The minister of tourism, Malaysia, the honourable Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor will leading a Malaysian delegation to Bangkok, Thailand as part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 Road Show from 22 to 23 June 2006.

During the two-day road show, the honourable minister will make a courtesy call to the ministry of tourism and sports, Thailand.

A press conference to announce the Visit Malaysia year 2007 campaign and celebrations will be held followed by a gala dinner hosted by the minister of tourism, Malaysia at the Royal Orchid Sheraton, Bangkok.

The coming year 2007 is meaningful to Malaysia as it marks the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence. What a better way for Malaysians to celebrate this golden jubilee than to share the moment with the rest of the world!

BACKGROUNDER

Malaysia registered a total of 528,691 visitors from Thailand for the months from January to March 2006, compared to only 439,701 visitors for the same period in 2005. This is an increase of 20.2 %.

Table 1

The tourism promotion in Thailand is based on travel packages coupled with the high standard quality services and products. Key segments promoted for the Thailand market include; leisure holidays such as beaches and islands, shopping, dining, eco-tourism, MICE packages, while the special interest promotions showcase; education, honeymoon, spa, golfing, diving and angling.

The tourism industry will continue to work hard to improve tourism performance and all indicators are positive in favour for a better performance this year.

Issued by: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 22 June 2006