JOHOR BAHRU, June 2 (Bernama) -- The Johor State Government will try to find ways to attract more foreign tourists to historical places like the state’s museum.
State Health, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar who made the assurance said the approach was taken because such places are less exposed to tourists.
“… while overseas, people like to visit historical places but in Malaysia especially in Johor, it’s different.
“Tour guides are more likely to take tourists to shopping malls and theme parks despite knowing Johor is steeped in history and has a lot of historical places,” he said in an interview here recently.
“Therefore, there is need for more organised arrangements between the State Health, Culture and Heritage Committee and the State Tourism, Women Development, Family and Community Committee, whose chairman is Liow Cai Tung so that tourists are encouraged to visit these historical sites too.
“This is in line with the commitment of both parties to promote next year as ‘Visit Johor Year’.
“In doing this, we will also find ways to ensure economic gains in these tourism activities which can be enjoyed by the whole community.
“This is because in Yogyakarta (Indonesia) for example, I can see the economic spin-off from such attractions (visiting historic places) directed to the people around which allows them to sell clothings, become tour guides and so on. This is very different from the situation in Malaysia especially Johor,” he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on the ‘Visit Johor Year’, Mohd Khuzzan said various programmes have been organised to highlight the heritage and culture of the state including Johor Heritage Food Festival, Music and Folk Dance Festival.
-- BERNAMA
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