Move to draw more tourists to Pahang

Mohd Sharkar (seated left) with Chua (seated right), Ishak (standing, left) and Idros (middle) sharing a light moment at Mangala Resort and Spa in Gambang, Kuantan.

KUANTAN: Conventions, seminars and symposiums will be held as the main method to draw tourists to Pahang, said state Tourism, Environment, Plantations and Biotechnology Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin.

He said such an approach would attract visitors to come in groups, stay overnight, spend and boost revenue for the state’s tourism sector.

Mohd Sharkar said as such, Tourism Pahang will soon be known as Pahang Tourism and Convention Bureau.

It will play its role in promoting the state as a premier destination and also provide information to the visitors, he said.

“Seminars and symposiums are nothing new in the tourism industry but if they are held and actively promoted, will bring in a large number of visitors as these events involve many participants.

“The bureau will play a major role in this matter and will have a comprehensive development plan and several programmes, including serious efforts in promoting events such as the bird race, billfish competition and also caving activities, which have a huge following,” he said.

He said this after a tour of the Mangala Resort & Spa in Gambang.

Mohd Sharkar said the bureau will work closely with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for a better and wider market internationally and locally.

Also present were Farm Resort Gambang managing director Datuk Franky Chua Goon Eng, Tourism Ministry Pahang Office general manager Datuk Idros Yahya and Tourism Pahang general manager Datuk Ishak Mokhtar.

“The bureau will meet frequently to plan programmes and explore the direction of the tourism industry in the state.

Some tourist destinations will perhaps need to be upgraded and this can be discussed at the meetings,” said Mohd Sharkar.

He also said Mangala Resort & Spa, which won the World Gold in the Environmental (Rehabilitation/Conservation) Category at the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Awards 2018 in Dubai, would be a model venue for seminars and conventions.

It was the first resort in the country to receive such an award.

Praising the resort as an icon of eco-tourism destination, Mohd Sharkar said it served as an ideal getaway for those who want to enjoy greenery and privacy.

-thestar online.
http://www.mangalaresortandspa.com/