Ng: Forecast of RM30bil revenue in food tourism by 2020

All together: Ng (in yellow attire) at the launch of the state-level ‘Fabulous Food 1Malaysia 2012’. Looking on are Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam (centre) and state and community leaders.

MALACCA: Malaysia is forecasted to enjoy a revenue of RM30bil in food tourism by the year 2020, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Speaking to reporters after launching the state-level “Fabulous Food 1Malaysia 2012” at a shopping centre here recently, Dr Ng revealed that the figure from food-related travel was tabulated from the total earnings of RM168bil anticipated through the tourism industry in the next seven years.

“The Government is confident of hitting the RM30bil mark by 2020 for food tourism alone as visitors often spend a chunk on food while holidaying in the country,” she said. Dr Ng noted that in 2011, food tourism contributed 17% or RM10bil from the RM58.3bil that was generated through the tourism industry. “The spending trend of tourists while holidaying here is also fuelled by the quest for authentic food and the multitude dishes available in the country,” she said.

She said mouth-watering dishes and cuisines of various races in the country had also placed the country as a haven for food.

Singaporeans, Dr Ng revealed, made the highest contributors towards the local food tourism. Malacca was one of the states which benefited from the arrival of tourists from across the causeway. Dr Ng said the importance of food as a vital component in tourism had been growing steadily and the ministry was optimistic this will be a catalyst for the development of the industry.

“Food related destinations in Malaysia should be in tandem with promotions carried out to popularise tourism spots,” she said, adding that local food is a valuable precious source to attract tourists into the country.

Dr Ng said the ministry also emphasised on quality services offered by food operators as well as the cleanliness of their premises. “Hence, it is imperative for food operators to provide the best services to tourists.

-thestar online.