With a diversity of cultures, competitive advantages of tourism sector, and strong Government commitments on further developing the tourism industry, Malaysia has been offering a “Truly Asian experience” and becoming one of the best tourism destinations for international visitors.
According to the United National World Tourist Organization (UNWTO) ranking, Malaysia is currently one of the world’s top-ten tourist destinations of visitors.
Government’s efforts and of tourism industry
Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Haji Mohd Yassin remarked: “The Government of Malaysia, in consultation with business communities, has placed tourism industry as one of the key driver to push the country to the next level. In recognition of its growth potential, the Malaysia Government has identified and promoted tourism as one of the 12 high-growth industries, under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA), a main pillar to the Government’s Economic Transformation Program (ETP). This entails identifying niche opportunities in the industry which would bring maximum socio-economic benefits to the country, and preparing the industry with strategic measures namely determining market behavior, short term and long term impact of business strategies.”
“Malaysia is expecting that by the year 2020, the tourism industry will contribute RM103.6 billion (US$34.53 billion) in Gross National Income, with arrivals increasing to 36 million in the said year, representing a rise of 45% (24.7 million) from 2011,” stressed YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism. The tourism industry of Malaysia currently creates revenue of US$330 million per week to the economy.
“Tourism is now recognized as a key economy for Malaysia, tourism service is largest exporter of services for Malaysia, accounting for more than 50% of the country’s services. The tourism economy is smokeless, the tourism economy is building religious, the tourism economy is building peace and harmony. For Malaysia, we subscribe very strongly to our philosophy that tourism protect, preserve, and reserve natural resources, heritage and culture, the tourism minister addressed at PATA Annual Conference organized in Kuala Lumpur late April 2012.
Tourism advantages and Attractions
International visitors can feel the “Truly Asia” when experiencing Malaysia thanks to a diversity of cultures, warm and friendly people, world-class facilities, alluring natural wonders, and heritages. Visitors are often surprised to discover how developed is, yet rich and varied in cultural tradition.
Kuala Lumpur (KL) is a modern cosmopolitan city boasting the world’s tallest twin towers towering at a height of 452m. Its architecture is the representative of the country’s dominant cultures - the Malay, Chinese and Indian.
Almost all tourists have to visit KL Tower, one of the tallest concrete towers in the world, standing at 421m. From here, visitors can go to Observation Desk to enjoy breathtaking views at a height of 276m, and have lunch or dine at Atmosphere 360º Revolving Restaurant, Malaysia’s highest restaurant at a height of 282m.
At Atmosphere 360º Revolving Restaurant
Shopping is one of Malaysian tourism’s advantages with lots of huge shopping centers such as Suria in Petronas Twin Towers, Pavilion, Times Square, Mid Valley Megamall and others. International visitors are also very interested in shopping for local, skillful handicrafts or contemporary fashion.
Putrajaya, 25km to the south of KL, is the nation’s new administrative capital. Hailed as an intelligent garden city, it is a model township constructed with detailed planning, innovative urban design and preservation for the environment. Attractions here include Botanical Gardens, Putrajaya Lake and Putrajaya Wetlands. A fully air-conditioned luxury cruise boat – Kelad/Sebarau offers an unforgettable dinning experience by sightseeing many spectacular landmarks such as the Prime Minister’s Office and Residence, and impressive architecture of the bridges around Putrajaya.
Dine on cruise boat and see spectacular landmarks of Putrajaya
Apart from meeting the warm and friendly people and enjoying world-class facilities, visitors to Malaysia will have many choices to experience the country’s alluring wonders – colorful festivals, breathtaking skyscrapers, charming heritage buildings, enchanting islands and beaches as well as a million-year-old rainforest with fascinating flora and fauna.
Malaysia’s long coastline and many coral-fringed islands, with the Straits of Malacca to the west and the South China Sea to the east, give rise to a large number of fabulous beaches. Islands like Langkawi, Tioman, and Pangkor are world-renowned resort destinations. Penang is another island famous for its history, relaxing beaches and cultural mix. Further south, Melaka is known for its history, museums and the unique Baba-Nyonya community.
More Vietnamese tourists visit Malaysia
Thanks to the similarities of culture, beautiful and exciting tourism attractions, ideal destination for shopping, and a diversity of tours with reasonable prices and good services, more and more Vietnamese people are considering Malaysia one of the premier places to visit. Vietnam is now among 15 countries which have the largest numbers of tourists to Malaysia.
During the visit to Vietnam to launch the Tourism Malaysia Office in Hanoi late 2011, Minister of Tourism, Dato Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, affirmed that Vietnam is a key market of Malaysia’s tourism industry. Malaysia expects to welcome 200,000 Vietnamese visitors in 2012.
Nam Pham
Vietnamese
