Malaysia Propose Tourism Package To Include Unesco Recognised Heritage Sites

Malaysia has proposed that travel agents in ASEAN countries, offer tourists from around the world a selection of an unified tourism package which comprise a trail of heritage sites, recognized by Unesco.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the heritage trail can start from Siem Reap in Cambodia, Luang Prabang in Laos, George Town in Penang, the city of Melaka and onwards to Borobodur in Yogyakarta.

Ng said through the package, tourists would be able to visit a series of heritage sites in the ASEAN region, under one package.

She told reporters here that her proposal for the need of such a package was well received by Tourism ministers from ASEAN countries during an unofficial meeting yesterday.

"Through the tourism package, we can also form a chain of cooperation among countries in the region and avoid competing against each other," said Ng who is in Cambodia to attend the 4th Trail of Civilization 2010 held in conjunction with the country's religious celebration for Buddhism.

Ng said Cambodia was renown for its rich historical artifax and recognized as a world heritage centre by Unesco and receives large numbers of tourists from all over the world.

She added that AirAsia could offer a travel package from Cambodia to Penang, followed by a ground route to Melaka before continuing their journey to Jogjakarta.

Tourists who go to Cambodia, normally do not continue their journey to Malaysia and Indonesia due to lack of connecting flights that offer packages to visit the heritage sites available in both countries.