By Shakir Husain
New attractions will give Malaysia’s tourism industry a competitive edge in the region.
Malaysia is keen to diversify its offerings to achieve its revenue growth and foreign tourist arrival targets.
It is important for Malaysia to stay competitive in Southeast Asia and “come up with new products to sustain tourist arrivals”, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said at a tourism industry fair in India recently.
Several attractions have opened in recent years and more would be ready to receive tourists over the next few months.
Sea Life Malaysia at Legoland Malaysia Resort in Johor is ready for opening in April, whereas Desaru Coast, also in Johor, will open its high-end hotels this year.
Benefiting from international air links via Singapore’s Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, these locations would cater to family tourists and those seeking luxury stays.
Kuala Lumpur as a shopping destination and Langkawi as a romantic getaway are well-established on the global tourist map while Penang’s well- known gastronomic heritage needs no introduction.
” Malaysia should take advantage of new technological trends in broadening its appeal to new tourist groups in markets such as China, India, South Korea, Japan and Australia along with a renewed focus on Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines within Asean. “
The states of Sabah and Sarawak are similarly well-known among environmental tourists.
Bakhtiar believed that Malaysia should take advantage of new technological trends in broadening its appeal to new tourist groups in markets such as China, India, South Korea, Japan and Australia along with a renewed focus on Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines within Asean.
Providing employment to 3.4 million people, the tourism sector has the potential to create more opportunities in line with Malaysia’s aim to attract 30 million foreign tourists in 2020 and generate revenues of RM100 billion.
The homestay programme is one area that can bring in foreign tourists looking to explore Malaysia by being part of activities carried out by their local hosts.
Bakhtiar said Malaysia has about 4,000 homestay owners offering a variety of authentic rural and ecotourism experiences for tourists.
Growing this segment would promote entrepreneurship and create better transport infrastructure and Internet access outside cities.
“When you create jobs in rural areas, you mitigate migration to urban areas,” he said.
Trends show that tourists from China and India are going beyond traditional holiday spots like Genting Highlands and Langkawi, the deputy minister said.
A significant number of travellers from China come to Malaysia to enjoy clean air and natural beauty in areas known for their salubrious surroundings.
This experience should also appeal to travellers from large Indian cities where air pollution is a major concern.
Tourists from South Korea show special interest in local arts, culture and handicrafts, but Bakhtiar believed that more promotion of such attractions is needed.
“Cultural tourism is a priority area. We are looking at revitalising some archaeological sites. We should create a storyline for heritage places and develop museums and galleries,” he said.
Then there are big-ticket projects like the Desaru Coast development and Legoland, which are designed to attract families, golf tourists, corporate events and destination weddings from all over.
Desaru Coast’s luxury accommodation properties opening in the coming months are the Westin hotel, the One & Only resort and the Anantara resort.
With two championship golf courses, a themed water park, a retail complex, the Hard Rock Hotel and a conference centre already operating, Desaru Coast is set to emerge as one of Southeast Asia’s top tourist spots.
“We will be a hub for weddings, business events and leisure travel. Air connectivity is fantastic,” said Roslina Arbak, chief executive officer of Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd. – Bernama
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
