Visit Malaysia Year 2104 and the Royal Langkawi International Regatta

by Suzy Rayment on 14 Jan 2014 The 12th Royal Langkawi International Regatta is the first event of Visit Malaysia Year 2014 programme initiated by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The Minister, Y. B Dato’Deri Mohamed Nazri Bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz, held a press conference at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club on the eve of the regatta to promote the year-long campaign that includes over 200 events and activites planned to showcase the country’s natural assets. From its ancient rainforests, and UNESCO Heritage sites to its modern capital, Kuala Lumpur, the Visit Malaysia promotion has boosted Malaysian tourism over the years, and is aiming to attract a record 28m tourist visitors through 2014 – one tourist for every Malaysian citizen!

The Ministry has sparked up two new and unique promotions: the 'We Are The Host' and the 'Smart Partnerships' programmes. The first focuses on the country’s key asset, its people, mobilising them to become Ambassadors for Malaysia and showing that world-renowned 'Malaysian hospitality' is alive and well. The second programme is a collaboration between the private and government sectors through which where tax incentives are used to encourage the participation of companies and associations in the promotion of Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

A long-term supporter of the Royal Langkawi International Regatta, the Ministry supports the efforts of the late founder Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah in promoting Langkawi as a premier sailing and marine hub. Since the first regatta in 2003, the event has attracted over 400 yachts, and seen more than 3,500 competitors coming to Langkawi to race in the regatta series.

This year 350 sailors from over 15 countries are competing on 44 yachts in the five-day event. Langkawi is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, and the dramatic rock formations of its geoparks make a stunning background to the regatta programme. The winner of the Racing class will take home the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy, to be presented at the closing ceremony on Saturday night, 18th January.