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Overview

Tourism has long been an important economic driver in the region, attracting both local and foreign visitors to the region’s enchanting natural and cultural attractions. The region is well-known for its natural assets - unspoilt beaches, serene, coral-ringed islands as well as lush rainforests, cool clean rivers and calming highlands.

Islands such as Pulau Redang and Pulau Kapas are renowned for their beautiful coral reefs. Taman Negara, the first and oldest national park, and Endau-Rompin are filled with eco-tourism activities. And if one is looking to get away from the hot tropical heat, then runaway to highland destinations such as Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands.

The region is also considered the cradle of Malay culture – it is where the ancient performing arts such as Mak Yong, an ancient dramatic form, Wayang Kulit or shadow puppetry and Gamelan, a musical ensemble of gongs, xylophones and drums – continues to be performed and perpetuated.

The region is also one of the bastions of Malay handicrafts, where traditional artisans continue to produce magnificent woven Songket textiles, Batik and Tenun Pahang, intricate silver and brass vessels and magnificent wood carvings using fine-grained local timber.

The list of attractions and activities is long and exciting, but largely remain untapped. The ECER has diverse tourism resources that have the potential to be developed as world-class tourist attractions.

Industry Facts & Figures

TThe sun-drenched uncrowded beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, and forest retreats, cultural attractions and at competitive prices makes ECER states a hit among foreign and domestic tourists. It is expected that the number of tourist arrivals to the ECER states will continue to increase in the future.

  • It is projected that by the year 2020, foreign tourists to Malaysia will total around 55 million
  • In 2005, over 1.9 million foreign tourists and 8.3 million domestic tourists visited the ECER states. These numbers are forecasted to grow to 7.4 million foreign tourists and domestic tourism being a significant contributor to the sector with 21.4 million by the year 2020.
  • Various cottage industries and fair prices make ECER states one of the main attractions for local tourists. Domestic tourism will remain the highest contributor to the sector in the ECER.
  • This growth naturally increases demand for room accommodation, better transport, and other tour-related services. In the year 2020, established hotels and accommodation in the ECER are projected to contribute 15% or 24.5 million, of total hotel guests in Malaysia.
  • Employment in tourism is also expected to increase with over 40,000 new jobs in the ECER. Local populace will benefit from increased employment and growth of new businesses.

 

   QUICK FACTS
2000 – 2005 (ECER) 
Tourist arrivals increased 7.4 million -> 12 million
No. of hotel guests increased 4.3 million -> 7.3 million