Wooing tourists with Malaysian art

KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysian artworks and art products will further be promoted to woo more tourists and art lovers to the country, said Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen. She said efforts would be made to highlight Malaysia as a lifestyle destination, including through the promotion of art, as this Southeast Asian nation is not only about fabulous beaches, food or nature. The minister noted that tourists had come to buy Malaysian art, thanks to promotional activities in places like Bali, Singapore and London. Speaking at the soft launch of an art exhibition at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) on Thursday, Dr Ng said that art festivals organised in Malaysia had also contributed to attracting more visitors to the country. "And according to the National Art Gallery, the number of local visitors is increasing following a move to promote local artists through various exhibitions," she said. Dr Ng said she believes art would also help generate income for the country. -- BERNAMA .