Sunday January 7, 2007
Abdullah: Make this the most fantastic year ever for tourists
By NG SI HOOI AND FLORENCE A. SAMY
KUALA LUMPUR: The time is now; the place is Malaysia. There is so much to explore, so much to experience.
With these messages to the people of the world, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched Visit Malaysia 2007 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here.
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One-touch launch: Abdullah pressing the button to start and light up the Eye of Malaysia ferris wheel in Kuala Lumpur last night. With him are (from left) Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Victor Wee, Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Deputy Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Abdul Hakim Borhan. |
“I am sure that if we work together, we can truly make this a fantastic year,” he said before 30,000 people, including foreign tourists, who had joined in the celebrations.
Abdullah urged Malaysians to assist tourists and be friendlier.
“Friendliness, after all, is one of the specialties of Malaysians,” he said, adding that a visitor to Malaysia was “paying the price of one to see three different cultures”.
He reminded Malaysians that if visitors felt comfortable, they would then invest in the country.
“This will also further improve the tourism industry, which is one of the main contributors to our economy,” he said.
Abdullah added that this year also marked the Golden Jubilee of Malaysia.
“We would like to invite all visitors to join us in celebrating 50 years of peace and harmony in the country.”
Abdullah called on Malaysians living overseas to act as honorary ambassadors to let their friends and colleagues know of the country’s beauty and serenity.
“After all, no amount of glossy advertisements and promotions can take the place of honest and sincere testimony,” he said.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said: “VM 2007 is all about bringing Malaysia to the world and bringing the world to Malaysia.”
Related Stories:
Malaysia welcomes the world in style
Eye on Malaysia opens until Dec 31
Travel firm offers free KL tours
Foreign visitors join in the fun
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