JOHOR BARU: Johor wants to position itself as an international honeymoon destination, similar to other popular spots like Bali, Hawaii and Singapore. Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said Johor had several attractive locations to lure couples from all over the world to have their wedding reception or honeymoon here. For example, he cited Johor’s beautiful beaches like Desaru and the Mersing islands off South China Sea such as Pulau Rawa, Pulau Sibu, Pulau Tinggi and Pulau Besar, as a perfect setting for a beach wedding.
Abdul Ghani said the couples could also choose to have a “green” theme wedding by having their events at parks and gardens.
“We need to learn from Bali, Hawaii and Singapore on how to attract these couples and honeymooners to come here,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Wedding and Beauty Fair here. The text of his speech was read out by Yayasan Warisan Johor director Jama Johan. Abdul Ghani said good marketing strategies were needed to develop Johor as the preferred choice of newlyweds. He noted that wedding receptions were a lucrative business, which would create economic spin-offs such as costume rental from bridal boutiques, bridal make-up services, photography and hotel accommodation.
Abdul Ghani said the Tourism Ministry could also help to promote Malaysia as a wedding destination to international tourists during its roadshows abroad. “Apart from the colourful wedding ceremonies we could also promote popular Malaysian cuisine as well as traditional music to the wedding guests,” he said.
-thestar online.
Tourism Ministry have produced and distrubuted booklets "Lovers Paradise" in English & Thai, "Wedding & Honeymoon" in Japanese, and been highlighted at Tourism Malaysia promotions overseas. Johor Tourism must also play their part in promoting Johor as the Wedding & Honeymoon destination.
ReplyDelete