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FORGET luxury chocolates and imported snacks. From now on, the trend will be to serve locally produced tidbits in hotel rooms and at social events. Malaysian products like kerepek, chips and nuts will be some of the local delicacies offered to visitors.

“What we need is more attractive packaging to make them more competitive and saleable. Our local hotels and resorts should start offering local snacks in their gift baskets or in the rooms. They can do away with chocolates and imported fruit which cost so much more,” said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

“I get really irritated when I step into a hotel room and find chocolates and imported fruits. What is wrong with having local snacks? Is it a status symbol to serve foreign items?”

She said that many Malaysians get excited when they see food outlets abroad selling Malaysian-made instant noodles and dodol but we are reluctant to put locally-made snacks on our shelves here.

“We can sell Malaysia through food, like what Malaysia Kitchen is doing overseas. The Tourism Ministry will soon be working with the Agriculture and Agro Based Industry Ministry to promote more Malaysian-made snacks locally and abroad.”

The Ministry is also looking at enhancing the highly successful nine-year-old Malaysia Truly Asia campaign that is used worldwide.

Azalina said some rethinking has to be done on the campaign to see how it can work better.

“Malaysia is truly Asia because of its multi-racial and multi-cultural makeup. But look around — countries in this region, like Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia, are very similar to us in many ways.

“In fact, many countries in the world are so cosmopolitan and they have so many different races and religions living under one roof. What we should do is to start looking at other things like our forests, flora and fauna,” she said.

According to Azalina, Malaysia should give tourists more options - other than its unique racial makeup and diverse cultures.

“Yes, our biggest selling point is our people and our culture. But we can give more like eco-tourism and nature which are hard to find in other countries,” she said.

“We have to make tourists excited by giving them many options. This is where we have to start thinking out of the box, have killer instincts and be very, very creative. Let’s not dictate terms to them by telling tourists what they should see and do when they are here.”

She does not want industry players to go out and sell Malaysia and then return home to sit on their laurels.

Tourism, she said, is about serving people and not just going jalan-jalan on foreign trips to promote Malaysia at fairs, expos and other events.

The perennial problem of under-performing service industry also came under fire from Azalina who is keen to tackle the problem.

While our neighbours — Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia — are bending over backwards for tourists, Malaysians do not see the importance of being nice to our tourists.

“What is the point of asking them to visit Malaysia when we cannot be nice to them. Tourists are like guests in our house,” she said.

“When we have guests, we clean our houses and are on our best behaviour. Likewise, with tourists, we should never forget our manners and smiles.”

INCREASED tourism activities during Visit Malaysia Year has helped Malaysia maintain a position in the top five in online accommodation website.

Bookings for 2007 were boosted by Tourism Malaysia’s success in increasing visitor arrivals as well as our local team’s success in increasing the number of Malaysian properties available on our site.

The frequent promotions by low-cost airlines, rising consumer confidence in booking online and increased intra-Asia travel, have assisted the growth in online accommodation bookings all over Asia, so maintaining a place amongst tough competition was no small feat.

Thailand moved up two spots from last year to take the top position for 2007. In second and third place are Singapore and Hong Kong respectively. Malaysia is fourth, followed by China.

As for the top Malaysian destinations in 2007, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Malacca held the top three positions for a consecutive year, with quality properties maintaining high occupancy levels all year round.

Langkawi showed the biggest improvement, moving up four spots from last year to fourth place. Other changes on the list were Pahang and Terengganu which both moved up a spot from their 2006 position and Negeri Sembilan which made it to the list for the first time.

Top Malaysian destinations 2007

1. Kuala Lumpur
2. Penang
3. Malacca
4. Langkawi
5. Pahang
6. Sabah
7. Sarawak
8. Johor
9. Terengganu
10. Negri Sembilan

Spa treatments help us de-stress. Customers should also do their part to contribute to this relaxing ambience

SPENDING time in a spa is the dream of many, especially if you are stressed out from your job or a weary mum who is perpetually running after her children.

The spa is definitely the place to unwind and de-stress. In recent years, many spas have opened here, some affordable and some very exclusive.

But no matter where you have decided to de-stress and spend a couple of hours in to have your feet and body massaged, or a facial done, there are some spa etiquettes to follow.

1. Time your arrival for at least 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment as this will allow you to check-in, change and relax before you go in for your session.

It wouldn’t be fair on the next client if you take up time that has been set aside for them, which is what happens when you are late. If the day’s booking is heavy, some spas may not extend your time slot.

2. Leave your mobile phone in the locker and please put it in “silent” mode. You shouldn’t engage in phone conversations during treatment or when you are in meditation areas.

3. Leave your jewellery and valuables at home or in the locker provided.

4. Don’t bring your domestic or work problems to the spa. You wouldn’t want to spend time telling your problems to the therapist.

