KUALA TERENGGANU: Over an estimated RM5bil in tourism revenue is expected to be reaped from the 5.6 million visitors for the ‘Visit Beautiful Terengganu (VBT) 2017’ programme.
This is the ambitious plan of Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman, who has recently taken over the state tourism executive councillor’s portfolio to ensure that the industry is given its right focus with aggressive promotions.
“Tourism is a big revenue earner after petrochemicals in the country and has the potential to spur the economy further.
“Tourism is a well-connected industry with sports, history, health, food, seminars and expositions. Its offers a multitude of job opportunities
“And we want to take full advantage of our natural eco-tourism resources – idyllic islands, heritage, culture, traditional cuisine and the likes – to spur the state’s economy,” said Razif, adding that previous Visit Terengganu Year programmes in 1997, 2008 and 2013 were success stories themselves.
He added these were all part of the New Terengganu Transformation Plan to uplift the people’s socio-economy status and to place the state at the forefront with other Malaysian states by the year 2020.
The VBT 2017 with its host of year-round programmes is poised to prop up Terengganu with gains from activities, increased sales of goods and services, and greater revenue for the hospitality and transportation industry.
Razif called on stakeholders to practice an excellent service culture and to optimise the opportunities available during the VBT 2017 period to prosper themselves and their businesses.
“But ensure (that your) premises and services are hygienic and clean to (ensure) a positive brand and image. Do not neglect tourists but pay attention to their grouses, so that they will return,” he said.
As a start, 3,000 tour agents and tourists will be flying in directly to Kuala Terengganu from China this month.
Razif added that more weekly direct flights from other Asian countries are also in the pipeline.
The state, he said, is famed for its islands, particularly, the Perhentian islands, Redang, Lang Tengah and Kapas, which continue to draw in tourists and divers alike with its scenic views, pristine beaches and rich marine life.
“The serene islands and beaches offer a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the stress and congestion of city life.
“On the mainland, Kenyir Lake is an angler’s haven, while its duty-free zone, water theme park and elephant sanctuary are equally attractive,” said Razif.
Terengganu, he said, is also rich in traditions from its historical monuments to cultural heritage such as the songket and batik.
Other attractions include the Setiu eco-tourism park and Islamic Heritage Park with its beautiful Crystal Mosque.
The VBT 2017 programme kicked off with the four-day carnival which began on Dec 31 at Dataran Shahbandar, Duyong Marina, Pulau Warisan and Tanjung Seberang Takir.
As part of the programme, there will also be a Peranakan Mek (princess) and Mok (prince) beauty contest in Kampung Cina on Jan 7.
In February, there will be the homestay food and cultural festival in villages and the Besut art, cultural and heritage festival.
March will see the Setiu Wetlands Festival, Kenyir Bird and Nature Quest, Terengganu Bike Week, Terengganu Beach Festival and Kapas-Marang International Swimathon.
Come April, there will be the squid jigging and angling carnivals, international equestrian endurance race, Duyong art festival and an international lawn bowl competition.
For May, included in the programme are the international paragliding championship, decorative boat parade, Gunung Tebu international run and an international judo competition.
The annual Mek kebaya beauty pagent and Pelita Raya will stride out in June.
July will see the Besut Eco-Speed endurance challenge, International Global Tourism Conference, Kemaman Agricultural Expo and the Sea Games equestrian endurance competition.
The Peranakan Festival, Setiu Wetlands Eco Challenge, Pulau Bidong Merdeka Dive and World Gamelan Festival will be taking place in August, followed by the Lingai Mountain Bike Challenge, Pulau Kapas Windsurfing and Dinghy Challenge, International Islamic Arts Festival and TSG Fellowship bicycle ride in September.
In October, the state will be hosting the Terengganu International Eco and Marine Tourism conference and the Sultan Mizan Cup equestrian endurance race.
In November, the programme includes the Sounds of Terengganu musical festival and lastly, by December, there is the Asean Monsoon Casting angling tournament in Kenyir, a Terengganu’s seafarers boat exhibition and the Batangan endurance cycling jamboree.