Zaragoza - 18 July, 2008 - Malaysia announces the website for its Pavilion in EXPO Zaragoza 2008: http://www.malasia-zaragoza-2008.com/. The site, which is available in Spanish, English and French, was launched with the aim of showing visitors the many attractions of the Malaysia pavilion.

According to Dr. Victor Wee, Commissioner General of Section for the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2008, "The website provides a window for visitors to discover the many wonders of Malaysia, a tropical paradise with countless natural treasures. It will allow visitors to appreciate the role of wetlands in a country where water is its living essence".

The website will be a helpful tool for those planning to visit Expo Zaragoza 2008 in the forthcoming weeks and those who had visited the Malaysia pavilion to recall their nice experience.

It shows images of what visitors can experience in the Malaysia pavilion at Expo Zaragoza 2008 as well as what they can enjoy in Malaysia as a destination for eco-tourism activities, unspoiled beaches, a mix of contemporary and tradition set in a colorful natural scenario.

The website gives information on the pavilion, such as the calendar of activities and an interactive map showing the main attraction where water is integrated with sustainable elements. It also provides links to organizations where more information about Malaysia can be obtained, including the websites of Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia in Expo Zaragoza 2008

Malaysia is a country full of countless natural treasures which is perfectly reflected in a pavilion capturing the natural essence of a country being embraced by water.

Upon arrival at the pavilion, visitors will walk through the legacy that nature has endowed Malaysia, ranging from the wetlands, beaches, lakes, rivers and waterfalls to the flora and fauna which blend with the unique cultural elements of Malaysia.  Among others, visitors will see a recreation of a kampong house (traditional Malay house) and the natural wetland with a giant tortoise!

The programmed activities include briefing on water, wetlands, freshwater and lakes in Malaysia, interactive images and videos of Malaysia as a nature and eco-destination and demonstrations of traditional ‘batik' fabric painting using the wax application technique.  Also in play are different performances of traditional dances such as the Asyik, the Tudung Saji, the Zapin, the Wau Bulan, ethnic dances from Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo, performed by talented dancers from Malaysia. The performance is staged with the grandeur of sounds, colours and costumes of Malaysia. Visitors will also be invited to join in traditional games and typical pastime activities such as congkak, batu seremban and sumpitan.

A special counter to promote travel to Malaysia will present visitors with exciting ideas on destinations offering eco-tourism related holiday experiences.

Every Wednesday at about 17,00 hrs, Malaysia's Pavilion Ambassadors will present to visitors a special 20-minute ‘Travel Malaysia' guide highlighting the eco-based activities relating to water and nature. The topics change weekly such as water and spa rituals, upriver longboat cruises and more.

To date, more than 236,297 visitors have visited the Malaysia Pavilion, averaging about 10,000 visitors per day.

The highlight of Malaysia's presence at Expo Zaragoza 2008 will be the grand celebration of Malaysia's National Day on 31^st August, when a special program, which includes Colours of Malaysia Parade and Cultural Gala evening, will be held to commemorate the event.

 

For more information:

Adlina Borhan, Pavillion Director - Malaysia. Tel: +976 976 716 or email: adlina@abmarcom.com

Cohn & Wolfe

Cristina de Fuentes -  cristina_defuentes@es.cohnwolfe.com  (+34) 91 531 42 67

María Cobos - maria_cobos@es.cohnwolfe.com (+34) 650 32 47 88