Latest news with #TourismMalaysia
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Langkawi Rahmah package: 3D2N stay, jet ski & more for RM500
LANGKAWI: Travellers can now enjoy a three-day, two-night (3D2N) getaway in Langkawi, complete with five exclusive activities, for as little as RM500 under a newly launched Rahmah tourism package. The package, introduced by Tourism Malaysia's Northern Region office in collaboration with local tourism operators, takes effect immediately. Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Abdul Hadi Che Man said the initiative also supported the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign and sets the stage for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. "This package offers affordable rates inclusive of 3D2N accommodation and at least five curated, exclusive experiences with an emphasis on holistic health tourism. It promotes both physical wellness and emotional well-being," he said at the launch of the second edition of the Langkawi Tourism Package at Hotel Goldsand yesterday. Among the featured activities are visits to Maha Tower and the Langkawi National Art Gallery, island-hopping via jet ski, and marine foraging experiences such as catching sea cucumbers and crabs. Abdul Hadi said the package was developed in close consultation with strategic partners following a three-day familiarisation trip. "With direct international flights now connecting Langkawi to Bengaluru via IndiGo and to the United Arab Emirates via Flydubai, we are confident this package will also appeal to tourists from India and the Middle East," he said.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Spice & Soul of Malaysia programme happening this month in KL
Feast on the wide array of Peranakan delights at The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur. — The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur is offering visitors not only a taste of Malaysia's diverse culinary cuisines but also a chance to experience traditional performances this month. This is part of Tourism Malaysia's exciting new programme called 'Spice & Soul of Malaysia', which blends food and culture together. It is also one of the many exciting events happening in the run-up to Visit Malaysia 2026. The programme features Malaysia's 'supper culture' – where people frequent F&B outlets, namely coffee shops and food stall, past midnight – and introduces it to visitors via the 'Midnight Supper' initiative. Through this, visitors can experience similar late-night experiences at participating restaurants, specifically those under the Persatuan Pengusaha Restoran Muslim Malaysia (Presma), a Muslim restaurant operator association in Malaysia. One of these restaurants is Saloma Kuala Lumpur, which will operate until 3am this month. You will be treated to dazzling cultural performance at The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur. — The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur Meanwhile, hotels participating in the Spice & Soul of Malaysia programme include ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Hotel Royal Signature, and The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Patrons can enjoy cultural shows, special activities and themed menus. According to Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Promotion II) Lee Thai Hung, who was at the launch of the programme in KL recently, the country recorded a whopping tourist expenditure of RM106.8bil last year, with the gastronomy sector contributing 16.1% of the total. Data showed a growth of nearly 1% compared to 2023. 'Gastronomy tourism, which offers local Malaysian food experiences, is a popular activity with tourists both locally and internationally,' Lee said at the event. He added: 'Our rich culinary scene is one of the most appealing factors in the country, making it an important component in boosting Malaysia's economy.'
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia's diversity to shine in VM2026
All love: (From left) DJ Jeff, Lee, Woo, Wang, Yeoh, Chan, DJ Cassey, Ng and DJ Danny posing for a picture at the 988 radio station in Menara Star. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's rich and diverse mix of ethnicities makes it an ideal destination for foreign tourists seeking a unique and multifaceted travel experience, says Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin. He said the ability of Malaysians to speak several major languages and the country's reputation as one of the safest countries in South-East Asia are among the key factors that will attract visitors during Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). 'Malaysia is ideal for tourists as it is not just affordable but also a safe country. 'Moreover, we are multilingual and have a warm and amiable culture, which is another plus point.' He said currently, all preparations and steps to ensure VM2026 is a booming success are underway. 'We are heavily promoting the campaign through various platforms, and the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) is expected to launch the campaign in September,' Yeoh said during a courtesy visit to Menara Star yesterday. Yeoh said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, with support from other agencies, would also monitor and take action against illegal tourism service providers seeking to profit from the expected influx of visitors next year. 'We hope licensed tourism company operators and the public in general will provide us with information on such illegal companies they may come across.' Also present were Yeoh's private secretary Fu Yu Keong, Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, chief operating officer Lydia Wang, chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and senior general manager Sharon Lee Li Wei as well as Star RFM senior general manager Woo Bee Ay.
