Muscat, 12 May 2013 -Around 250 guests witnessed the launching of the - Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia - Visit Malaysia Year 2014 by H.E. Dato’ Rustam Yahaya, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Sultanate of Oman at Barr Al Jissah Shangri-La Hotel in Muscat on 12 May 2013. The event and gala dinner was hosted by Tourism Malaysia and led by its Deputy Director General, Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin. The event has attracted attendance by representatives of tour agents and airlines, foreign ambassadors, notable socialites in Muscat, representatives of Malaysian hotels, tour agencies as well as Malaysians residing in Oman.
While the scrumptious dinner were served, the guests were entertained by cultural shows that included traditional songs and dances by Istana Budaya. The guests were also entertained by batik making demonstrations and photo sessions. The event was anchored by Datuk Mahazir Lokman.
During his welcoming remarks, H.E. Dato’ Rustam said that the visit Malaysia campaign has been a major success to Malaysia with the phenomenal increase of tourists arrivals in recent years. H.E. Dato’ Rustam also mentioned that tourism industry is one of the biggest contributors to Malaysia’s economy amounting to more than RM60 billion in 2013 alone and expressed his pleasure with the increase of Omani tourists to Malaysia. In 2012, Malaysia received close to 25,000 Omani tourists arrivals and he looked forward for Malaysia to receiving more tourists in the years to come. H.E Ambassador also noted that many Omani newly weds chose Malaysia as their honeymoon destination and expressed hope that they will keep returning to Malaysia to reminiscence their holiday memories.
During his presentation of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, YBhg Dato’ Azizan elaborated about the interesting events that will take place in Malaysia in the years ahead. He also mentioned about the existing and future exciting venues and tourism destinations available in Malaysia.
Malaysia is blessed with the constantly increasing number of tourist arrivals from the middle east region. In 2012, close to 350,000 tourists from the region have visited Malaysia. For Omanis, Malaysia is one of their favourite destinations as Malaysia serves various interesting places, events, foods as well as value for money. Most Omanis treat Malaysia like their second home. At the same time, Oman Air flies seven times a week to Kuala Lumpur and is expected to increase further their flights to Malaysia upon the acquirement of new aircrafts.
Embassy of Malaysia
Muscat