KUALA LUMPUR: The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced that the Malaysia Tourism Board, popularly known as Tourism Malaysia, has become a member of the growing alliance of international destinations. ICTP President Geoffrey Lipman welcomed the new membership saying: “At last month's PATA Annual Meeting, Malaysia showed again why it is such an important travel and tourism player. It was a pleasure to share a platform with a committed Tourism Minister – Dato Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen – who recognizes the benefits of green growth and is driving a quality mindset.” Tourism Malaysia's objective is to promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination. It aims to showcase Malaysia's unique wonders, attractions, and cultures, as well as develop domestic tourism and enhance Malaysia's share of the market for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE). The ultimate goal of Tourism Malaysia is to increase the number of foreign tourists to the country and extend the average length of their stay, so as to increase Malaysia's tourism revenue. ICTP Chairman Juergen T. Steinmetz said: “ICTP is pleased to support Tourism Malaysia's efforts to market the country as a destination of excellence and to make the tourism industry a major contributor to the socio-economic development of this nation. The full focus of Tourism Malaysia is on promoting the country domestically and internationally, and ICTP and its members can help to support that aim.” Tourism Malaysia aims to encourage tourism and its related industries in Malaysia. It is hoped that this would help promote new investments in the country, as well as provide increased employment opportunities. The growth of tourism would also contribute positively to the country's economic development and quality of life. There is a saying in the country: to know Malaysia is to love Malaysia. It is a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese, and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. This multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colorful festivals, perfect for the visiting traveler.
