KUALA BERANG: Rural folk should get involved in eco-tourism to benefit from Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
Rural Development Minister Rina Harun said villagers should take advantage of eco-tourism acvitivities to improve their livelihoods.
“They can ride on complementary activities like boat operations, tour guides, and the food and beverage industry to supplement their incomes,” she said at the launch of the eighth Tasik Kenyir Festival at Pengkalan Gawi yesterday.
She said her ministry was working with agencies such as the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority and Orang Asli communities to develop ecotourism attractions.
“Ecotourism offers local and foreign visitors the opportunity to appreciate the country’s beauty,” she said.
“At the same time, it provides them with the chance to experience the cultures of communities in the interior, thereby, showcasing the uniqueness of the state.”
Rina also urged those involved in developing tourism spots to ensure that the natural habitat and environment were conserved.
“I am confident that Tasik Kenyir has the potential to be a popular tourist destination just like Britain’s Lake District and the Balkans in southeastern Europe.
“Kenyir’s unique houseboats, along with the elephant and kelah fish sanctuaries, blend with the water and land sports to make it a complete tourist destination.”
Efforts, she added, were underway to develop more homestays at two villages next to the 260sq km man-made Tasik Kenyir.