(This post is brought to you by Iskandar Regional Development Authority)

Iskandar Malaysia’s diverse landscape, coupled with soonto-be-opened key iconic tourism products, is set to further boost the region’s economic growth and the tourism industry as a whole.

Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) Chief Executive, Ismail Ibrahim, said Iskandar Malaysia is poised to be Asia’s gateway for tourists’ arrival into Malaysia and the ASEAN countries.

“With the participation of the Cities and Corridors Lab led by PEMANDU and State agencies, the target number of tourists visiting Iskandar Malaysia is expected to hit 7 million per year by 2020. The definition of ‘tourist’ here is visitors who spend at least one night,” said Ismail.

“We are very excited to declare that 2012/2013 will be Iskandar Malaysia’s banner year, adhering to IRDA’s focus and facilitating the opening of world class iconic tourist projects which include Legoland Malaysia, Puteri Harbour Family Entertainment Centre, and Austin Heights Water Theme Park to name a few.

“In tandem with tourism growth, the region will also be promoted as a shopper’s haven, with the enhancement of existing shopping complexes and hotels, as well as the introduction of new projects by the end of 2013.

“We are also pleased that Johor has increased its tourism product offerings, particularly with new developments in Mersing Laguna and around Desaru Beach. We believe this will continue the Iskandar Malaysia tourism spill-over effect and enhance its economic vitality and excitement.” he said.

It was recently reported that Johor would eventually be similar to Orlando, Florida in the United States, boasting at least 11 leisure attractions within one state and making it a major theme and amusement park destination in Southeast Asia. (Source: Business Times, April 17, 2012)

Besides the new attractions, Ismail stressed that Iskandar Malaysia is vibrant with existing charms provided by the rich tapestry of heritage, arts, and culture in Johor Bahru’s city center.

“Most notable is the Iskandar Puteri Heritage Trail which tempts the senses with an exquisite experience of old coffee shops and charcoal oven bakeries. Visitors may also opt to take home souvenirs from Plaza Seni, while unforgettable Johor delicacies and cuisines such as Mee Rebus, Kacang Pol, Briyani Gam and Laksa Johor are not to be missed,” he remarked.

For the nature loving, eco-friendly tourist, Iskandar Malaysia can tempt visitors with Pulau Kukup and the Ramsar site in Tanjung Piai. The former is well-known as the world’s largest uninhabited mangrove island whilst Tanjung Piai is a tourism landmark for Iskandar Malaysia, as it marks the southernmost tip of Mainland Asia.

Ismail urges tourists and visitors to come to Johor, and Iskandar Malaysia particularly, to enjoy holidays with great adventure, great people, and great food.

“The truly iconic thing about Iskandar Malaysia is the entire experience of being within it. I urge everyone to invest their holidays in Iskandar Malaysia, for truly the time is here and now,” said Ismail.
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Iskandar Regional Development
Authority (IRDA)
G-01, Block 8, Danga Bay,
Jalan Skudai, 80200 Johor Bahru
Tel: +607.233 3000
Fax: +607.233 3001

Iskandar Service Centre
Tel: +603.2260 6777
Fax: +603.2260 7999
All consultancy and assistance is given free of charge.

Toll Free: 1-800-88-3010 International: +607.218 3010
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.iskandarmalaysia.com.my

Source: Senses of Malaysia July-Augt 2012
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