To commemorate the country’s golden jubilee, 2007 has been designated as Visit Malaysia Year (VMY), the third edition of the VMY series, with the first in 1990 and the second in 1994.
The lineup of spectacular and exciting event reflects the nation’s unique array of cultures and traditions. The country will come alive with colorful parades, carnival and event that highlight Malaysia’s cultures and heritages, delicious cuisines, bustling cities, scenic countryside, and more. The events include a varied mix of sport, culture, cuisine, shopping, and sightseeing experiences.
The VMY 2007 promotional exercise was done was through foreign sales mission involving representatives of Tourism Ministry, Tourism Malaysia and key player in the tourism industry such as agent travel, tour operator, airlines representatives and others. Malaysia also participated in trade fairs and consumer exhibitions including the World Travel Mart in London, Arabian Travel Mart and also largest travel trade show, the ITB in Berlin.
Visit Malaysia Year 2007 (VMY 2007) is an opportunity to reconsolidates and strengthen the tourism industry of Malaysia. It is a catalyst to spur the tourism industry through the setting of aggressive visitor arrival targets and enhancing the positions and perception of Malaysia as a travel and tourist destination.
According to Datuk Dr Victor Wee, the Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, VMY 2007 is a year-long golden celebration featuring world class event and activities. “It is our way of inviting the world to celebrate our 50th anniversary of independence with us. In fact we have lined up more than 240 events nationwide with 50 major events for all to enjoy in keeping with the significance of the number 50.”
He said that an immense amount of work, time and effort has gone into planning, organizing, implementing and coordinating VMY2007. Various teams have been set up and they include front-liner such as immigration officers, hoteliers, and transportation providers, the police force, state tourism boards, tourism Malaysia for promotions airlines, and tour operators and many others.
On the internet, two key websites, http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/ and http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/ provide information on Malaysia as a travel destination, shared experiences of various visitors from around the world, the tour packages available and events planned for VMY 2007. Tourism Malaysia information centers and offices around the world are also providing the latest information while brochures and leaflets are available at all point of entry, transportation hubs, hotels and key tourist spots.
Some of the special events comprise spectacular and never-been-done-before activities while others include gastronomic delight, music and arts festivals, world-class sports events and colourful religious celebrations.
To encourage a planned holiday culture among Malaysians, Tourism Malaysia has launched special domestic tour packages for Visit Malaysia Year 2007. Printed in Malays and English versions, the informative brochure list 100 affordable holiday packages available nationwide.
The offer from 1 January to 30 June, 2007 is valid for all Malaysians and permanent resident in the country. For more information, e-mail your queries to enquiries@tourism.gov.my or log on to http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/ and http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/
The programme is supported by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), Malaysia Airlines (MAS), AirAsia, Keretapi Tanah MElayu Berhad(KTMB), Bumiputra and Malayan Banking Berhad(Maybank)
