KANGAR: Raja Muda Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail said the state government should consider establishing a dedicated tourism unit to drive its tourism sector to greater heights.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin decreed that Perlis should emulate other states with a dedicated entity to manage the state's tourism affairs.
"Compared to other states, Perlis does not have a particular body that manages the state's tourism affairs.
"Therefore, I would like to see the state government establish a special unit for tourism or the Perlis Tourism Board to drive the tourism sector development to a higher level," he said in his royal address at the opening of the Perlis State Legislative Assembly here today.
Also present was Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin added that Perlis was blessed with incredible natural landscapes to attract visitors, which the state should take advantage of them to empower the state's tourism sector.
"Tourism can be the catalyst to drive the state's economy and develop our society on top of creating new growth areas, generating jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities for the people," he said.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin added that this year was the final year of the state government's preparations to ensure the success of Visit Perlis 2024.
"To welcome visitors next year, the state government must make thorough preparations from all aspects, such as ensuring infrastructure facilities are in good condition and cleanliness is maintained, while tourism players upgrade their respective facilities and products.
"Failure to do so will tarnish the state's image and give a poor impression among the visitors," he said, adding that Perlis had recorded 2.7 million visitors last year.
Nonetheless, he praised the state government and social media influencers for their tireless efforts to promote Perlis tourism.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said the state government was also preparing the Wang Kelian Special Area Plan, which would act as a blueprint for Wang Kelian development.
"In addition to this, new tourism centres being developed by the private sector are expected to be operational soon, such as the Padang Besar Pavillion, Motel Development, Bukit Batu Putih Beach Seafood and Recreation Center, Kuala Perlis Tourism Complex, Gua Kelam Base Camp Project and the Nuansa Lantera Glamping and Retreat Project.
"I welcome the private sector's participation in developing new hotels in Perlis as the existing hotels and homestays can no longer accommodate the high volume of visitors during the public holidays.
"Tourism players should also work with the state government to empower this sector," he said.