SEREMBAN: The Federal Government has allocated RM50 million to boost the tourism industry and to prepare for Visit Malaysia 2020.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said the ministry was also asking the Finance Ministry for an additional allocation for tourism promotion programmes.
“So far the ministry has set aside RM50 million. We have applied for additional budget for special use to promote tourism activities.
“For Visit Malaysia 2020, we won’t just focus on foreign tourists.
“Local tourists will be given equal attention as they, too, contribute to the country’s income,” he said after attending the Titik Sentuhan Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat programme at an Elderly Activity Centre in Kampung Baru Sikamat, here, today.
A total of 100 senior citizens, including 18 disabled individuals, received hampers and cash aid at the event.
Bakhtiar said 30 million people were expected to visit the country next year in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020.
He said more promotions would be carried out, including introducing Malaysia’s rich and diverse cultures in Europe and countries such as China, India, Russia, Korea and Japan.
“We need to compete with Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand to ensure that tourists also come to Malaysia.
“We are going to market Asean and when tourists go to Thailand, we will also make sure they come to Malaysia to travel and see the culture and the uniqueness here.
“Tourists can visit more than 20 museums that are under the supervision of the ministry to learn about the unique cultural diversity here.”
Asked whether the closure of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur from March 15 onwards was part of the tourism plans, he said the question should be directed to Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad or Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan.
“I do not want to answer on their behalf,” he said.