Travel News 7th April 2009

Malaysia’s Tourism – Positive Growth

Despite the world economic crisis and recession in Singapore, its biggest tourism market – Malaysia attracted 21 million tourists in 2008, and projected growth is a positive one. However, travellers are expected to change their way of spending money and vacation, with more people opting to fly economic class or on low cost carriers than business class, choosing four or three star hotels compared to five stars and spend less money at restaurants. (Pacific Asia Travel Association)

Malaysia, which attracted about 21 million tourists in 2008, can still harbour for positive growth despite the world economic crisis and recession in Singapore, its biggest tourism market, said the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata).
He said that despite the expected increase, travellers are expected to change their way of spending money and vacation, with more people opting to fly economic class or on low cost carriers than business class, choosing four or three star hotels compared to five stars and spend less money at restaurants.

Little England resort @ Fraser’s Hill – Facelift

A Rm20 milion facelift will be used to restore the 88 yr old Little England resort under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. Completion of renovation is timed for the Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race 2009.

The tourism board wants to preserve the English colonial concept which has been a main attraction at fraser’s Hill. A total of RM4.5 million has been spent to spruce up Puncak Inn and some bungalows. Efforts had been made to retaine the 19th century features, such as fireplaces and chimneys, while adding wooden huts and safety ropes along the jungle trails for the safety of bird-watchers and nature lovers.

Vote For Sipadan As A New 7 Wonders Of Nature

Sipadan Island, formed by living corals engulfing an extinct volcano cone which took centuries to develop, has one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity in its ecosystem and known for being among the world’s best diving sites.

You can now help vote Sipadan into the New 7 Wonders of Nature list by voting at www.sabahtourism.com

The online voting started in January and will end on July 7, and Sipadan Island which is currently ranked 17th under the Island category, must be at least among the top 11 to qualify to the next round