Tourism Packages Galore At Travel M'sia Expo In Singapore

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah SINGAPORE, May 12 (Bernama) -- Travel Malaysia 2012 opened today with an array of exciting tourism packages to attract Singaporeans to visit Malaysia. Held at Hall 4A, Singapore Expo Convention & Exhibition Centre, over 150 booths and 80 exhibitors including bus ticketing agents, resort operators, homestays, airlines and other major players in the tourism industry are taking part in the three-day event until Sunday. The event, organised by IBT Investment Pte Ltd and supported by Express Bus Agencies Association (EBAA) in co-operation with Tourism Malaysia as the Title Sponsor, was officially graced by Tourism Malaysia Acting Director-general Azizan Noordin. Also present was Tourism Malaysia director for Singapore, Zalizam Zakaria. In his address at the opening ceremony, Azizan said this year's event offers fantastic deals and great holiday suggestions. "I believe this is a great platform for visitors to the fair to seek out the best holiday packages and deals to Malaysia. "At the same time, this great event is also an opportunity for industry players and private organisations in Singapore to meet with members of the Malaysian tourism industry to explore new business opportunities and expand existing ones, formulate new packages, and plan event-related activities to develop the industry for mutual benefit of all parties," he said. As Singapore's largest consumer travel fair to Malaysia, visitors are able for the first time to see and experience a diverse culture and attraction that the country has to offer. Various states including Sarawak, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Terengganu, Visit KL and "homestay" have set up booths to promote little known attractions and activities to their respective destinations. These include eco-tours and popular resorts in various states of Malaysia. Those looking for more familiar holidays such as Genting Resorts, Awana Resorts and Cameron Highlands, are in for more surprises. For those looking for new experience and holiday destination, such as golf tours, resorts & spa and cool vacations in the various states of Malaysia, they will be able to find lots of packages to choose from. With support from Tourism Malaysia, EBAA provides great opportunity to showcase many facets of the country to Singapore travellers and the numerous unique and exotic experiences they can discover on their next trip to Malaysia. Speaking to reporters later, Azizan said Tourism Malaysia hopes to promote the Homestay programme, which allows visitors to experience the laidback and rustic lifestyle of country living. He said this programme has proven to be very popular among Singaporeans, who account for 52.5 per cent of all homestay tourists, making Singapore the top foreign market for the programme. Apart from Homestay, this year’s event is also to promote medical tourism and new attractions such as LEGOLAND, Kidzania and the newly opened KL City Gallery which showcases and promotes the country’s heritage and culture. Cultural performance by Dikir Barat Cultural Troupe and children entertainment shows have been specially catered to perform on stage. Visitors can look forward to taking part in exciting games, redemption of travel vouchers and redemption of lucky draw coupons for the Grand Lucky Draw that offers attractive prizes such as cruises vouchers, hotel stays, travel vouchers and tour packages. -- BERNAMA