Date: 20 November 2012
Tourism sector set to become major contributor.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism sector, being the third biggest
contributor to the country's economy after manufacturing and palm oil, offers
vast employment opportunities. The Tourism industry not only promotes those
involved in the sector but compliment the service industry to generate business
opportunities and further boost the country's economy as well as enhance
people-to-people relations.
According to the Tourism Malaysia statistics, revenue
generated from 24.6 million tourist arrivals in 2010 was RM56.5 billion but the
figure increased to RM58.3 billion through 24.7 million tourist arrivals last
year. The domestic tourism industry has also seen a positive increase as
revenue for last increased to 42.3 billion compared with RM34.7 billion in
2010.
Malaysia has also recently earned recognition from the World
Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as the ninth most visited country in the world
from 2009 to 2011, and ranked 14th in terms of revenue earned from the tourism
sector. This year Malaysia has targeted 25 million tourist arrivals and a
projected revenue of RM60 billion.
During the 2013 Budget tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Najib Tun Razak on Sept 28, he also announced 2013/2014 as Visit Malaysia Year
to attract 26.8 million tourists. The government also announced a three-year
tax exemption incentive for tourism and travel agents who provide services and
handle up to 750 foreign tourists or 1,500 domestic tourists.
The focus of the government is to enhance the country's
position as a leading foreign tourist destination, while promoting domestic
tourism. Opportunities abound for entrepreneurs, business owners and investors
who support the government's direction.
The Dean of Universiti Teknologi MARA's (UiTM) Faculty of
Hotel and Tourism Management Prof Madya Dr Mohamad Abdullah Hemdi views the
initiatives as a boost to the tourism sector and those involved in the
industry. In order to ensure the government's target of 26.8 million tourist
arrivals was achieved, he urged entrepreneurs involved in the industry to grab
the opportunities to offer luxurious holiday packages to increase their
revenue.
"For Visit Malaysia Year 2013/2014, the concept of
providing luxury villas at top resort destinations as an alternative to hotel
accommodation as well as an investment portfolio must be adopted. To ensure
tourists enjoy their stay here, a variety of tourism products is important,
like providing services for tourists to visit Malaysia using helicopters of
private jets or even luxury yachts," he told Bernama.
Mohamad Abdullah said initiatives like promoting the unique
flora and Fiona found in the tropical forests of Malaysia, cycling around
national parks in the country must also be packaged and offered to tourists.
Malaysia, a country blessed with rich natural environment and exotic islands
has not taken full advantage of the growing demand for luxury retreat villas
like Bali in Indonesia and Thailand.
Moving forward, the long-term prospect for Malaysian tourism
remains bullish and hospitality developers should take advantage of the surge
in demand for private luxury villas, be it for investment purpose or holiday
destination.
Recently the country welcomed the opening of an
international theme park, LEGOLAND in Johor, which is the first in Asia and one
of only six in the world. The state of Johor is also scheduled to launch a few
other theme parks this year such as Hello Kitty Town, Little Big Club and Lat
themed attraction in Puteri Harbour, while 2014 will see the opening of Ocean
Quest and Ocean Splash water parks in Desaru.
Mohamad Abdullah said in efforts to promote tourism and
provide human capital for the industry, UiTM offers various courses in various
fields related to the tourism industry, adding that 7,746 students were
currently pursuing their higher education in their respective fields. "In
UiTM, we have training for those involved in the tourism industry like the
homestay programme through collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Tour
& Travel Agents (MATTA) to enhance their knowledge of tourism products.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Tourism Unit head
Norazah Yusof said many luxury hotels have mushroomed in the city to cater for
the high demand for luxurious holiday packages. Norazah said the City Hall
continuously organise programmes and events to promote the tourism industry,
especially in Kuala Lumpur, by offering tourism in the fields of medical,
education and hospitality.
She added that since tourists want to experience 'on ground
experience' food festivals, culture and traditional programmes that showcase
Malaysian culture are organised for them to participate. - Bernama
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