RM1m revenue from homestay programme

Johor eyes RM1m revenue from homestay programme

Johor is aiming for more than RM1mil in revenue from the homestay eco-tourism sector this year, state Tourism Committee chairman Hoo Seong Chang said.

The eco-tourism homestay was among a host of initiatives to promote tourism in Johor, he said.

He said the state hoped to double the earnings from the homestay sector which currently only accounted for 10% of the state’s total tourism income.

“The sector is growing steadily and we are confident that we can achieve this target,” he told a press conference after launching the tourism seminar for secondary school students here on Monday.

Hoo said the state would increase its number of homestay locations which presently stood at 15 and planned to target foreign travellers as much as domestic tourists.

“Johor accounts for more than 50% of the country’s foreign tourist arrival booked for a homestay. Out of 5,479 visitors, 3,120 opted for homestays in Johor.

“Our niche markets are Japanese and Singaporean tourists,” he said.

He said the state was also planning to promote homestay through the new tourist information centre that was expected to start operations by end of next month.

On a separate matter, Hoo said Johor aimed to increase the number of tourism clubs in schools where currently 1,400 students were members of 21 clubs statewide.

“The younger generation, especially students, need to realise the potential of the tourism industry in Malaysia. It can provide various career prospects,” he added.

-News courtesy of The Star-