High MAS fares may put off European tourists

AMSTERDAM: Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS) expensive fares may deter European tourists from travelling to Malaysia during Visit Malaysia Year 2007 (VMY 2007).

“They (European tourists) are saying that if we don’t do something about MAS fares, tourist arrivals from Europe particularly the United Kingdom will drop by 50% next year,” said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

“Tour operators and agents in the UK, Ireland and Holland said MAS must lower its fares to Europe and allow early bookings to encourage more Europeans to visit Malaysia,” he told Malaysian reporters here Friday.

Tengku Adnan said that he would ask the Transport Ministry to hold immediate discussions with MAS to lower its fares in Europe.
More...The Star

Visit Malaysia Year 2007

2007 has been designated "Visit Malaysia Year". So what will be a better time to visit our lovely country than 2007. Come visit Malaysia. We bid you a warm welcome.

Tourism boom seen in 2007
By GOH EE KOON

PETALING JAYA: Millions of tourists are expected to visit Malaysia next year and tourism revenue, estimated to total RM35bil this year, is expected to increase at an even faster pace.

There would be a “grand launch” of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) on Jan 1, which would be followed by a host of events in every month next year.

Tourist arrivals had steadily risen from 3 million back in 1983 to about 16 million last year. Tourist spending has also risen, from just RM5bil back in 1990. More..The Star

Postcards from Malaysia

Want to let your friends and family know you're holidaying in Malaysia or send some Malaysian cheer back home? Send them these lovely Malaysian postcards.

Malaysia - My Second Home

Malaysia has just launched her "Malaysia My Second Home". Under this programme foreign nationals could stay in Malaysia on a long-term Social Visit Pass for a period of ten years with a Multiple Entry Visa.

The programme is open to all categories of citizens with no age limit, and they are allowed to bring along their dependants - that is, wife and children (below 18 years of age) and also one maid.

For more information, pls visit Malaysia - My Second Home..The Star

Come Visit Malaysia

Malaysia is really a great holiday destination with lots of attractions any tourist would be happy about. We have idyllic beaches, clear blue waters, palm trees gently swaying to the rhythm of crashing waves and sunshine all year round. We have enchanting beaches and unspoilt beauty of the islands. Visit our National Parks for some rest and relaxation and a healthy environment of fresh air and breathtaking scenery.

Arts and culture are an integral part of Malaysia as the country’s identity is built upon the various cultures of its multi-ethnic people.

Malaysia is never short of accommodation as there is a great host of hotels and resorts available. Shopping is not to be missed. There are many shops and malls that cater to any tourist's needs.

Malaysia is also known for its food. One can find all types of food and food is available any time of the day or night.

Don't take my word for it. Come visit Malaysia.

Picture source: The Star

MAS increases fuel surcharge

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will increase its fuel surcharge for most of its international routes by between US$2 and US$20 effective tomorrow.

However, surcharge for the route between Penang and Medan has been reduced by US$3.

The airline in a statement late last evening said fuel cost continued to remain the single largest expense item for all carriers.

“Malaysia Airlines will continue to monitor and take measures to mitigate the cost increase by streamlining and matching fuel surcharges with other airlines.”

The airline also said the new surcharge applied to flights it operated on a coach-sharing basis with other airlines.

The highest increase of US$20 is for the routes between Malaysia and the Americas.

MAS flies to New York and Los Angeles in the United States as well as Buenos Aires in Argentina.

The new one-way surcharge for these routes is US$87.

The other new surcharges are:

· Malaysia-Singapore: US$20 (increase of US$2);

· Malaysia-Brunei / Cambodia / Myanmar / Philippines / Thailand / Vietnam and Indonesia (except Penang-Medan): US$23.70 (US$2);

· Siem Reap-Phnom Penh: US$23.70 (US$2);

· Malaysia-India / Bangladesh: US$37 (US$5);

· Malaysia-Netherlands / Britain / France / Germany / Italy / Sweden / Switzerland / Austria: US$72 (US$5); and

· Malaysia-Turkey / Lebanon / Egypt / Qatar / United Arab Emirates / Saudi Arabia / South Africa / Mauritius: US$67 (US$10).

This is the fourth time this year the national carrier has increased its fuel surcharge.

From Aug 1, MAS had increased the fuel surcharge for domestic flights by RM5 for flights within the peninsula as well as Sabah and Sarawak.

Source: The Star...MAS increases fuel surchage
BY WONG SAI WAN