3.27 Million Tourists Stayed Overnight In Johor From January To June

JOHOR BAHARU, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- The number of tourists staying overnight in Johor increased to 3.27 million between January and June this year as compared to 2.8 million during the corresponding period last year.

State tourism, trade and consumerism committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said the 12 per cent increase was the highest as compared to Kuala Lumpur and other states.

"Domestic tourists staying overnight in Johor rose 15.56 per cent to 2.16 million between January and June this year in comparision to 1.87 million during the corresponding period last year.

"International tourists increased 7.7 per cent to 1.1 million from 1.02 million," he told reporters after visiting the Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park at Taman Austin Heights here today.

Also present were Austin Heights Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Steve Chong and Tourism Malaysia state director, Edzuar Zar Ayob Azari. Tee said high-impact tourism products such as the Legoland Theme Park, Puteri Harbour Theme Park and Angry Birds Activity Park had contributed to an increase in the influx of tourists to the state.

He hoped the state tourism players could develop more attractive packages for tourists and also make transformation from time to time.

On Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park, Tee said the 20-hectare theme park that would be open to visitors beginning Dec 19, was targeting 300,000 visitors annually.

"I believe the theme park, which is situated about 12km from the city centre, will help increase the number of tourist arrivals into the city and promote Johor Baharu as a family tourism destination," he said.
-bernama.