The tourism authority of Malaysia has launched Visit Malaysia Year 2014 at World Travel Market today to showcase its diversity in food, leisure and lifestyle offerings.

This follows Lonely Planet’s recent inclusion of Malaysia in its Top 10 destinations to visit in 2014 list; part of its Best in Travel series of guidebooks.

Participating at the World Travel Market 2013 in London this week, Tourism Malaysia’s Director General Dato’ Mirza said: “Malaysia is very well positioned to capture the growing global travel demand for Asian destinations, which is expected to grow by three to four per cent in 2013 – as investors, businesses and tourists savour Malaysia’s natural beauty and multicultural heritage as well as our truly unique multiracial cuisine.

“No other country in the region combines the best of traditional and contemporary Asia as we do. As our tagline says – Malaysia is Truly Asia and we welcome everyone to come to Malaysia to visit, live, work or play, especially as 2014 has been declared Visit Malaysia Year.”
 
Malaysia has in recent years successfully encouraged and expanded its travel repertoire via an influx of international brands such as Legoland, Hello Kitty Town, upcoming W Hotels and Fox Century Studio’s theme park as well as tapping expanding consumer wallets via shopping destinations such as Johor Premium Outlets in the southern region of the country.

Malaysia also hosts some of the world’s largest events – such as Formula 1, MotoGP, Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Show – that place Malaysia in the international limelight. Future Music Festival, Asia Music Festival, Urbanscapes and Rainforest World Music Festival are also gaining traction in bringing throngs of visitors to Malaysia to attend highly acclaimed local and international music acts.

Malaysia’s infrastructure and assets regularly receive international recognition, from Kuala Lumpur being ranked 4th best shopping city by CNN Travel to Malaysia Airlines named Asia’s leading airline at the World Travel Award 2013 in October this year.

Aside from visiting or investing in Malaysia, the country is also known as a hotspot for long-stay visitors and retirees. Malaysia introduced Malaysia My Second Home Programme (MM2H) a decade ago, which allows foreigners who fulfil criteria to stay in Malaysia for as long as possible on multiple entry social visit passes.

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