The Malaysian tourism office in Taiwan yesterday tried to drum up local interest in traveling to Malaysia by offering a US$10,000 lucky draw for shopping and other cash rewards to Taiwan outbound travelers.
The initiative comes just days after the deadly terrorist attack in Bali, Indonesia, that killed over 180 people.
Michael Tay, director of Tourism Malaysia in Taiwan admitted that tourists may be afraid of traveling to Southeast Asia after Saturday's attack.
PHOTO: AP
"But Malaysia is different from Indonesia and is composed of three different ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese and Indians. The Muslims in Malaysia are not radical and they pose no danger to tourists," Tay said. "The Malaysia Government will definitely protect the safety of the tourists. After all, the government gains big economic benefits from the 12 million tourists that visit the nation annually."
To rebuild confidence and solicit visitors, the Tourism Malaysia yesterday launched its "Malaysia Carnival Competition," with give-aways gift items, including crystal ornament and dolls, to the tourists visiting the country.
Eligible contestants are the travelers who make trips to Malaysia from Taiwan between Oct. 15, 2002 and Jan. 15, 2003.
The winner of the US$10,000 shopping spree will be announced following a lucky draw on Jan. 24, 2003. Ironically, the winner will have to purchase another ticket to Malaysia to use the cash.
Tourism Malaysia has also aligned with nine travel agencies in Taiwan to offer three NT$20,000 shopping spree lucky draws at Taipei's Pacific Sogo Department Store -- one per month -- to group travelers for the next three months.
To enter the lucky draw, eligible contestants are requested to prove that they have made trips to Malaysia during the three-month period by submitting passport copies stamped by Malaysian customs and airplane ticket stubs.
Malaysia is a good alternative travel destination to Bali, Tay said. Malaysia's islands, which have topical scenery similar to Bali's beaches, are a viable alternative for travelers, he said.
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