Not very often we hear good things about Malaysia tourism but here is a nice one:
TOURISM authorities should not blindly follow the approach of other countries in promoting tourism.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)’s Tourism Planning and Development Faculty Dean Prof Badaruddin Mohamed said that planning based on proper data and strategies should be incorporated on ways to boost the industry instead of just copying the methods adopted by other nations.
“What works in other countries does not necessarily mean it will work in Malaysia. We have to utilise our strong points to attract tourists and not offer things that others already have.”
He cited that a number of projects were approved in haste without a proper study and this resulted in a number of them being abandoned halfway through the implementation process.
Another example is promoting Malaysia as a shopping paradise by selling products that were readily available in other countries, Prof Badaruddin said on Tuesday. “Why would people want to come and buy things which are available in their own countries?” he asked.
He added that Malaysia had the potential to re-package its tourism attractions, provided the authorities promote natural attractions and authentic local products to not only foreign tourists but to local visitors alike.
“If local tourists do not know of our own natural gems, then how do we expect foreigners to know and appreciate them.” he said.
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