Malaysia to see 36 million tourists in 2020 
(The Star, 20th November 2013)

Some 36 million tourists are expected to spend their vacation in the country in 2020, contributing around RM168 billion to the economy, according to the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board. A major portion of that revenue will come from the retail sector, as shopping is the second biggest contributor of tourist spending after accommodation, accounting for 38% of the RM60 billion spent by visitors in 2012.

Malaysia was ranked 10th in the world for the number of international tourists arrivals with 25 million visitors. CNN also ranked Kuala Lumpur as the fourth best city for shopping behind New York, Tokyo and London.

Meanwhile, Langkawi is set to receive more international recognition as the Naturally Langkawi @ Korea exhibition introduces local gastronomic delights, culture and art in South Korea. The exhibition, which is being held until December 15, at Nami Island, South Korea, is part of a partnership programme between Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) and Nami Island Incorporation to promote cultural tourism annually. As part of the Nami Island-Langkawi partnership, Malaysians residing in Korea will also receive free entry to Nami Island and visit the Zip Wire attraction at half price.

Langkawi will become the transit hub for tourists who wish to visit Malaysia as more nature-based attractions are in progress. Eco-tourism will drive Langkawi towards a place in the world‖s top 10 eco-destination islands by 2015.

Meanwhile, 16 participants from tourism agencies and the media in Penang took part in a four-day visit to explore interesting tour packages in Johor. The programme, in cooperation with AirAsia Bhd, is seen as capable of meeting the needs of tourism entrepreneurs in both states to exchange ideas and find the latest input in providing creative and profitable holiday activities to meet the demands of the current market.

Last year, 85,700 tourists from Penang visited Johor compared with 97,000 tourists who visited Penang from Johor in the same period.

Capitalising on Vietnamese medical tourism (Business Times, 19th November 2013)

Aesthetics practice Mediviron UOA Clinic plans to capitalise on the untapped Vietnamese medical tourism segment during Visit Malaysia 2014 (VMY2014), which could potentially increasing its yearly revenue by up to 20 per cent.

There are currently about 211,000 Vietnamese tourists visiting Malaysia yearly and a very small percentage are medical tourists as Vietnamese prefer to go to either Thailand or South Korea to get aesthetics work done.

At present, about half of the company's business comes from Malaysians while the remaining from Europeans, Middle Easterners, Americans and Singaporeans and very few Vietnamese.

Malaysia is an attractive destination for aesthetics tourism given the country‖s incredibly high standard of professionalism in healthcare and its comparatively cheaper price tag. It is an ideal destination for Vietnamese medical tourists as it offers relative cheaper price than their home country.

Klang Valley hospitality market grows in 1H2013 (City & Country, The Edge Malaysia, 18th November 2013)

The Klang Valley hospitality market performed reasonably well despite election jitters, thanks to a healthy growth in international tourist arrivals in the first six months of the year. The growth in Malaysia‖s hospitality market was due to the government‖s Visit Malaysia 2014 campaign launched earlier this year. The campaign offers various promotional packages and tours as part of the government‖s initiative to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination and achieve arrivals of 28 million and receipts of RM75 billion.

Alila Hotels and Resort Group recently announced its intention to open the Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur hotel, comprising 124 rooms, in early 2017 while KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd plans a new hotel and commercial development on 3.9 acres between Suria KLCC and the Asy-Syakirin mosque in Jalan Pinang. The joint-venture (JV) between KLCC Holdings and Qatari Investment Authority via QD Asia Pacific Ltd will comprise a 76-storey hotel, serviced apartments, residences and associated facilities, including a 64-storey office building, 6-storey retail podium and basement car park. The development is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

Klang Valley hospitality market is likely to see stronger growth in 2H2013 due to the anticipated entry of branded hotels in the near future, for example St Regis in 2014, The Regent in 2015, Four Seasons Place Kuala Lumpur and W Kuala Lumpur in 2016, and continuous efforts to promote Malaysia as prime tourist destination under the Visit Malaysia 2014 campaign.