Philippine-Malaysia Tourism Partnership

Malaysia Minister of Tourism Honorable Datuk Dr. Leo Michael Toyad is aggressively promoting Malaysia to the Philippines with a Roadshow from July 10-17. The destinations are Cebu, Davao and Manila.

Cebu was the first leg in the Roadshow since it is the best gateway for travelers in the central and southern regions of the Philippines to Malaysia with Malaysia Airlines' twice a week flights to Kuala Lumpur. Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General (1) Mr. Mirza Mohammad Taiyab led the delegation to Cebu and Davao.

The Philippines ranks 4th as largest contributor of tourist arrivals from ASEAN to Malaysia. Last year, a total of 143,799 visitors from the Philippines visited Malaysia, thus constituting an increase of 59% compared to the previous year of 90,430 visitors.

Most Filipinos visit Malaysia for sightseeing, shopping and visiting relatives and friends. The Roadshow aims to promote two festivities this month: Citrawarna Malaysia "The Colors of Malaysia" and the Mega Sale Carnival.

Citrawarna Malaysia showcases Malaysia's kaleidoscope of arts, culture and traditions. A month-long celebration, it was launched last July 2 at the Stadium Merdeka attended by His Majesty The King of Malaysia, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di Pertuan Agong; Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibn I Al-Mahrum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamallulail. The launch was a colorful extravaganza with over 3,500 participants dressed in colorful costumes and more than 25,000 spectators. With the theme "Colors of Asia in Malaysia", the event featured the songs and dances from Malaysia, including folk dance presentations by students from various countries like Thailand, Indonesia, China, Korea and the Philippines. It is only now, on its seventh year, that Citrawarna Malaysia included culture groups from other countries in Asia. The Philippines was well represented by students from Cebu, selected by the International Council of Folklore Festivals and Folklore Arts Organizations of Malaysia.

The Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2005 is another fantastic reason to visit Malaysia this July. This is six weeks of great bargains and discounts for a wide range of goods and products ranging from sophisticated high-tech equipment and haute couture, to cosmetics and unique knick-knacks starting from July 23 to September 4.

Mega Sale Carnival will be officially launched on July 23 at 8pm, in the Ikano Power Centre and The Curve, Mutiara Damansara to be led by Hon. Datuk Dr. Toyad. On that day, shoppers will be entertained with exciting activities games and contests at Power Centre and The Curve starting from 11am. One of them is the MasterCard Instant Redemptions & Giveaways. MasterCard cardholders will receive instant rewards from purchases made during the day. They will also be eligible for lucky draw and participate in contests and games that are exclusively for MasterCard cardholders. Visitors can also participate in the games and contests organized at Ikano and Tesco. In addition, there will be fashion shows by tenants of The Curve from 12 noon to 7 pm and Buskers Carnival at Ikano and The Curve from 2-8pm. At 6pm, 5,000 balloons will be dropped from the top floor ceiling of Ikano where selected balloons contain shopping vouchers, gifts and prizes. After the launching ceremony, a Street Party will be held at the main stage of the launch site until midnight. Dancers and local artists will entertain all the visitors. At the same time, IKEA Late Night Sale will take place.

Citrawarna Malaysia and Mega Sale Carnival are only two of the many year-round events organized in Malaysia, a country always in a festive and carnival mood and where continuous merriment prevails.