KL TO HOST CULTURE AND CUISINE FAIR

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur will host a 10-day fair
that will showcase the country's culture and cuisine, said Tourism Minister
Azalina Othman Said.

She said the fair, called the Malaysian Culture and Cuisine Extravaganza,
would be part of the Colours of Malaysia tourism programme.

"The event is to promote the culture and traditional food from all over the
country to the locals as well as foreign tourists, and to the young, some of
whom may not know our food heritage," she said when launching the fair here
Tuesday.

The fair, which would also involve handicraft exhibition and sale, is held
in collaboration with the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry and would
involve 11 hotels.

Legend Hotel will promote the culture and cuisine from Perak, Pahang and
Perlis while Grand Continental Hotel will promote Kelantan's food and culture,
Dynasty Hotel (Melaka), Quality Hotel (Selangor), Park Royal Hotel (Negeri
Sembilan), Citrus Hotel (Terengganu), Renaissance Hotel (Sabah) Grand Seasons
Hotel (Johor), Sri Pacific Hotel (Kedah), Vistana Hotel (Penang) and Concord
Hotel (Sarawak).

Azalina said the fair was also in conjunction with various international
events such as the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix next week.

She said that based on a study by the ministry, the food component
contributes RM8.338 billion (US$1=RM3.66) or 18.1 per cent of the total tourist
spending or the third largest spending after accommodation and shopping.

-- BERNAMA