Penang plays host to ecotourism conference

With Penang fast becoming a hub for ecotourism, it is only befitting that the state plays host to the 7th Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference (APeco 2012).

Organised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) with the theme ‘Back To Mother Nature,’ the APeco is held in line with the growing awareness of the need of conservation and sustainable development, particularly in East Malaysia.

MATTA president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said ecotourism is about people travelling to a destination, interacting with the environment and learning about the local cultures while promoting their well-being.

“The conference has become a prominent ecotourism event in the Asia Pacific region, where ecotourism academicians and practitioners congregate to network and exchange views,” he said. Khalid added that in Malaysia, ecotourism is still in its infancy.

“There are only a handful of tour operators who actually promote ecotourism. Moreover, this is a new field for most Asians while for Europeans as well as Americans, sustaining our way of life is of paramount importance,” he said.

He also said that the conference aims at uncovering ingredients of success from experts and ecotourism gurus as well as learning from projects, destinations and organisations. At the conference, 10 papers will be presented by 11 expert speakers as well as panelists from countries like Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa and India.

APeco 2012 organising chairman Quah Ewe Kheng said the conference has the potential to teach, educate, promote and transform the ecotourism sector in Malaysia. “We have so much to offer in terms of ecotourism but no one seems to know. So this is an ideal opportunity to promote all of these as we have Malaysian and internationally renowned speakers. “They will be sharing their experiences and knowledge of how best to promote these sites while ensuring sustainable tourism,” he said.

Penang Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said besides promoting the culture and heritage of Penang, the state is also looking to promote its ecotourism. “We have so many attractions for the ecotourism sectors like the Meromictic Lake in Penang National Park, which is one of only two in the whole world,” said Law.

The conference will be held at Eastin Hotel Penang from Nov 28 to 30. For more information, email to MATTA at secretariat.apeco@matta.org.my or visit www.apeco2012.com.

-thestar online.