Tourism Ministry to maintain existing promotions

LANCHANG: Tourism activities are still sustainable this year although there may not be a rise in the number of foreign tourists arrivals.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said several external factors had affected countries worldwide recently. She added the ministry would maintain its existing promotions and focus on tourists from China, the Middle East, India and Russia as their spending capabilities were quite high.

“We may not see too many Japanese tourists due to the tsunami and earthquake disaster that hit their country. “Thailand just had an election and is undergoing a transition period,” said Dr Ng. She was speaking after visiting the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah here yesterday.

She added that Singapore also had new tourism products, namely the Universal Studios theme park and casinos that would draw tourists towards that country. “The economic downturn in Europe and the United States will affect the number of tourist arrivals from there,” she said.

However, Dr Ng said the ministry was confident that its target of 25 million foreign tourists this year could still be reached. Dr Ng also said the centre's efforts to rescue and protect elephants should be made known internationally.

“This centre is not a zoo but we still want visitors to leave with an unforgettable experience and return with their friends,” she said. She added that 682 elephants had been rescued since the centre was established in 1989. The centre is currently home to 27 elephants, which were rescued nationwide.

-thestar online.