Johor tourism gets a much needed boost

 

MERSING: Tourism activities in major destinations in Johor have been revitalised after various economic recovery efforts and Covid-19 control measures were carried out.

Tourism is one of Johor's main economic drivers as the state is blessed with a long coastline, island destinations, eco-tourism hotspots, as well as heritage, leisure and shopping attractions.

The state is the only one in the country to host an international theme park — the Legoland Malaysia Resort in Iskandar Puteri.

Tourism players in the state were given due attention under the 2022 state budget, which was tabled on Nov 18 last year.

An allocation of RM14 million had been channelled to Tourism Johor for the implementation of initiatives to stimulate the sector as the country tried to adapt to the pandemic.

A total of RM1.5 million worth of tourism vouchers were also introduced to stimulate the hotel industry, as well as selected sectors in shopping and retail. 

A total of RM5 million had also been allocated to develop and improve tourism facilities in districts, homestays, "desa stays" and national parks.

At the same time, the 2014-2023 Johor Tourism Master Plan would be reviewed to ensure that the tourism sector's direction could be properly planned and in line with the latest trends.

Although still depending on local visitors, the industry, which suffered a bleak period in the last two years, has gained new hope and relief among its players.

Bluewater Express manager Mohammad Shafik Farhan Rahmat said the number of passengers using his ferry services from here to Pulau Tioman had been increasing. 

He said the significant increase in local visitors to the duty free island was due to the relaxation of movement restrictions and economic recovery measures.

Following the rollout of Covid-19 booster shots, Shafik said the company, which operates in Tanjong Gemok, was able to maintain its business and retain the services of its 50 staff members.

"Alhamdulillah (Praise Allah), after the relaxation and removal of movement restrictions, we can see the tourism industry continuing to operate with the standard operating procedures (SOP).

"Bluewater Express is also practising a strict SOP outlined by the government to ensure the safety of passengers," he said.

Mersing Tourism Boat Operators Association secretary Diyana Safarudin also voiced similar optimism, saying the number of visitors to the nearby resort islands was increasing. 

"Now, visitors are starting to arrive and things are looking up for boat operators as they can bring tourists to the islands off Mersing." 

Diyana said there were many beautiful islands off Mersing, which had similar scenery like the Maldives, and most people don't know about them.

"They include Pulau Aur, Pulau Dayang, Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Sibu and Pulau Besar," she said. 

Diyana, who is a Pulau Aur native, said the state government needed to improve telecommunication coverage in these tourist destinations.

"Previously, there was only one telecommunication company with coverage in Pulau Aur, but now, another one is coming. Many people don't know about these islands compared with Pulau Tioman, although they offer calmness and serenity, especially to city folk," said Diyana.

-nst online.