langkawi magazine
INSIDER SECTION
ECOTOURISM: Green Is In with Asian Tourists
Adventure and ecotourism-related activities appear to be taking off with mature Asian travellers.
This is particularly true for those who have taken conventional forms of tourism holidays such as shopping, theme park and beach holidays.
Langkawi Canopy Adventure operates a unique air trekking product within the rainforests of Langkawi. Its technical director, Mr Juergen Zimmerer, said: More and more Asians are doing air trekking. These are people who have done a lot of travel and want to do something new.
Mutiara Hotels & Resorts Malaysia general manager, yield & revenue management, Mr Halim Merican said: Asians are getting more adventurous. The group manages properties in three areas highly suited for adventure and ecotourism - Taman Negara, Pedu Lake and Langkawi. Mr Halim said: At Mutiara Taman Negara, we have seen a growth of more than 30 per cent (in Asian arrivals) for 2002 when compared against 2001.
Active promotion of ecotourism by state governments and properties such as Mutiara over the past three years had led to this trend. Sarawak, Sabah and national parks within Peninsular Malaysia were the main target destinations.
A spokesperson for Miri-based Seridan Mulu Tours & Travel said: In Sarawak, the main attraction is Mulu National Park. In Sabah, the Kinabalu National Park area and the Sandakan region are the main draws.
Budget airline AirAsia had contributed significantly to this interest by providing direct access to these destinations with cheap fares. However, the majority of Asians who travelled to these places were Singaporeans and Malaysians. Mr Halim said: Malaysians are starting to move away from sun and sea vacations and towards eco-holidays. We have youth tourism moving into these types of vacations as well as corporate companies.
He attributed the Singaporean interest in nature vacations to the lack of such opportunities in the island.
Mr Zimmerer said the tightly-controlled itineraries of tourists from Hong Kong and China discouraged them from experiencing his product.
India inbound specialist, Tourland Travel managing director, Mr Aruldass, said: We promote adventure and ecotourism to a very small niche market among the Indians. The vast majority still want city attractions and convenience.
This is particularly true for those who have taken conventional forms of tourism holidays such as shopping, theme park and beach holidays.
Langkawi Canopy Adventure operates a unique air trekking product within the rainforests of Langkawi. Its technical director, Mr Juergen Zimmerer, said: More and more Asians are doing air trekking. These are people who have done a lot of travel and want to do something new.
Mutiara Hotels & Resorts Malaysia general manager, yield & revenue management, Mr Halim Merican said: Asians are getting more adventurous. The group manages properties in three areas highly suited for adventure and ecotourism - Taman Negara, Pedu Lake and Langkawi. Mr Halim said: At Mutiara Taman Negara, we have seen a growth of more than 30 per cent (in Asian arrivals) for 2002 when compared against 2001.
Active promotion of ecotourism by state governments and properties such as Mutiara over the past three years had led to this trend. Sarawak, Sabah and national parks within Peninsular Malaysia were the main target destinations.
A spokesperson for Miri-based Seridan Mulu Tours & Travel said: In Sarawak, the main attraction is Mulu National Park. In Sabah, the Kinabalu National Park area and the Sandakan region are the main draws.
Budget airline AirAsia had contributed significantly to this interest by providing direct access to these destinations with cheap fares. However, the majority of Asians who travelled to these places were Singaporeans and Malaysians. Mr Halim said: Malaysians are starting to move away from sun and sea vacations and towards eco-holidays. We have youth tourism moving into these types of vacations as well as corporate companies.
He attributed the Singaporean interest in nature vacations to the lack of such opportunities in the island.
Mr Zimmerer said the tightly-controlled itineraries of tourists from Hong Kong and China discouraged them from experiencing his product.
India inbound specialist, Tourland Travel managing director, Mr Aruldass, said: We promote adventure and ecotourism to a very small niche market among the Indians. The vast majority still want city attractions and convenience.
Singapore 1/9/2004
