Choose local destinations, says Nazri

Tourism Malaysia "Dekat Je" ads

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians can holiday at domestic destinations if the ringgit slide makes overseas vacations too costly, said the Tourism and Culture Minister.

Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said it was unfortunate that the situation might prevent some from holidaying abroad.

“But I am happy if they travel around in the country because their spending will help boost the economy,” he said after launching a seminar on electronic records organised by the National Archives yesterday.

He said the weak ringgit would also benefit the tourism industry by attracting more visitors to the country.

“The recent long weekend break saw many Singaporeans coming here for a holiday,” he said, citing an example.

The ministry would continue with its Cuti-Cuti Malaysia and Dekat Je campaigns that promoted domestic tourism, Nazri said.

On claims by the Malaysian Asso­ciation of Tour and Travel Agents that there was a 30% drop in ­tourism over the past six months, he said it had nothing to do with the ringgit’s slide.

-thestar online.