The star.com.my, September 23, 2006
“While ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’ works well as an overall theme, there are sub-themes that need to be worked out. For Australians, for example, it might be sun, sea and surf, and for Koreans it might be shopping, shrines and spas,” says Australian David Bowden, 54, a freelance photojournalist who has lived in Kuala Lumpur for 15 years.
“It’s interesting that many travellers don’t have Malaysia high in their travel sights but once they visit here, they love it. Perhaps there could be ads with messages from foreign nationals who live here, directed at their countrymen back home.
“Thailand has the variety of natural and cultural experiences that Malaysia has, but it is cheaper. They do some very colourful and professional ads. Malaysia does too, but it should move more into lifestyle experiences – many people are looking for holidays with style now. Thailand does this well and there is no reason why Malaysia can’t.
“More money could be devoted to making the service industry more professional and to educate people in the industry about the destinations. Ask some waiters in a five-star Langkawi resort what you should do for a day, and often they don’t know.
“This is sad as they could really help sell destinations and products – ‘You should try island-hopping or maybe a sunset cruise with Crystal Yacht Cruises or drop by Bon Ton Resort for sunset drinks etc’. Travellers appreciate this kind of information.
