Malaysia has had an extraordinarily good tourism year in 2008. The campaign „One Golden Celebration“, following the „Visit Malaysia Year 2007“, drew in more international visitors to the Southeast Asian country in the last year than ever before.
The popularity of Malaysia further shows in the awards and accolades bestowed upon the country on a regular basis. Readers of the American magazine Global Traveler, for example, declared Malaysia the best international tourism destination in 2008. Also, the country was awarded the title of „Best Eco Tourism Destination“ for the second time at the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Award 2008.Furthermore, Malaysia is among the ten countries with the best price-performance ratios worldwide, according to the survey „Country Brand Index 2008“. Penang, too, was awarded and is now among the most popular holiday islands in Asia, following its declaration as part of the UNESCO world heritage half a year ago.
Malaysia is aiming to continue making strong commitments in the area of eco tourism, in particular. In light of this, multiple German tour operators are offering the sea turtle volunteer program on Talang Talang Besar Island on Borneo. Those willing to support the animal protection project from within Germany can „adopt“ a turtle via Internet.
The country is continuously enhancing its products in the hotel sector, as well. With the opening of Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur, the capital is gaining another hotel in the vicinity of the Petronas Twin Towers. And the Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa on the famous island of Langkawi was awarded for its activities in environmental protection.
Visitor Record
In November of last year, Malaysia was already able to break through the targeted margin of 100,000 German visitors for the year 2008. From January to November 2008, 101,000 German guests traveled to Malaysia, an increase of 40%. The Austrian market reports increasing figures, as well, despite the lack of direct flights: From January to November 2008, 12,871 tourists traveled to Malaysia, representing a 15% increase compared to the respective period of the previous year. The total number of international visitors to Malaysia increased by almost 5% and reached 19,9 million in the first eleven months of 2008.
Malaysia: Distinguished
In late 2008, Malaysia was awarded two coveted titles: „Best International Destination 2008“ and „Best Eco Tourism Destination“. The Southeast Asian country further managed the leap into the top 10 countries with the best price-performance ratios.
Best eco tourism destination
Malaysia is home to a unique flora and fauna and is one of twelve mega biological destinations in the world that have more than 15,000 different species of plants, 286 mammal species, 150,000 species of invertebrates and 4,000 species of fish, as well as countless micro organisms. Its tropical rain forests are millions of years old and account for 60% of the country’s surface.
By means of eco tourism activities, Malaysia is trying to allow tourists to experience its natural treasures even more directly. For the second time, now, the destination was thus awarded „Best Eco Tourism Destination“ at the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Award 2008 in Singapore.
Famous eco tourism spots in Malaysia include the Mulu national park, the orang-utan rehabilitation center in Sepilok and the sea turtle rearing station in Rantau Abang. Tourists can take part in various eco tourism activities, such as jungle trekking, rafting, climbing, bird watching and river safaris. In addition, there are multiple eco tourism events, such as the Tabin Wildlife Conservation Conquest in Sabah and the Taman Negara Eco-Challenge Competition.
Malaysia’s Mulu national park in Sawarak and Kinabalu Park in Sabah are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The island of Langkawi in the north-west of the Malaysian peninsula has further been acknowledged by UNESCO as Geopark, a title awarded to unique geological environments around the world. Langkawi is the only Geopark in Southeast Asia, and one of only 50 worldwide. Meanwhile, the country has submitted two additional nominations for the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Taman Negara national park in Pahang and the Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, and Batang Ai national park in Sarawak.
In order to continue supporting sustainable tourism, Malaysia has developed a National Ecotourism Plan (NEP). It provides recommendations and directions for the sustainable development of tourism.
