Consider Kelantan, tourists told

9/20/2009 — BERNAMA
With about 350 homestay facilities available throughout the state, Tourism Malaysia Kelantan wants those planning their holidays during the festive season, to consider the ‘Cradle of Malay Culture’ as their preferred destination.
Its director Muhamad Zaki Talib said this was in line with Tourism Ministry’s to enhance tourism promotions as a means of attracting more visitors to the state which has a bounty of flora and fauna.
He added that Tourism Malaysia Kelantan had taken a number of initiatives, including upgrading and enhancing facilities and services at homestays in the state.
“With the prospect of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) project being implemented soon, it will be paramount to provide efficient services to attract visitors to the state,” he said.
Muhamad Zaki said they would also focus on ecotourism homestay facilities to attract tourist from abroad who are interested in such destinations.
“Apart from conducting courses, we also arranged for trips for those involved in homestay services to view similar facilities in other states and to create awareness.
“It is also to enhance their professionalism in administration, management and service aspects,” he said.
Muhamad Zaki added that one of the main components in ECER was ecotourism because Kelantan has a veritable rich treasure throve of delights in flora and fauna plus a rich tradition of warmth and friendliness among her people.
“Kelantan is rich with rustic fishing villages, verdant paddy fields, languid, palm fringed beaches, caves and wildlife and all this provide huge opportunities for those in the tourism sector,” he said.
He added that among homestay locations in the state were Jeli, Gua Musang, Jelawang, Kuala Krai, Tanah Merah, Kota Baharu and Tumpat. – BERNAMA