, National Mosque and National Monument.
“There are many good ‘products’ in the area that are quite unknown to the public, such as the police museum,” he said
He said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had communicated with the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) who have agreed with the concept.
He also said phase two would start in June. It has been reported phase two will see the construction of a cafe, souvenir shop and a playground featuring the Kampung Boy series by Malaysian cartoonist Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid, better known as Lat.
The first phase has been completed, involving the planting of more than 1,500 trees and plants, lake clean-up, building of waterfalls, the creation of additional car parks, introduction of buggy service and installation of a new lighting system.
“A total of RM17mil has been spent in the first phase with about RM11mil provided by the private sector,” said Fuad.
The mayor said in his speech at the campaign closing ceremony that tree-planting and keeping the environment clean should not only be done during such periods but at all times.
“DBKL will support all corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities by the private sector in terms of logistics, charge exemptions and waiver of certain conditions like deposit payment within the context of CSR commmitment,” he added.
“The plan is to utilise it to ferry tourists from one attraction to another within the area. We are talking to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to see if the trams can be used for such a purpose,” he said after closing the “10,000 Expressions of Green KL” campaign at the Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
He said there were many things to see in the area such as the National Museum , National Planetarium, National Mosque and National Monument.
“There are many good ‘products’ in the area that are quite unknown to the public, such as the police museum,” he said
He said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had communicated with the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) who have agreed with the concept.
He also said phase two would start in June. It has been reported phase two will see the construction of a cafe, souvenir shop and a playground featuring the Kampung Boy series by Malaysian cartoonist Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid, better known as Lat.
The first phase has been completed, involving the planting of more than 1,500 trees and plants, lake clean-up, building of waterfalls, the creation of additional car parks, introduction of buggy service and installation of a new lighting system.
“A total of RM17mil has been spent in the first phase with about RM11mil provided by the private sector,” said Fuad.
The mayor said in his speech at the campaign closing ceremony that tree-planting and keeping the environment clean should not only be done during such periods but at all times.
“DBKL will support all corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities by the private sector in terms of logistics, charge exemptions and waiver of certain conditions like deposit payment within the context of CSR commmitment,” he added.
Monday, March 28, 2011
MAS AIMS TO BE NO 1 IN ASIA
MALAYSIA Airlines (MAS), which is now in its transformation phase, is halfway towards becoming Asia's champion in terms of product offering and quality service. Chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohamed Munir Abdul Majid said the national carrier is already Asia's best airline in terms of service and having the world's best cabin crew.
"Our target is to become the number one airline in Asia, with an average fleet age of 5.2 years," he told reporters from selected local media groups in Subang, Selangor, yesterday.
Tan Sri Munir said the airline now has a good balance sheet, cash position and a team led by a chief executive officer (Tengku Azmil Zahruddin) who is professional, passionate, knows the business well, sound financial management and makes strategic decisions.
He said although the rising oil price is a challenge, MAS now has "a stamina" to expand. The airline is expecting delivery of more aircraft including Boeing 738, Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A330-800.
"MAS is in a good position today. We can take on competition," he said.
Munir also said that subsidiary Firefly will will take over MAS' domestic routes. "But don't ask me when. It depends on market dynamics," he added. Domestic and short-haul routes previously bled MAS as they were deemed unprofitable.
He said MAS is not competing directly with the country's low-cost airline, AirAsia Bhd, but "Firefly is supporting MAS in the low-cost segment to maintain the group's passenger load factor".
According to Munir, market dynamics of supply, demand and price will determine whether MAS will continue to provide domestic full-service flights or reduce its frequency. "People would still want premium service on some routes," he said, pointing out that MASwings, which operates turbo-prop aircraft like Firefly, has a business class.
He said MAS will also focus on the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business. MAS is currently the world's fifth largest provider of third-party MRO.
Tan Sri Munir, who has been in the corporate sector for about 33 years, received the Brand Laureate Personality Award 2011 recently.
"Our target is to become the number one airline in Asia, with an average fleet age of 5.2 years," he told reporters from selected local media groups in Subang, Selangor, yesterday.
Tan Sri Munir said the airline now has a good balance sheet, cash position and a team led by a chief executive officer (Tengku Azmil Zahruddin) who is professional, passionate, knows the business well, sound financial management and makes strategic decisions.
He said although the rising oil price is a challenge, MAS now has "a stamina" to expand. The airline is expecting delivery of more aircraft including Boeing 738, Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A330-800.
"MAS is in a good position today. We can take on competition," he said.
Munir also said that subsidiary Firefly will will take over MAS' domestic routes. "But don't ask me when. It depends on market dynamics," he added. Domestic and short-haul routes previously bled MAS as they were deemed unprofitable.
He said MAS is not competing directly with the country's low-cost airline, AirAsia Bhd, but "Firefly is supporting MAS in the low-cost segment to maintain the group's passenger load factor".
