Hornbill Capital of the World-Malaysia's New Eco-Tourism Destination.

The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia is promoting the Belum Temengor Forest Complex and the Aman Jaya Forest Reserve as Malaysia’s new eco-tourism destinations. Mohamed Shah Redza Hussein, the Executive Director for Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), has even named the site as the Hornbill Capital of the World since it is home to ten totally protected species of hornbills.

Hornbills-A unique and spectacular species of bird.

MNS and Tourism Malaysia is organising the International Hornbill Expedition (IHE) 2013 in Belum Rainforest Reserve, Gerik, Perak, happening from 20 to 22 September 2013, to coincide with the migration period of the globally threatened Plain-pouched Hornbills found at the site. International participants, local birdwatchers and nature guides are expected to take part in the IHE 2013 which will have a birdathon for national and international delegates and a Hornbill Education Camp for young adults.

Please read more about it here:

http://corporate.tourism.gov.my/mediacentre.asp?page=news_desk&news_id=893&subpage=Media_Releases

Malaysia and Thailand Sign Tourism MOU

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 September, 2013 – The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) and the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) pledging enhanced joint cooperation and development of tourism in both countries here last Saturday.

MATTA President, En. Hamzah Rahmat and TTAA President, Mr. Suthiphong Pheunphiphop were signatories to the MoU which was witnessed by Tourism Malaysia Director of ASEAN, Syed Yahya Syed Othman, during a mega familiarization dinner hosted by Tourism Malaysia for Thailand travel agents in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014.

Under the terms of the MoU, both MATTA and TTAA pledged to further strengthen joint cooperation in the development of tourism including participation in travel marts, exhibitions and other relevant tourism events especially in view of VMY 2014 and implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. 

AEC is a regional economic integration envisaging ASEAN into a single market with free movement of goods, service, investments, skilled labour and freer flow of capital for the mutual benefit of its member countries.

The Petronas Twin Towers, one of the most photograped iconic buildings in the world, beautifully defines the Kuala Lumpur city skyline.

“This close rapport certainly augurs well not only for VMY 2014 and AEC 2015 but also the long-term growth and prosperity of the tourism industry in ASEAN. It is imperative for our mutual success to maintain a cordial and close working relationship between all parties in the travel and hospitality sector,” said Director of Southeast Asia Division, Syed Yahya Syed Othman.

“TTAA has played an important role in promoting tourism and joint co-operation between Thailand and Malaysia for over 20 years. The signing of the MoU is significant as it is a win-win situation for both countries,” said its President, Mr. Suthiphong Phuenphiphop.

“MATTA will always continue to extend its cooperation to TTAA in all aspects of the travel trade for our mutual benefit and success. We recognise the importance of a well-knit and close working relationship in ensuring our mutual prosperity,” added its President, En. Hamzah Rahmat.

In 2012, ASEAN tourist arrivals to Malaysia amounted to 18,809,736 tourists, of which 1,263,024 were Thai tourists.