 The Tourist Development
Corporation of Malaysia (TDC), was established on 10 August 1972 as an agency
under the former Ministry of Trade and Industry by an Act of Parliament.
On 20 May 1987, the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism was established.
In May 1992, the Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia Act 1972 was
replaced by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992. This originated
“ Tourism Malaysia “ internationally.
Tourism Malaysia's overall objectives are to promote Malaysia as an
outstanding tourist destination both domestically and internationally.
The aim is to increase awareness of Malaysia's unique wonders, attractions
& cultures and aspire to develop domestic tourism and enhance Malaysia's
share of the market for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions
(MICE). The increase in foreign tourists to Malaysia will subsequently
increase Malaysia's tourism revenue.
The Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007 Tourism campaign was launched nationwide
this year to celebrate Malaysia' s 50 years of independence. |
Visit Malaysia Year 2007
 To commemorate the country's golden jubilee, 2007 has been designated as
Visit Malaysia Year (VMY), the third edition of the VMY series, with the
first in 1990 and the second in 1994.
The country will come alive with colourful parades, carnivals and events
that highlight Malaysia's natural landscapes, rich culture and heritage,
delicious cuisines, bustling cities, scenic countryside, and more. The events
include a varied mix of sports, culture, cuisine, shopping, and sightseeing
experience.
The lineup of spectacular and exciting events reflects the nation's unique
array of cultures and traditions. VMY 2007 is a year-long golden celebration
featuring world-class events and activities, inviting the world to celebrate
our 50th anniversary of independence with us.
Out of 240 events, 50 major events was set to maintain the significance
of the number 50. VMY 2007 was launched on 6th January at Tasik Titiwangsa
Lake Gardens featuring the " Eye on Malaysia" to set the spark
for VMY2007 celebration.
To mark the auspicious VMY, a theme song fusion of comtemporary and
traditional music titled "One Golden Celebration" was launched
at the Putra World Trade Centre on 20 November 2006. There are 50 events
selected for international market.
There are special events - spectacular and never-been-done-before activities
while others include gastronomic delights, music and arts festivals, world-class
sports events and colourful religious celebrations. The country is expected
to attract some 20.1 million tourists during the VMY 2007, with expenditure
revenue of RM44.5 billion (US$ 12.5 billion).
The Tourism Ministry expects more than two million tourists from Indonesia
to visit Malaysia this year. Malaysia recorded 151,636 tourist arrivals
from Indonesia in January, an increase of 52.1 % from 99,721 people for
the corresponding period last year.
The awareness that each individual contributes to the success of VMY
2007 can't be denied as we are identified as a friendly multi-racial society.
It is vital to understand cross-cultural sensitivities as to treat each
other and our tourist visitors with respect.
The Visit Malaysia Year 2007 tourism campaign has been extended till
August next year. Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohamad
Taiyab said the extension would be known as "One Golden Celebration"
and it would start from Aug 31 this year.
Tourism Malaysia' s "Malaysia Truly Asia" campaign, which
is advertised extensively in Europe and America, has reached out to millions
of tourists. About 70 % of the tourists who came here were influenced
by advertisements on television and cable TV, in newspapers, travel magazines,
billboards, and the Internet.
Malaysia has registered more than 3.1 million visitors in the first
two months of this year, representing a 9.3 % increase over the same period
last year. In February, tourist arrivals totalled 1,518,174, an increase
of 9.7 % over the same month in 2006. The top 10 tourist generating markets
for January and February were Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei,
China, Japan, India, UK, Australia and South Korea.
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