DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, officially launched its new SERVICEPOINT retail outlet today in Central Market - Kuala Lumpur's leading local arts and craft centre - in a ceremony officiated by YB Dato' Donald Lim Siang Chai, Deputy Minister of Tourism. The occasion marks DHL's efforts in supporting the government?s initiative to drive the tourism industry during the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007, which aims to achieve its target of attracting 20.1 million foreign tourists .
The latest outlet adds to the three SERVICEPOINT outlets already operating in Menara Axis, Bangsar Baru and SS2 Petaling Jaya, as well as in the Klang Valley Service Centre in Glenmarie. While the other outlets cater to customers in the Klang Valley, the Central Market outlet caters to tourists in the city centre. In addition, DHL recently launched a new product specifically for tourists visiting Malaysia this year. "Tourist Express" allows visitors to enjoy hassle-free shipping at competitive prices on items purchased during their visit to Malaysia. Rather than transport their shopping purchases to their next destination, Tourist Express allows them to immediately send these items back to their home country.
According to Sam Leong, DHL Express Country Manager in Malaysia and Brunei, "The Ministry of Tourism has indicated that shopping accounts for the second highest expenditure for tourists, after accommodation. However, many tourists shy away from purchasing too many items due to high airline excess baggage charges. We realised this phenomenon created an opportunity for DHL to support VMY 2007 by giving tourists the freedom and peace of mind to shop without limitations or the worry about ensuring safe and affordable transport for the items they purchase here."
Using the new Tourist Express offering, tourists need only to drop off their shipment at any of DHL's SERVICEPOINT outlets in the Klang Valley, including the new kiosk in Central Market, which is open daily from 10am - 8.30pm, including public holidays. Compared to airline excess baggage charges imposed by International Airports, DHL's Tourist Express offers much lower prices. For example, a 25kg package from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai is subject to airline excess baggage charges of up to RM1525. DHL can transport the same package from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai with Tourist Express for RM655*.
With Tourist Express, there is only one price structure, with no hidden charges - customers know exactly how much they will have to pay. To make this service even better, Tourist Express offers full, door-to-door convenience; there's no need for fumbling over that heavy extra box at the airport. The customers' purchases will be waiting for them at their doorstep.
"We hope that with the launch of our new product offering for tourists and the opening of the DHL SERVICEPOINT retail outlet in a central location, the added convenience will encourage tourist spending, which will in turn greatly boost our country's economy. The launch of our latest DHL SERVICEPOINT outlet is also part of the company's commitment to continuously providing more value-added services to our customers, while expanding our network infrastructure throughout the country," added Mr. Leong.