Eco-tourism and rainforest preservation were two of the main topics discussed by Malaysia's Minister of Tourism Dr. Datuk Leo Michael Toyad in his speech to travel industry executives in Vancouver, Canada on Wednesday.

Toyad, who is looking to promote further Malaysia as a premier tourist destination to Canadians and Americans, said he recognises that Canadians feel strongly about these topics.

"Malaysia is well known for its eco-tourism attractions like the Mulu Caves, and Mount Kinabalu Park," Toyad told reporters at the press conference in downtown Vancouver. "We want Canadians to know about these destinations and about rainforest trekking packages, but we also want them to know that the Malaysian government is promoting eco-tourism in balance with environmental preservation."

Malaysia's Minister of Tourism Dr. Datuk Leo Michael Toyad

According to tourism figures, 500,000 Canadians travel each year to Southeast Asia. Currently, out of those, 30,000 travelers make it to Malaysia.

Toyad said he would like to increase that number significantly.

"I would like to increase that number to 100,000 per year," said Toyad. "Of course, I would be even happier if it was more."

Toyad also spoke about Malaysia's other attractions, such as its multicultural background, safe travel destinations, and excellent economic value--one Canadian dollar exchanges for three Malaysia Ringgit.

The Vancouver stopover concludes with a cocktail evening of 'Everything Malaysian'. It includes a fashion show showcasing Malaysia's traditional batik industry, as well as 'sape' musical performances by Mathew Ngau Jau and Randy Raine-Reusch.

The Minister's three-city tour also includes stops in New York and Los Angeles where the delegation will give seminars on tourism development in Malaysia, sales calls to local travel industry professionals, travel marts and press conferences.