| Focus on Malaysia |
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Consider the facts: unprecedented developments in the four and five-star property market; the opening round about now of the super-modern Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC); exciting developments in Langkawi, Sabah and Penang. The country has recently hosted the first Commonwealth Tourism Ministers’ Conference and will welcome the biggest wigs from South-East Asian tourist industries at the ASEAN meeting in January. Coming out of the Shadows Top brass in Malaysia are the first to admit that the country has undersold its advantages. It has to some extent been in the shadow of its Thai neighbour; it has also suffered a bit of post 9/11 blues. Last March, however, the country held a general election in which the fundamentalist Muslim parties were routed. "Truly Asia" is Malaysia’s motto, reflecting its uniquely harmonious blend of three main cultures: Indian, Chinese and Malay. This effectively means that Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists live side by side in peace. The moderate government of Malaysia is totally committed to economic growth, and business tourism is seen as a cornerstone of that plan. Malaysia Airlines – well ahead in IFE One sign of this is the major investment being generated by the country’s flagship airline. Malaysia Airlines – often regarded as providing the best service in the world – has just announced the complete redesign of its Business and First Class cabins. From February, passengers travelling from Heathrow to KL will enjoy the third generation of sleeper beds and innovative IFE technology. The upgrade is worth over £90 million and will put the airline well ahead of any rivals in terms of comfort and entertainment. Each seat will be equipped with Matsushita System 3000 – an all-digital system that provides movies, music and interactive games on demand. According to Mr Ahmad Dahlan, the MD of Malaysia Airlines, “These initiatives will boost our appeal to the business travelling market. The IFE upgrade is specially to cater to the more IT savvy and young passengers in the 20-35 age group”. Weekend Break? The airline has also invested in new routes (including the thrice-weekly service between KL and New York via Stockholm). It has just celebrated the first birthday of the direct flights between London and Penang and Langkawi. This brings the paradise islands within 12 hours of London and hence closer for that exotic tropical meeting or sun-drenched incentive trip (the airline even suggests a weekend golfing break as Penang enjoys seven golf clubs and two in Langkawi). |
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