Interview with Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor

Title: A Courteous Bunch

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan elaborates to Virtual Malaysia's Editor-in-Chief Rohizam Md Yusoff about Malaysians and Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

Not many people might know this, but the Tourism Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor once did a road trip from Lawas in Sarawak to Tenom in Sabah via the more rugged terrains of wild Borneo, long before the upgraded coastal road between the two states were constructed. He has read almost all of Isaac Asimov's works and enjoys reading biographies of great people during his leisure time.

He also used to be a diver, and among his favourite islands are Redang, Tioman, Pangkor and Langkawi. Langkawi has a lot of things to offer, he says. He recommends the Langkawi Cabe Car to tourists, as well as the curved suspended beach, where people would be able to see the sea and nearby islands (and into the spas of some of the resorts there as well).

The Minister believes that Malaysians are nice people. Malaysians are kind and courteous and like to see people happy. The 'budi bahasa budaya kita' and 'senyumlah' campaigns as initiated by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage reflects this.

He tells us to treat our tourists like we treat our friends and family. If your friends come to visit from overseas, you'll definitely bring them home to see how we live. They will eventually be our ambassadors and return to their country, telling their friends and family back home of the wonderful time they had here. Malaysians are naturally warm, says the Minister. The only thing is that the people need to be a bit more helpful to tourists.

We should treat our guests like gold and assist them when they come to our country. Tourism is a repeat business. So we have to treat them well and make them feel welcome. Treat them as though they have come to your own house. Make them happy.

As part of the 'Malaysia Welcomes the World' campaign initiated by the government to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2007, training is being provided to our front liners and people who are involved in tourist products on how to approach the market and to be more courteous to tourists.

Malaysia is what it is today because of its people. The government is proud of this and that is what we want to show to the world. Everything is multi here - multi cultural and multi religious. Malaysia was not built up through just one race but by the multiculturalism of its people. Malaysia is therefore a showcase of diversity - proof that if you live harmoniously, the whole world will be peaceful.

2007 is an important year for Malaysia. It is the celebration of our nationhood. Malaysia today is different from what it was 50 years, or even 10 years ago. We want to show to the world what we have done. We have political stability, a vibrant economy, and of course, the people.

There will definitely be more events for 2007 apart from our regular Formula One Races, Le Tour De Langkawi, Monsoon Cup, Citrawarna and Citrarasa. There will be events every month from January right up to December. The Minister is even looking at the possibility of having a Fireworks and Music Competition. It will go on for a whole month. There will be street buskers going around. The ministry is also planning for a Floral Show to kick off the competition. The highlight of course, will be on the 31st August 2007 where we'll show the best of Malaysia.

The Ministry has already initiated the promotions via electronic and print media. They have billboards and posters all over the world. They are even preparing a 'menu' for what we'll be having in 2007. The ministry has been advising both local and foreign agents what kind of events we'll be having for 2007. He will also soon be embarking on an ASEAN wide road trip, starting from Brunei, to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

The Ministry has set a high target of 20.1 million visitors and RM44 billion in revenue from 2007. The Minister is optimistic however, that with the help of the people, agents, and his team in Tourism Malaysia, that we will be able to achieve these targets.