CENTURY MAHKOTA HOTEL MELAKA By Zainun Abidin Baharum

First international city resort hotel rising above the historic city of Melaka. Four star hotel is
nestled in the heart of the city’s commercial business and entertainment district.

Located along Jalan Merdeka and it is adjacent to Mahkota Parade, Melaka’s main shopping
center. The hotel is within walking distance to the many historic places of interest. 

Managed by Century International Hotels (which currently manages 21 hotels and resorts) and
a Member of the Lion Group. The hotel comprising of nine accommodation Wings and 617
beautifully furnished rooms including suites which blend with the old world charm and
modern day comfort. The rooms either overlook the Straits of Melaka or the overwhelming
historical city of Malacca has the amenities of an international hotel such as IDD telephone
complete with voice mail, remote-controlled tv with cable network, in room safe, hair dryer
and coffee/tea facilities. From the window guest can enjoy either a panoramic view Straits
of Malacca or the overwhelming historical city of Malacca. 

The guest has to check out its restraints to satisfy every taste. Café Mahkota to start with, it
serves superb local cuisine and for a gastronomical adventure. Café Mahkota located on the
ground floor of the hotel is ideal for casual dining. From a la carte menu or theme buffet
dinners from Sundays to Saturdays. A variety of an endless spread of traditional, local and
western daily buffet lunch. Hi-tea every weekend and public holidays. Café Mahkota presents
a choice fo buffet specialities for breakfast. Take a pick at the hot and spicy Nasi Lemak or
the delicious Chinese Teochew porridge. Café Mahkota is opened from 7:00 am to 12:00
midnight daily. 

For Pizza lovers, don’t miss out the tropical to Malaysian flavours, the Chef’s very own
creation and recipy at the Pizza Terrace. Beside that the guest can enjoy the soft cold
breeze and the magnificient view of the pool. 

The Bay Lounge is the perfect place for every cocktails or after dinner entertainment. Here
the guest can sit back and relax to the comforting music of the resident band. 

To handle conferences and meetings, the hotel is well equipped and has experienced staff.
With the nine multi-functional rooms which can be catered and tailored to any type of
seminar or function. All rooms have the latest model equipment. 

Fitness enthusiasts in search of leisure and pleasure visit the gymnasium furnished with the
latest hi-tech equipment or an aerobics and dance studio, a minigolf turf, squash and tennis
courts and a fitness center with separate sauna and jacuzzi to set relaxing for men and
women. There are also soothing massages, reflexology and aromatheraphy by professional
masseurs. 

For golf fans, the hotel provides shuttle services to the Tiara Golf and Country Club. Guest
can also make use of the free shuttle service that is within city limits. 

For further information : 
http://www.singaporegateway.com/century/malaysia/mahkota/mahkota.htm

PROMOTING TOURISM - INDIA By : Zulkiflee bin Abdul Latiff

Some 17,000 tourists visited India in 1951. That was the age of ships, with only the hardy venturing onto aircraft or traveling overland. Today the numbers exceeds one million. As early as 1956, the Government understood the world-wide ramifications of this new service industry and realized that it had to play the role of the developing agency-to build hotels in places of historical, scenic and cultural interest, develop adequate communication links to such places and increase promotional efforts.

Travel, leisure. availing of opportunities to see the gift that nature has given their country and upon which their forbears constructed magnificent civilizations, is something Indians aspire for today.

To encourage them to discover their own heritage and seeing the phenomenal growth potential of this service industry, the Government is providing incentives. These includes travel concessions for groups, youth, special categories and state employees and the Ministry of Tourism in corporation with the State Government is developing infrastructural facilities like accommodation, national and local transport and communications and development of tourist spots.

The international traveler is merely the other side of the tourism coin India proposes to earn-the foreign tourist needs the same facilities but deserves extra special care and arrangements to help him overcome the barriers of food, language and culture, for making his visit smooth and memorable.

This foresight has paid off today, and will continue to do so in the future. In 1961 tourism earned Rs 16.4 million by way of foreign exchange but in 1986-87 the figure had gone up to nearly Rs 18 billion. In 1980 tourism was already providing employment to some 4.5 million people and today it is recognized that tourism is in its own way an 'industry' and contributes to the nation's development in myriad ways.

These results have encouraged the Government to renewed efforts to develop tourism in India, but now in never directions. Careful attention is being paid to the nuts and bolts of this thrust-encouragement to charter flights, concessional group fares, ever-better communications and training of personnel for that little extra that makes India an unforgettable destination.

The India civilisation has through centuries and indeed millennia poured forth its riches to the world. Today, heady with the winds of development and change, India has opened its doors for all to view its magnificent heritage-its land, history and culture.

Reference Ministry of Tourism, Government of India by Visual Communication, Bombay.