One Million Visitors Expected At Tourism Floral Parade 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Tourism Ministry of Malaysia expects one a million visitors at the Tourism Floral Parade 2012, to be held from June 30 to July 8 at Persisiran Tasik Putrajaya, Precinct 2. Its minister Dr Ng Yen Yen said there would be an obvious difference in the flow and activities of the nine-day event. "Our event this year is themed 'Magic of the Night' and all activities and programmes will be from 8.30pm to 11.30pm, which is different from last year," she told a news conference, here, Tuesday. Fifteen floats will take part in a three-kilometre parade while a fireworks display will also entertain visitors each night of the world-class event. Dr Ng said the second annual event would also see the participation of two foreign representatives from Suzhou, China and Kenya. On the cost of the event, Dr Ng said US$474,751 (RM1.5 million) was spent excluding the cost of hosting the Floria Putrajaya 2012 which would take place simultaneously. Dr Ng also urged local tour agencies to increase their activity packages for domestic and international tourists so they could enjoy the event in Putrajaya. "Local tour agencies should take this opportunity to bring their clients to enjoy the beauty of Putrajaya at night without any extra charge as this event is free to the public," she said. Meanwhile, Putrajaya Corporation Town Planning Department senior deputy director Akashah Majizat said activities for the Floria Putrajaya 2012 would be held during the day. "We don't want overlapping activities and visitors will spend more time in Putrajaya if there are activities during the day and night," he said. This year's Floria Putrajaya, themed 'Bougainvillea-Enduring Beauty', will showcase a variety of floral pieces including those by creative floral experts from abroad. -- BERNAMA