PATA Travel Mart 2018 Comes To Langkawi

By Anthony Tan  
VIRGIN Communications
email: anthonykhtan@yahoo.co.uk

Langkawi Designated a Global Geopark by UNESCO

Langkawi’s Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre will be

Dr Mario Hardy

the venue for PATA Travel Mart 2018 (PTM 2018), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) CEO Dr Mario Hardy announced this during the association’s Annual Summit in Negombo, Sri Lanka on 21 May 2017.

“We look forward to the opportunity of showcasing the culture, heritage and beauty of Langkawi,” adding that this signature event of the association will be co-hosted by Tourism Malaysia and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), which have been a valuable PATA member and partner since 1959 and 2017 respectively.

Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab

Tourism Malaysia Director General Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said Malaysia is honoured to host PTM 2018 and looks forward to welcoming all PATA members to Malaysia for a fruitful and memorable meeting and networking session.

 
LADA CEO Dato’ Azizan Noordin, who received his PATA Life

Dato’ Azizan Noordin

Membership Award in Negombo, 
believes that PTM 2018 will help to further promote Langkawi as an international resort island destination.

Described as the ‘Isle of Legends’ and ‘Jewel of Kedah’, Langkawi has been recognised as one of the world’s paradise island getaways and eco-tourism destinations. Designated a Global Geopark by UNESCO, it is also home to other numerous tourist attractions and hotels. 

Langkawi, the main island in an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea situated off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is part of the Kedah state. 

PTM is Asia-Pacific’s premier travel trade show that offers networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations access decision makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate existing business partnerships.

(Picture Below) - Sky Bridge - One of the icons of Langkawi not to be missed.

This is the longest free span and curved bridge in the world completed in 2004. The 125-metre bridge is suspended from a single 82-metre high pylon held 100-metre above ground. The bridge can accommodate to maximum capacity of 250 people at any single time.

 

Terengganu Government And AirAsia To Jointly Promote Terengganu

By Anthony Tan 

VIRGIN Communications 

email: anthonykhtan@yahoo.co.uk

 

The Iconic Crystal Mosque In Kuala Terengganu

The Terengganu state government signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline with the objectives to jointly reinforce the promotion of Terengganu as a local and international tourists’ destination. 

The signing ceremony was held at Dewan Besar, Wisma Darul Iman between Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Haji Ahmad Razif bin Abd. Rahman, Chief Minister Terengganu, and Dato’ Aziz Bakar, a member of the Board of Directors of AirAsia Berhad.

(From second left) Terengganu Tourism director Tun Ahmad Faisal, AirAsia Berhad government relations chief Zamani Rafique, Terengganu State Secretary Datuk Wan Nawawi Wan Ismail, Ahmad Razif, Aziz and AirAsia Berhad head of commercial unit Spencer Lee at the signing ceremony in Terengganu (Photo From AirAsia)

Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Haji Ahmad Razif bin Abd. Rahman, Chief Minister Terengganu said, “Terengganu is ready to be known as a tourism state with efficient land and air accessibility, with good services, modern infrastructures and treasures of nature, culture and heritage.  
 

The additional Johor Bahru to Kuala Terengganu direct flights will definitely boost the arrival of tourists into Terengganu”.

Terengganu International Airport is unique in its design

Dato’ Aziz Bakar said, “In light with this year’s campaign themed ‘Visit Beautiful Terengganu 2017’, we are pleased to collaborate with the Terengganu state government to showcase the beauty and wonders of Terengganu throughout AirAsia’s extensive network. With our Fly-Thru product, travellers in Asia and beyond can connect seamlessly to Terengganu via our main hub in Kuala Lumpur.

Guests will soon be able to fly directly from Johor Bahru to Terengganu with the upcoming new route set to commence on the 22 June 2017. 
  

The Clear Water Off The Coast Of Terengganu

Other than its beautiful beaches, Terengganu is known for its signature local cuisine, historical sites and cultural attractions. With this collaboration, we will drive our marketing efforts to promote Terengganu as a must-visit destination in Malaysia. We are confident this will contribute significantly in achieving the state government’s target of 5.5 million tourist arrivals in Terengganu for this year.” 

AirAsia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu with 28 times weekly flights and will soon connect Kuala Terengganu to Johor Bahru with thrice-weekly flights.
  
In 2016 alone, AirAsia flew more than 420,000 passengers to Terengganu, with the top three feeder markets being Malaysia, China and Indonesia.