By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SUBANG JAYA, Nov 3 — The state aims to attract 40 percent of its eight million target visitors from abroad for the Visit Selangor Year 2025.
To achieve this, state executive councillor for tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said Tourism Selangor is implementing a variety of promotional programmes locally and internationally, leveraging all platforms to highlight the state’s attractive destinations.
“We’ve carried out many initiatives, including global tourism campaigns in countries like China, India, and Indonesia. It’s crucial for us to elevate the tourism sector to greater heights.
“Selangor offers a wide range of tourist destinations across various segments. The Visit Selangor Year will also feature many events that are sure to leave lasting memories for visitors,” he said after officiating the Selangor Travel Fair 2024 and the pre-launch of the Visit Selangor Year 2025 at the Sunway Pyramid shopping centre, here, yesterday.
Also present were state executive councillor for culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah and Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Azrul Shah Mohamad.
The event also featured the launch of a special theme song for the state’s tourism campaign next year titled Surprising Selangor, performed by Aizat Amdan.
Meanwhile, Borhan said various cultural programmes will be organised next year, in conjunction with the Visit Selangor Year.
“What we want to emphasise to international tourists isn’t skyscrapers, but rather the rich culture in Selangor, such as the Mah Meri traditions, ronggeng dance, cempuling music, and a wide variety of local cuisine.
“We have prepared early with several programmes, including the Selangor Heritage Food Fiesta and cultural exchange activities. These are what we’re highlighting to attract both local and international tourists,” he said.
The Visit Selangor Year 2025 is expected to draw eight million domestic and international tourists, with a target revenue of RM11.7 billion.
Separately, Ng said the state government has allocated RM200,000 in grants to encourage tourism industry players to feature new and more interesting products for the tourism campaign next year.
He said the grants benefiting 20 industry players are aimed at ensuring the sector continues to recover and grow after being impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In addition to organising various campaigns, the state government has also approved grants for industry players, especially associations, that can bring unique elements to their products and elevate Selangor’s reputation,” he said.
