'Promote Visit Kelantan Year'

KOTA BARU: Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said she had no confidence in the ability of the Kelantan government to make its Visit Kelantan Year a success.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen (right) greeting guests at the ‘Riang Ria Tahun Baru Cina’ ceremony in Kota Baru, Kelantan, yesterday. Bernama pic

Dr Ng said there was a lack of preparation by the state government to promote the programme. She said the ministry had so far not seen any effort  by the state government to promote the programme, including drawing up a calendar of event  normally prepared by  other state governments ahead of a similar programme.

"Visit Kelantan Year is a good move to boost the tourism industry, but they should have a good strategy before organising the programme. "When we organise Visit Malaysia Year, we have to spend about two years to devise a proper strategy to ensure it runs smoothly. Otherwise, it will be a shame when visitors arrive only to see nothing is being promoted to attract the people," said Dr Ng  after launching the ministry's "Riang Ria Tahun Baru Cina" event near here yesterday.

Other than clear strategies, she said  the state government must also maintain cleanliness and highlight tourism products to be offered. "I hope the state government will give attention to  the tourism products like hotels and historical places.

"The ministry has previously received reports from tourists of poor service  by certain hotels here especially  their spa centres. "The Kelantan government should take the matter seriously before they decide to issue licences to spa operators so as not to  tarnish its image."

Dr Ng said the ministry inspected 12 spa centres in Kelantan last year and only one passed the standards as the others  lacked in  proper facilities. "So, Kelantan has only one spa centre among the 290 recognised by the ministry throughout the country. It  is important to have more such centres here as  spas have been identified as one of the major tourist attractions."

-NST Online.