5. Try to shower before you head for the spa. Should you feel you need to bathe again when you are there, do so. It’s not nice to be sweaty and smelly during the treatment.

6. Don’t be afraid to tell your therapist if the pressure applied for the facial or massage is too heavy or too light. After all, they are there to look into your needs and make it possible for you to relax.

7. Never feel pressured to buy products recommended by your facial consultant or therapist. You are not obliged to buy.

8. Leave your children at home. Children can get very restless if they have to sit and wait for their mothers to finish their treatment and restless children can be a nuisance to others. If you can’t leave them at home, bring along someone to take care of them. Also, check with the spa management if this is permissible.

9. Finally, if your therapist has done a good job, be generous with your tip. Some people would give a tip of RM5 or RM10 directly to the therapists after the treatment.

THE Lonely Planet travel guidebook has picked Malaysia as one of the world’s top seven destinations for Year 2008, with many of its hottest tourist attractions on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia.

According to the international publisher, these tourist magnets include wildlife parks like Taman Negara, Lake Kenyir (South-East Asia’s largest man-made lake), elephant sanctuaries in Kuala Gandah as well as turtle sanctuaries. The latest to come on stream in 1999 was the Ma’ Daerah Turtle Sanctuary Centre in Kemaman.

According to the Lonely Planet website: “Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in South-East Asia. It’s buoyant and wealthy and has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs.

“Aside from the gleaming glass towers of the 21st Century, Malaysia boasts some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in Asia.

“The jungle at Taman Negara is so dense that you could pass within metres of an animal and never know it. The probability of spotting wildlife increases the further you trek from the heavily-trafficked park headquarters…

“The greatest reward of a visit to Taman Negara has to be present in one of the world’s most pristine extant primary rainforests. The jungle here is claimed to be the oldest in the world. None of the Ice Ages had any effect here and Taman Negara has eluded volcanic activity and other geological upheavals.”

Malaysia joins six other countries as “best choice” for a holiday. Then there’s Armenia (famed for its medieval monasteries, mountain peaks, sighting of the ultra rare Caucasian leopard), Bhutan (the last surviving great Himalayan kingdom with towering monasteries, intact Tibetan culture and pristine Himalayan environment) and Eritrea in East Africa (for its surreal landscape and pristine reefs).

Other countries are Montenegro in Serbia (famed for its sultry coastline and Adriatic deep blue waters), Mozambique (for its stunning beaches located over a 2,500km coastline, rugged bush interior and pulsating Afro-Latino vibe) and Papua New Guinea (for its people who are living much the same way they have had for thousands of years, uncrowded surfs, live volcanoes and wildlife).

Lonely Planet publishes over 650 titles in 118 countries with annual sales of more than six million guidebooks.

Today is Sunday (local time). You know that. It’s holiday. Everybody just stay at home. So do I. And..I do not plan to write anything. I just want to relax. But, I need to hear from you something.

Now, it is your turn to write for me. Before this, you just read..read and read. Now I want you to write..write and write.

Can you share with us what is your dream honeymoon especially in Langkawi Or your lately holiday at everywhere in Malaysia Or about your bad holiday..good holiday or funny holiday…everything! Your EXPERIENCE. Ok!

Don’t shy…share it with others. I love to hear from you.

I have to go now. My blanket is shouting at me “Hey Nasri! Hurry up! I’m waiting you for so long.”

Don’t forget to write. Byee…zzzzzzz…….

Today I would like to discover how clever you are.

Below are four questions and a bonus question. You have to answer them instantly. You can’t take your time, answer all of them immediately. OK?

Let’s find out just how clever you really are….

Ready? GO!!!

First Question:

You are participating in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you now in?

Answer Below…

Answer: If you answered that you are first, then you are
Absolutely wrong! If you overtake the second person, you take his place, so you are second!

Try not to screw up next time.

Now answer the second question, but don’t take as much time as you took for the first one, OK?

Second Question:

If you overtake the last person, then you are…?

Answer Below…

Answer: If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST Person?

Third Question:

Note: This must be done in your head only.
Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator.

Take 1000 and add 40 to it.. Now add another 1000. Now add 30.
Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000
Now add 10. What is the total?

Answer Below…

Answer: Did you get 5000?

The correct answer is actually 4100.

If you don’t believe it, check it with a calculator!
Today is definitely not your day, is it?

Fourth Question:

Mary’s father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3, Nini, 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter?

Answer Below…

Did you Answer Nunu?
NO! Of course it isn’t.
Her name is Mary. Read the question again!

Okay, now the bonus round:

A mute person goes into a shop and wants to buy a toothbrush. By imitating the action of brushing his teeth he successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done.

Next, into the shop comes a blind man who wants to buy a pair of sunglasses; how does he indicate what he wants?

