Sunday 12 August 2007
GEORGE TOWN: The tourism industry in the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) is set to boom over the next few years, with Penang and Langkawi jointly taking the lead.
Both islands can expect 27.8 million tourist arrivals with a five per cent increase on a year-on-year basis by 2012, generating total tourist receipts of RM55.6 billion.
According to the NCER Socio-economic Blueprint 2007-2025 prepared by Sime Darby Bhd, Penang and Langkawi will be established as premier tourist destinations.
Both islands intend to differentiate themselves by offering six-star services supported by premium attractions such as art galleries, yatching, boutique shops and entertainment.
It states that key tourism assets of both islands will be enhanced to attract higher-yielding tourists, thereby increasing per capita tourist spending.
One of the key areas both islands will focus on is the active and continuous promotion of medical tourism.
Penang is already at the forefront of the country’s health tourism industry.
The strategy now is to expand it to Langkawi, which is able to provide complementary medicine, traditional therapies and spa treatments.
The global market for traditional therapies is estimated at US$69 billion (RM240 billion).
State Tourism Development Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said Penang will work together with Langkawi and the other three states in the NCER — Perlis, Kedah and Perak — to develop the tourism industry.
"As a state with vast experience, we will certainly share our expertise and market know-how with the others.
"We cannot be seen as moving on our own unlike the past. We will pool all our resources together to ensure a win-win situation for all."
He added that Penang also needed a transformation to stay ahead in the industry.
He said the coming in of Sime Darby would serve as a catalyst to propel the tourism industry to greater heights.
Teng added that Penang will work closely with Langkawi to further promote medical tourism, seeing as how the state has over seven years experience in the field.
"We will provide our assistance to Langkawi.
" I am sure they will serve as new grounds for investment."
Source: New Straits Times
Monday, August 13, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)