Sinar Daily
4 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
25 years of clay and craft: Ramadas Pottery keeps tradition alive in Kuala Selangor
Having started pottery-making in 1976, Ramadas said demand for clay products remains strong as more people recognise their advantages over modern cookware. 20 Jul 2025 07:00pm V. Ramadas remains dedicated to shaping clay using the 'throwing wheel' technique (a process of shaping clay) inherited from his father to make clay pots, rice cookers and water jars. Photo by Bernama TUCKED behind a row of old shophouses along Jalan Ara here is a pottery workshop that has withstood the test of time for three generations, crafting a range of clay products using time-honoured techniques and tools over 25 years old. This is where Ramadas Pottery, owned by V. Ramadas, 74, is located. He remains dedicated to shaping clay using the 'throwing wheel' technique (a process of shaping clay) inherited from his father to make clay pots, rice cookers and water jars. V. Ramadas remains dedicated to shaping clay using the 'throwing wheel' technique (a process of shaping clay) inherited from his father to make clay pots, rice cookers and water jars. Photo by Bernama "We do use modern pottery machines at the factory, but at this shop, I maintain the traditional methods. Tourists enjoy watching the old techniques, and many want to try making the pottery themselves,' he said when met during the Star Healing 2025 programme organised by Tourism Malaysia at his premises recently. Having started pottery-making in 1976, Ramadas said demand for clay products remains strong as more people recognise their advantages over modern cookware. "These clay pots are cleaner and safer to use. In fact, when SIRIM tested them, it was proven that my pottery is free from chemical content. That's why many customers still choose these pots for traditional cooking,' he explained. According to him, if used regularly, pottery items can last up to a year, and if used as decoration, they can last much longer. Recognised as a Master Craftsperson (Adiguru) in Pottery Craft in 2012, Ramadas didn't just rely on his father's legacy. He expanded his skills by attending courses both locally and abroad, including in Indonesia, India, Vietnam, China and at the Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA). "I didn't want my knowledge to end with what my father taught me. That's why I sought out new knowledge to improve my techniques and styles so they evolve with the times,' he said. His relentless efforts bore fruit when the father of three successfully opened his own factory in 2000 with a starting grant of RM2,000, presented by then Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib, after witnessing his skills firsthand. "At the time, he came as a tourist and watched me make pottery the traditional way. After 20 minutes, he immediately offered me assistance,' Ramadas shared. V. Ramadas remains dedicated to shaping clay using the 'throwing wheel' technique (a process of shaping clay) inherited from his father to make clay pots, rice cookers and water jars. Photo by Bernama Today, his factory produces between 3,000 and 4,000 small pottery items per month, while larger pottery products can reach up to 4,000 units monthly for the local market. "I'm happy when people come not just to buy, but to learn. As long as there is interest, I will keep making pottery,' he said, adding that he uses at least one tonne of clay each month to produce his items. For those interested in experiencing the craft, participants need only make an appointment for each session, which lasts two hours and gives them the opportunity to make two basic pottery items from clay, under Ramadas' own guidance. He said the classes attract not only local tourists but also participants from the United States, Russia, and Italy, proving that Malaysia's traditional arts remain relevant and admired internationally. - BERNAMA
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Wooing more Chinese tourists through social media
PETALING JAYA: Plans are in the works to attract more tourists from China by using popular Chinese social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (RedNote), WeChat, Weibo and Douyin. This includes partnerships with online influencers to target younger, tech-savvy Chinese visitors, said Tourism Malaysia. Such was part of the agency's efforts to reach out to the Chinese market for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), seeing that many from the Middle Kingdom are turning to social media for travel information. 'We have also noticed a strong shift towards independent travel, especially among younger Chinese visitors who rely heavily on digital platforms like Xiaohongshu, Bilibili and Dianping for travel inspiration and planning. 'This trend reflects a desire for flexibility, personalisation, and real-time access to information and recommendations,' Tourism Malaysia told The Star . China now ranks as the third-largest source of international visitors to Malaysia, following Singapore and Indonesia. The agency, under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, was asked to comment on the role of social media and influencers in guiding tourists from China on their visit to Malaysia. From following trends like cool photo spots to viral food videos, a growing number of Chinese tourists were using social media to plan their travel itineraries here. 'It is undeniable that social media platforms play a role in promoting Malaysia to Chinese visitors as their content shapes perceptions, builds interest, and directly influences travel decisions. 'For example, with more than 300 million monthly active users, Xiaohongshu plays a critical role in shaping consumer travel choices in China, especially among younger audiences and free independent travellers,' Tourism Malaysia said. These types of content strongly influence young travellers, helping to drive viral trends, such as visiting specific photo spots or trying iconic local foods, which can inspire large numbers of followers to visit the same places. Examples of such trends are taking pictures in front of the Maybank branch in Gaya Street, Sabah or trying roti tisu at mamak shops. Previously, Tourism Malaysia announced that it will operate an official Xiaohongshu account, publishing engaging travel content from every state in Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia said its marketing plan for China for VM2026 also included developing Mandarin-language content and marketing materials to better connect with Chinese visitors, highlighting cultural festivals, eco-adventures and luxury offerings. 'We also plan to collaborate with Chinese tour operators to create tailored travel experiences that cater to Chinese preferences, including shopping, cultural experiences, and eco-tourism,' it said. To attract Chinese Muslim travellers, efforts will also be made to highlight Malaysia's strengths in halal-friendly tourism and wellness retreats. 'We will also be increasing collaboration with airlines and travel agencies to boost direct flights and offer attractive package deals through travel agencies,' Tourism Malaysia said. With the extension of the visa-free policy for China nationals and enhanced air connectivity, these measures are expected to drive continued growth in visitor arrivals from China, it added. 'In fact, from January to April this year, Malaysia welcomed 1.4 million visitor arrivals from China, a robust 37.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. 'It's also a 22.6% increase compared to the pre-pandemic level of 2019,' it said. Chinese travellers have shown a strong preference for destinations that offer a blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and modern conveniences, said Tourism Malaysia. 'Among the most popular locations are Kuala Lumpur, known for its iconic landmarks and shopping experiences, as well as Penang, famed for its heritage, street art, and unique local cuisine. 'Sabah, especially Kota Kinabalu, is also highly favoured for island-hopping and nature experiences,' it said.