Answer Below…

Answer: He just has to open his mouth and ask…
It’s really very simple…

How many did you get correct out of 5?

So, How do you fell now?

TOURISM Malaysia’s “The Time Is Now, The Place Is Malaysia” campaign won the prestigious Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta) Awards for Excellence in Tourism 2008 for the Best Asean Marketing and Promotional Campaign category.

I read a local newspaper yesterday. I’m so proud after reading this great news. My heart said “WOW!!”. Congratulations Malaysia. Then, I smile by myself. Someone looking at me and then..he also smiling with no reason. Today I want to share this news with you. Here is the full article:

The award was presented during the opening ceremony of the 27th Asean Tourism Forum on Jan 22 at the Impact International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.

Receiving the award for Malaysia was Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor who gave credit to the creativity of the teams in Tourism Malaysia and its advertising agencies.

The campaign was promoted widely all over the world, enticing potential tourists to come to Malaysia and discover all its attractions.

The organisers presented five awards including Best Asean Travel Article, Best Asean Poster, Best Asean New Tourist Attraction and Best Asean Airline Programme.

Aseanta received 48 entries for the various categories this year. Its president Felix Cruz said there were many good entries but only the best were chosen. He hoped that there would be winners for next year’s Best Asean Tourism Photo, Best Asean Tour Package, Best Asean Conservation Effort and Best Asean Cultural Preservation Effort categories.

The Aseanta Awards for Excellence in Tourism is granted to organisations and individuals that have excelled in their contribution to the development and promotion of tourism in Asean.

This year marked the 22nd time that the Aseanta awards were held. The awards presentation ceremony host country is rotated on annual basis.

Formed in 1981, Aseanta is the umbrella organisation for national airlines, travel agencies and hotel associations of the 10 Asean countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam).

Once again..congratulations Malaysia. “Malaysia Boleh”.

THE reason why Malaysia has succeeded as a tourist destination is because it is truly Asia. Our culture comprises all the Asian elements be it Indian, Chinese, Arab, Indo Chinese or indigenous Malaysians. You will find pieces of Asia in this beautiful land and they meld into each other with ease.

Therefore, I feel that the Tourism Minister should not remove a piece of our Malaysia Truly Asia element by stopping barongan and endang dances in its promotions simply because Indonesians claim these “belong” to Indonesia. I also hope the Chinese lion dance and the vibrant Indian dances don’t suffer a similar fate for “fear” that they have originated from other countries.

Of late, Indonesia has been quite vocal in its claims that we have been using its culture, especially music and dance, for tourism promotion activities. Reog Ponorogo (barongan in Malaysia) activists even demonstrated outside the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia against the performance of Barongan.

The Tourism Minister has been pressured to strike out these performances, which I think is not a really wise thing to do.

Culture is one thing which is never original and never will be. Go Japan and you will hear Chinese elements in its music, songs and dances. Go to Indo-China and you will experience Indian or Chinese elements in their culture. Go Latin America or even The Philippines and you will see Spanish elements in their culture.

All over the world, people influence one another and there is no one culture that is truly original. Should we all give up our cultures then?

The English language that we use, sometimes to promote our culture, is not ours too. Should we stop using it then?

If we start striking out performances or music with foreign-perceived roots, then we will have to strike out lion dances, the zapin, bharata natyam and so forth. How then are we going to justify our promotion tagline of Malaysia Truly Asia?

Even if certain performances had their roots in Indonesian culture, I am sure these would have evolved to acquire a Malaysian identity, especially in the costumes as well as the way they are presented.

Moreover, haven’t historians on both sides of the Straits tell us both Indonesia and Malaysia grew out of the same mother — the Johore Empire?

Culture is something reflective of a country’s people. As we are a multi-racial country, our culture will always reflect elements of Asia.

WHAT a way to start the New Year!

I’m still smiling..

3 days ago, I told you that Malaysia was selected as a World class holiday destination. Still remember this..?

Today, once again Malaysia was selected as the “2008 Asia and Australasia Golf Destination of the Year” by the
International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). (big smile) ))..

The award was given at gala dinner..held at Grand Melia Hotel in Cancun, Mexico last December.

The award was a significant recognition of Tourism Malaysia’s accomplishment in promoting Malaysia as a premier golf destination.

With more than 210 courses found in a variety of settings around the country, Malaysia is set to be a popular year-long golf-friendly destination in the Asia region.

IAGTO is a global trade organisation for the golf industry. Its Golf Destination and Golf Resort awards are voted by its specialist golf tour operator members based on standard criteria of customer satisfaction, quality of golf courses and accommodation, value for money, support from suppliers, tourist boards and airlines, professional conduct of suppliers and accessibility to tee times.

Till see you then..