Homestay attractions Operators urged to offer Raya theme

GEORGE TOWN: Homestay operators in Malaysia have been urged to offer more Hari Raya Aidilfitri-themed packages during Syawal to lure foreign tourists here.

Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit said such packages would see foreign tourists wanting to experience the celebration. He said operators have to be creative in incorporating the Hari Raya theme in their respective packages by promoting traditional food and games. “The ministry is always supportive of the operators’ efforts to diversify tourism products offered in order to boost the industry,” he said before opening the Mai Beraya Homestay 1Malaysia 2011 programme at the National Park Square (Dataran Taman Negara) in Teluk Bahang.

The programme, which started last year, is in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration last month. Organised by the state Tourism Ministry Office and the Penang Homestay Operators Association, the programme is aimed at promoting elements of Hari Raya, such as food and culture as tourism products.

Dawos also said that between January and July there were more than 120,000 tourists who took part in the homestay programme compared to 92,000 last year. He said that as of this year, more than 100 villages in the country were involved in the homestay programme and nine were in Penang.

Association president Rohaizat Othman said homestay operators would be able to lure more tourists if they focused on their specialities such as offering kampung-style environment for the tourists. “In fact, we are planning to introduce kampung stays in the future which will offer tourists a chance to stay in kampung houses and experience the lifestyles of the locals,” he said. Guests to the event were treated to a scrumptious Hari Raya food spread such as ketupat, rendang and satay and were also entertained to dance performances.

-thestar online.