Three top tourism officials get posts in international organisations

PUTRAJAYA: Three top tourism officials in Malaysia have clinched several prominent appointments to various international tourism authorities.

In a recognition of his capability by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng was appointed as chairman of the UNWTO Commission for South East Asia and the Pacific in the 2012-2013 term.

Ong was also appointed to chairmanship on the UNWTO program and budget committee, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Datuk Azizan Nordin has been appointed into the 12-men board of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) as well as chairman of the destination sub-committee for National and Provincial Tourist Offices Worldwide.

Also having received an international appointment recently was Malaysia Conventions and Exhibition Bureau (MyCeb) chief executive officer Zulkefli Shariff, who will be president of the Association of ASEAN Conventions and Visitors Bereau.

"This shows that Malaysia has been acknowledged as advanced nation in the tourism industry.

"This is on top of our success in organising various events of international standards, such as Citrawarna 1Malaysia, Magic of the Night (a night floral boat parade), and the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism festival," Dr Ng said to thunderous applause at the ministry's monthly gathering here on Tuesday.

Sourced: thestar