by Nadiah Zamlus
SUBANG, Jan 2 — The Selangor state government is targeting eight million tourist arrivals this year, as part of the overall Visit Malaysia 2020 tourism campaign.
State Tourism and Culture, Malay Civilisation and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari said the aim is to surpass the number of tourist arrivals in 2019.
“The target is relevant due to our (Selangor) various tourism product offered. Last year, 7.2 million tourists made their way to Selangor, in which RM20.6 million revenue was gained from tax.
“Medical tourism is one of our features, as the state government is cooperating with the Malaysia Health Travel Council to promote Malaysia Year Health Travel 2020. One of our hospitals in Subang Jaya has been recognised at Asia Pacific-level.
“On eco-tourism, natural sites such as the Taman Botani in Shah Alam, Sungai Congkak in Hulu Langat, and the Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor should be regarded as the potential tourism machinery,” he told members of the press during the welcoming ceremony for tourists on the first day of the new year at the Subang Skypark Terminal, here on January 1.
Abdul Rashid also pointed out that Selangor will also feature several events including the Twin City Marathon on January 18 and 19 in Cyberjaya, Selangor Marathon on February 22 and 23 in Sepang, and the Malaysian Women Marathon on March 8 in Petaling Jaya as part of sports tourism.
“On the cultural side, the Retromania Grand Gathering for biking aficionados will be held on April 11 and 12, and the Selangor International Indigenous Arts Festival on August 1 and 2,” Abdul Rashid said.
He added that Selangor was currently the third largest tourist destination in Malaysia, while the first and second places were Sabah and Penang.
Meanwhile, he said RM9.7 million was allocated this year for promotional purposes to enhance the performance of the tourism sector in Selangor.
The state government’s efforts are part Visit Malaysia 2020’s mission, which aims to bring 30 million or more international tourist arrivals into the country and generate up to RM100 billion in tourism revenue throughout the year.
