Malaysia kicks off homestay packages targeting S'poreans

[Red 3]

Malaysia kicks off homestay packages targeting S'poreans
By S Ramesh | Posted: 01 October 2010 1448 hrs
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SINGAPORE: Malaysia's Tourism Ministry is launching on Friday the Malaysia Rail Tourism tour packages at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, with an emphasis on promoting an all-inclusive homestay package for tourists from Singapore.

Kicking off the programme was Malaysian Tourism Minister Ng Yen Yen who said the aim was to foster closer tourism ties between the two neighbours.

The Malaysian Ministry said the programme marked cooperation among the Homestay Association of Malaysia, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad and travel agents in Malaysia and Singapore.

At the event on Friday, more than 120 Singapore tourists, agents, and the media were flagged off on a train bound for Kelantan, where they would be placed with their host families at the Seterpa, Kampung Suri, and Kubang Telaga Homestays.

The homestay packages are priced between S$215 and S$435.

They include on-board bunk beds and meals , an entertainment coach with karaoke facilities for groups of 40 and above, as well as a full range of authentic traditional and cultural activities at the chosen homestay.

The Tourism Ministry said the Malaysia homestay tourism product was becoming increasingly popular among tourists who want to experience authentic Malaysian village life..

It has been introduced in 1995 as a means to elevate the socio-economic standing of rural people.

There are now 139 homestays throughout Malaysia licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

Between January and June 2010, homestay tour packages attracted 88,666 Malaysian and foreign tourists generating RM5,099,421.

Singaporeans made up 61 per cent of foreign homestay tourists.

-CNA/wk