LOS ANGELES - June 9, 2005 -- The Minister of Tourism, Malaysia, the Honorable Datuk Dr. Leo Michael Toyad, is leading a mission to Canada and the USA from June 14-22, 2005. The delegation is on a three-city tour that includes Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles to aggressively promote Malaysia as a premier tourist destination.

The main purpose of the Minister of Tourism's mission is to renew the country's commitment and support for the USA and Canada's travel industries in their efforts to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination. In addition, the Minister would like to keep counterparts in the USA and Canada abreast of recent tourism developments in Malaysia, and most importantly establish a wider network of contacts in the USA and Canadian tourism industries.

"Malaysia has rapidly developed into a major vacation destination in the Southeast Asia region. However, we feel that USA travelers are not very familiar with what Malaysia has to offer," stated Dr. Toyad. He wants Americans and Canadians to know that Malaysia is a safe, stable and secure country. "Once visitors come to Malaysia, most want to return as indicated by the high percentage of repeat visitors. This mission is just the beginning of our concentrated efforts to educate travelers about what Malaysia has to offer, and why it is known as the Gem of Southeast Asia."

The delegation consists of officers from the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Malaysia and representatives from the Malaysian travel industry. Accompanying them are eight models and a fashion designer who are presenting cultural and fashion presentations in each city.

Seminars on tourism development in Malaysia, sales calls to local travel trade members, travel marts and press conferences highlight this mission's activities, which also will include cultural and fashion presentations.

A fashion show in each city will showcase contemporary batik, Malaysia's traditional fabric, by Malaysian designer Ms. Nazleen Noor. Noor is known for her sophisticated and contemporary batik designs, and has received several awards for her achievement, including the Asian Young Fashion Designer Award (2000) and the Malaysia International Fashion Awards (2003). Noor's designs will be worn by models who represent the diverse ethnicities of Malaysia.

In Los Angeles, Dr. Toyad will also host a roundtable discussion with filmmaking companies and producers to promote Malaysia as a filmmaking destination. Two well-known recent movies -- "Entrapment" and "Anna and the King" -- were filmed in Malaysia, with the cooperation of the Malaysian government.

The Minister's mission to North America is to promote Malaysia as one of the world's most safe and stable tourist destinations. Dr. Toyad wants all North American travelers to know how welcome they are to visit Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia
Abd Talib Long, 213-689-9702
[email protected]