According to Munir, market dynamics of supply, demand and price will determine whether MAS will continue to provide domestic full-service flights or reduce its frequency. "People would still want premium service on some routes," he said, pointing out that MASwings, which operates turbo-prop aircraft like Firefly, has a business class.
He said MAS will also focus on the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business. MAS is currently the world's fifth largest provider of third-party MRO.
Tan Sri Munir, who has been in the corporate sector for about 33 years, received the Brand Laureate Personality Award 2011 recently.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Datuk Bandar Kuala Lumpur Launches First Tourism Awards 2011
The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Bin Ismail has launched the inaugural Kuala Lumpur Mayor's Tourism Awards 2011. He said these were the first such awards created to recognise and appreciate those in the KL tourism industry who have contributed to make Kuala Lumpur an attractive international tourist destination.
"Kuala Lumpur has much to offer now as compared to a decade ago. Now the city has many modern shopping centres, world class tourist attractions, entertainment & dining outlets, multinational chain hotels, MICE, parks, sports, medical and educational centres, more efficient transportation system and multi-cultural centres that have created a distinctive identity and image for the city. Foreign tourists now gain greater experience when visiting Kuala Lumpur and the impressions that are taken back to their countries have further elevated the profile of the city" said Fuad.
"The tremendous success of putting KL on top of every travellers mind is done through the contributions, investment, commitments, passion and efforts made by the tourism industry players at all levels. Now is the time for Kuala Lumpur City Hall to reward their contributions", he added. The awards will help boost the standards of delivery of products and services in the industry and encourage all tourism operators to strive for nothing less than excellence.
There will be a total of 9 awards and a KL Lifetime Achievement Award. They are for Accommodation, Restaurant, Nightspot, Shopping Mall, Tourist Attraction, International Tour Operator, International Airline and Media Publication - magazine.
There will also be recognition awards, the Front Liner Award, to recognise industry front liners, who have performed over and above the call of duty in providing an outstanding experience for tourists. These individuals could be from any part of the industry for example hotel reception staff, taxi drivers, waiters, doormen, tour guides, stewardesses, and information counter personnel.
Nomination forms can be downloaded from the official awards website at www.klmayortourismawards.com. The closing date for nominations is on 21 April 2011. Nominations can be done in three methods that include self-nomination, third party nominations and by invitation.
The award winners will be determined by points awarded by the panel of judges as well as public on-line voting. The judges' points will count for 95% of the total marks while public voting will count for the remaining 5%. Members of the public can cast their votes online from the 2nd of May 2011 by visiting the official website.
The judging will be conducted by independent panels of judges for each of the categories of awards that will be presented. Stringent judging criteria have been set by the panels of judges for each award and the judging process will take over a month to complete. The awards are scheduled to be presented in mid-June 2011.
”
"Kuala Lumpur has much to offer now as compared to a decade ago. Now the city has many modern shopping centres, world class tourist attractions, entertainment & dining outlets, multinational chain hotels, MICE, parks, sports, medical and educational centres, more efficient transportation system and multi-cultural centres that have created a distinctive identity and image for the city. Foreign tourists now gain greater experience when visiting Kuala Lumpur and the impressions that are taken back to their countries have further elevated the profile of the city" said Fuad.
"The tremendous success of putting KL on top of every travellers mind is done through the contributions, investment, commitments, passion and efforts made by the tourism industry players at all levels. Now is the time for Kuala Lumpur City Hall to reward their contributions", he added. The awards will help boost the standards of delivery of products and services in the industry and encourage all tourism operators to strive for nothing less than excellence.
There will be a total of 9 awards and a KL Lifetime Achievement Award. They are for Accommodation, Restaurant, Nightspot, Shopping Mall, Tourist Attraction, International Tour Operator, International Airline and Media Publication - magazine.
There will also be recognition awards, the Front Liner Award, to recognise industry front liners, who have performed over and above the call of duty in providing an outstanding experience for tourists. These individuals could be from any part of the industry for example hotel reception staff, taxi drivers, waiters, doormen, tour guides, stewardesses, and information counter personnel.
Nomination forms can be downloaded from the official awards website at www.klmayortourismawards.com. The closing date for nominations is on 21 April 2011. Nominations can be done in three methods that include self-nomination, third party nominations and by invitation.
The award winners will be determined by points awarded by the panel of judges as well as public on-line voting. The judges' points will count for 95% of the total marks while public voting will count for the remaining 5%. Members of the public can cast their votes online from the 2nd of May 2011 by visiting the official website.
The judging will be conducted by independent panels of judges for each of the categories of awards that will be presented. Stringent judging criteria have been set by the panels of judges for each award and the judging process will take over a month to complete. The awards are scheduled to be presented in mid-June 2011.
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