Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen says the tourism industry contributed RM1 billion per week to the economy in 2009, providing employment to over one million Malaysians.
"It is the government's commitment to ensure that the Malaysian tourism industry continues to flourish and to provide the best tourism experience to tourists from all over the world," she said at the Colours of 1Malaysia 2010 programme at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur tonight.
The annual event, organised by the Tourism Ministry, was opened by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.
The vibrant "Colours of 1Malaysia" truly lived up to its tagline - Greatest Tourism Malaysia Parade.
It was interspersed with street performances to show off Malaysia's unique tourism products.
Among those featured were homestay, food and fruit fair, mega sales, shopping, beautiful beaches and resorts and eco-tourism.
Fireworks lit up the sky and the show began with a thunderous performance of a variety of drums which were reflected in “Gendang 1Malaysia”.
The jidor, Chinese, Indian, Sarawak and Sabah drums along with the kompang and rebana were used in the performance.
Other performances included a dikir barat, involving 5,500 participants, a performance which has been entered into the Malaysia Book Of Record as a show with the largest number of participants.
Dr Ng said the Colours of 1Malaysia was one of the country's signature events since 1999 and had contributed significantly in raising awareness worldwide about the nation's tourism products.
“It is a night of celebration, a night of sharing Malaysia's diverse culture and tourism products with all Malaysians and the world,” she said.
The parade of 6,000 participants from around the nation was telecast live in over 20 countries.
The night ended with the Cuti-Cuti Malaysia dance by more than 5,000 performers aimed at promoting peace and harmony.
