Malaysia’s tourism minister to unveil Visit Malaysia Year 2014 in UK

LONDON, England – During his first official visit to the UK, Malaysia’s newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Culture, The Honourable Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, announced today a series of exciting packages for the UK market for Visit Malaysia Year 2014. In a press conference at the Landmark Hotel in London, the Minister underlined how crucial the UK market is for Malaysian tourism, announced details of events taking place in Malaysia throughout 2014, and discussed the wide impact which Visit Malaysia Year 2014 is expected to have on Malaysia’s tourism industry and economy.

Malaysia is expected to welcome around 28 million tourists during Visit Malaysia Year 2014 and generate around Ringgit 76 billion in income, with the UK as its top European market for inbound tourism and 10th worldwide. As part of his inaugural visit, the Minister aims to capitalise on the UK’s huge outbound travel and to tap into the massive potential that the UK market offers, with Malaysia aiming to attract 475,000 tourists from the UK in 2014.

In his address to the media, the Minister announced the launch of a series of exciting holiday packages for Visit Malaysia 2014 which Tourism Malaysia has developed in conjunction with 14 top UK tour operators. He also touched upon the diverse range of activities and highlights that Malaysia has to offer which makes it the 10th most visited country in the world. In his speech, the Minister also explained that Visit Malaysia Year 2014 will be based on four experiential themes which highlight the diverse attractions in Malaysia. These themes are: Heritage & Culture, Adventure & Nature, Luxury, Wellness & Spa, and Island & Beaches.

On Saturday, the Minister will be co-launching Malaysia’s Cultural Week with the Mayor Councillor Abdul Mohamed of Southwark/Lambeth, a week-long cultural festival taking place on London’s Southbank, providing Londoners and visitors to the Capital with a free taste of what Malaysia has to offer including a packed entertainment programme and food and crafts stalls.