Rich Cultural and Tourism Experience at IUMW
We love holidays because they provide opportunities for us to take a break from our busy schedules. We also love to visit new places, eat nice food, and experience different cultures. In a recent event supported by International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW), a study tour in Kuala Lumpur presented opportunities for students from Wales, Malaysia, and other countries to learn about tourism and cultures of Malaysia and Wales.
Students from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) had a study tour in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Singapore recently. Among the places they visited in Kuala Lumpur included the iconic Kuala Lumpur City Centre (incorporating Petronas Twin Towers), the National Mosque and Museum, Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), China Town, and IUMW’s city campus.
Students from IUMW and UWTSD had the opportunity to learn about the tourism landscapes of Malaysia and Wales from IUMW Deputy Vice Chancellor Stephen Griffiths and UWTSD Masters in Tourism Director Jacqui Jones respectively.
In his “Niche tourism in Malaysia” presentation, Stephen discussed Malaysia as a leader of ASEAN, working with but also in friendly rivalry with other members. Malaysian tourism is rich in diversity with many strengths. Medical, ecological, business, adventure, culture, food, and event tourism (weddings, sport, conferences, etc.) stand out. A review of tourism development should be considered to see if the tested formula of “Malaysia Truly Asia” is still working.
In her “Tourism in Wales” presentation, Jacqui shared the strategies to raise the number of overseas visitors to Wales, which included providing the warmest welcome, outstanding quality service, excellent value for money, and memorable authentic experience for every visitor.
The strategy for tourism growth included featuring iconic landmarks, building a high quality reputation, changing products and events, and having more luxury branded hotels. Some of the events that were hosted in Wales included the Rugby World Cup 2015, where Wales hosted some of the matches, and the UEFA Champions League Final 2017.
Each year, Wales has a different tourism theme: Year of Adventure (2016), Year of Legends (2017), Year of the Sea (2018), and Year of Discovery (2019). The Year of Legends featured historical legends such as King Arthur, Merlin, Owain Glyndwr, Henry VII, Pirates, and Saint David, all associated with Wales’ colourful history.
Modern legends such as Dr Who, Harry Potter, and Robin Hood movies were also featured. The legend of the dragon was featured with historical storytelling, the Welsh flag, interactive events, and a travelling dragon.
IUMW students studying cultures and tourism in different countries provides the opportunity to appreciate different perspectives. This broadens perspectives and contributes toward a richer positive experience and career development.
Are you ready to grasp that opportunity? Discover how you can do so by visiting the International University of Malaya-Wales’s (IUMW) booth at their Open Day at the IUMW Campus (25-27 January 2019, 10am-5pm).
You can also visit our website at www.iumw.edu.my, email us at [email protected], or call us at (+603)26173131 for more information, and grasp that transformation opportunity!