The easy way to discover the great outdoors - make comfort the first resort.Malaysia is banking on this year's Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur to place it on the map as a leading sports destination.
While Australia gears up for the Olympics 2000 in Sydney, Malaysia's chance to use the 16th Commonwealth Games - the second largest sports event after the Olympics - to boost its profile is just right around the corner.
Known as Sukan Kommanwel (SUKOM) in Malay, the September 11 to 21 games have given the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) an anchor for this year's Sports and Recreation Year (SRY) promotions.
The MTPB is also using the Games to draw tourists to other destinations promoted under its Fascinating Malaysia campaign which features city, island resorts, eco-tourism and adventure attractions.
Malaysia's victorious bid brings the Games to Asia for the first time.
The events will be spread over 23 venues in Kuala Lumpur, with the shooting competition in Langkawi.
Visitors to the games will see at least two of Malaysia's new mega projects. They will fly in through its new international gateway, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang due to open on June 30.
The Games' main venue is the 100,000 seat Bukit Jalil Stadium, now nearing completion and to be linked by a light rail transit (LRT) system to the city centre.
Malaysia Airlines (MH), the official carrier, is flying the SUKOM logo on its aircraft globally and airing SUKOM's video clips over its inflight entertainment system.
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), with the MTPB's support, has formulated five basic packages built around the Games. Games tickets, from M$5 (US$1.30) to M$500, are being sold through the website http://www.ticketexpress.com.my, telephone (603-4454455) and mail order. Ticket Express, the official ticketing agent, will announce the list of 500 ticket vendors in Malaysia by July.
After the games, Malaysia will continue its emphasis on sports tourism when it hosts the 1999 World Cup Golf at the Mines Resort and Formula One Grand Prix in Sepang.