Sunday Star, October 2, 2005
Sports can pull in tourists
KUALA LUMPUR: Athletes and sports fans travel beyond their shores to be with their teams and players and this is an opportunity to draw them to Malaysia, said Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad. He urged event organisers and sports organisations to work with his ministry to promote the country as a sports destination. Sports, he said, had a universal appeal and the athletes and fans were willing to travel across the globe for sporting events. “The private sector should exploit the many good facilities and infrastructure that Malaysia has and organise more international sporting events. 'Apart from increasing tourist arrivals, this could result in economic spin-off for other sectors like the retail and hospitality industry,' he told The Star after flagging off participants of the AXN Malaysia Challenge 2005 here yesterday. Dr Toyad said the success of the F1 races in Sepang and other events at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil testified to the ability of sports organisers in Malaysia. He said his ministry had a one-stop centre to help organisers of sports and adventure events in, for example, expediting the approval of visas, licences and permits. The third edition of the AXN Malaysia Challenge, considered Asia's premier urban adventure, drew over 200 urban warriors from Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, France, Britain and host, Malaysia. Highlights of the six-hour endurance race include a flying fox stunt, abseiling, mountain biking, orienteering and rope traversing. The race was organised by AXN Asia, supported by Tourism Malaysia and co-sponsored by Perodua and Sprite Remix.
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