Malaysia Among 53 Places To Go in 2008?

New York Times had published the most attractive tourism destinations for 2008 with 6 desinations being in Asia. But wait no mentioned of destinations in Malaysia!!

Impossible it may be after all the monies spent to make VMY 2007 a success and now, extended to 31 August 2008, isn't there anything attractive being planned by the Tourism Ministry to make Malaysia destinations as an attractive destination for 2008? So what promotions have the Ministry made to attract tourists?

Below are snippets of Asian destinations including our less illustrious ASEAN neighbour Laos, up-coming Asian economy - Vietnam and Lombok in Indonesia. Maldives were hit by Tsunami and with islands sinking few centimetres annually standa beside countries involved with war/uncertainties i.e. Iran and Kuwait in the listing. Where is my Malaysia Truly Asia?

1 LAOS
Vietnam and Cambodia are so 2007. Now, Laos is shaping up to be Indochina's next hot spot. Ancient sites like the Wat Phou temple complex and the capital city of Vientiane are drawing culture seekers. Luxury teak houseboats are cruising down the Mekong. And global nomads are heading to Luang Prabang to sample the Laotian tasting menu at 3 Nagas (www.3nagas.com) or hang out by the infinity pool at the seriously upscale Résidence Phou Vao (www.residencephouvao.com).

7. MALDIVES
The 2004 tsunami, a fragile ecology and a recent bombing have done little to dampen a hotel boom in this island-nation of about 1,192 coral islets in the Indian Ocean. Among the high-end hotels expected to open next year is a Regent Hotels & Resorts (www.regenthotels.com) with 50 villas, many set over the water, allowing guests to observe the rich marine life while still lying in bed.

18. IRAN
What Axis of Evil? Upscale tour operators are tiptoeing into Iran next year, offering trips that explore the ancient country's Persian treasures and olive-green desert plains. Next spring, the luxury cruise liner Silversea will make stops in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on its Dubai to Dubai cruise. And California-based Distant Horizons (www.distant-horizons.com) is organizing two 18-day trips that start in Tehran and then weave through the once-forbidden countryside, including stops in Shiraz and Isfahan. Prices start at $5,390 per person.

32. KUWAIT CITY
Yes, there's a war next door. But that's not preventing Kuwait City, a bustling metropolis on the Persian Gulf, from welcoming new air service (direct United flights from Dulles Airport near Washington start this month), playing host to international boat shows, or opening a slate of opulent hotels. The most talked-about is the Hotel Missoni, the first of several for the fashion house. Designed by the Italian architect Matteo Thun, it is to open next year.

34. LOMBOK
Lombok, a low-key Indonesian island east of Bali, is coming out of the shadows. With Bali oversaturated with villas and designer restaurants, tourists are hopping on short flights to find less-crowded beaches, a bigger volcano and better surfing. It's also cheaper — not that visitors are slumming it. There's already an Oberoi (www.oberoilombok.com), and other high-end hotels are on the way.

48. VIETNAM
Three decades after the fall of Saigon, the city (now known as Ho Chi Minh City) has become an unlikely stop on the global golf circuit. In the past decade, old courses like the Dalat Palace Golf Club have been spruced up, and newer ones, like the Ocean Dunes Golf Club in nearby Phan Thiet, on the South China Sea, and designed by Nick Faldo, have raised the bar. Still to come: the Montgomerie Links, just off China Beach, and the first Vietnam course designed by Colin Montgomerie.

Aiseyman ....... Tourism Minister could have perhaps spent the monies on tourism infrastructure in Malaysia e.g. RM1mil public toilets, Eye on Malaysia and etc. instead of promoting to such effect.

Bernama sang to the tune of "Laos Is One Of 53 Places To Go In 2008" on 08 January 2008 online.

More promotions spending on Malaysia Truly Asia or Rasa Sayang? I recalled an incident during a Government sponsored roadshow in middle east sometime ago when the cultural performers on stage were all Filipinos and truly reflecting the tagline!

So called world class events organised in Malaysia e.g. Monsoon Cup and mega projects like IDR, PGCC and all the corridors can't even attract?

So what's the next step PM?
[A] Sack the Minister.
[B] We will review tourism promotion initiatives.
[C] More promotions and look forward to 2009.
[D] Sleep with it!