Speech by YB Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri Bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz, Minister of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia at The 16th IIFA Awards
SPEECH FORYB DATO' SERI MOHAMED NAZRI BIN TAN SRI ABDUL AZIZ
Minister of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia
THE 16th IIFA AWARDS
STADIUM PUTRA, BUKIT JALIL, KUALA LUMPUR
SUNDAY, 7 JUNE 2015
7.30 PM
Distinguished guests and honourable members of the Bollywood fraternity,
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalammualaikum, Salam 1 Malaysia and a very good evening.
1. It is my pleasure to be here today at the globally renowned International Indian Film Academy Awards - IIFA 2015, in the presence of all our phenomenal Bollywood stars. It is an extraordinary feat to host IIFA after it was last held in Malaysia in 2002 and we are honoured to once again be host country.
2. The IIFA Awards 2015 is a day of pride, highly awaited by many. As part of our local Malaysian gesture, I would like to wish you all Selamat Datang to Malaysia!
3. To begin with, I would like to thank the organizers of IIFA for choosing Malaysia as their host venue for the 16th IIFA Awards 2015. This prestigious Bollywood celebration shall be an exceptional accomplishment in promoting bilateral ties between both India and Malaysia. I would also like to applaud all parties for their initiatives in bringing the 16th IIFA Awards 2015 to Malaysia and making tonight possible.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
4. Aimed at becoming the entertainment hub for Asia, Malaysia is intensifying promotions to boost the tourism sector and ensure that the tourism industry remains robust throughout the year. With a series of major events and celebrations in the recent time, India has been a strong component of our local business and tourism.
5. Recognizing this significance, Malaysia has supported and witnessed various Indian concerts, events and awards over the past few years. It is indeed a remarkable affair with IIFA Awards where worldwide fans of the Bollywood scene go all their way to be part of this glamorously annual occasion.
6. This year, as part of the Malaysia Year of Festivals (MyFEST) event calendar, the 16th IIFA Awards 2015 is yet another milestone, towards achieving the campaign's target of receiving 29.4 million in foreign tourist arrivals.
7. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture is constantly looking for avenues to drive tourism into the country through reputable major events and the IIFA Weekend 2015 is indeed one of our prestigious occasions this year, blending significantly with our Endless Celebrations.
8. Capitalizing on regional tourist arrivals, India has always been an important market for Malaysia and has consistently been one of the top 10 tourist generating markets to Malaysia for leisure and shopping, corporate meetings, incentive trips, filming movies and weddings. In 2013 we had about 650,989 Indian friends visiting Malaysia, subsequently increasing to 770,108 in 2014, that is about 18.3% increase in arrivals.
9. The Ministry is targeting and we are giving our utmost commitment to reach 1 million in Indian tourist arrivals in Malaysia and with the IIFA happening this week, we are looking at a remarkable growth. For continuously making significant contribution to our tourist arrivals and tourist receipts, we thank you for your wonderful support.
Ladies and Gentleman,
10. With the availability of world-class airports, venues, attractions, facilities, hotels, restaurants and our well known hospitality, Malaysia is increasingly elevating status to become the preferred major events destination and at the same time stimulate the development of our local entertainment scene.
11. Hosting the IIFA Awards once again, truly represents the country's competence and expertise to hold globally acclaimed events to cater to the region.
12. I am sure over the three days, you have enjoyed the weekend's extravagance. Amidst this Bollywood sensation, I hope IIFA gave you the opportunity to explore our dazzling Kuala Lumpur, leading to magnificent skyscrapers, shopping deals, popular attractions and most importantly our eclectic food streets.
13. Malaysia has an abundance to offer, being the melting pot of cultures with rich ethnic diversity, unique blends of heritage, breath-taking natural attractions, and modern architecture. We look forward to see more movie shoots happen here, making the country your favorite filming location.
14. As host city, coupled with immense government support and easy accessibility, we are confident that Kuala Lumpur has been incredibly welcoming to this year's IIFA Awards 2015.
With that, Ladies and gentlemen,
15. Once again, I am thrilled to have the Bollywood contingent here in Malaysia. I look forward to the night's glamorous performances and congratulate all award recipients in advance.
Thank you.
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