Half a million more. This is the number of jobs expected to be created by the tourism industry by 2020, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. The sector has so far helped create some 1.2 million jobs.
Underscoring the importance of the industry to the economy, Dr Ng said besides increasing the inflow of foreign exchange, tourism helped boost economic and socio-economic development, as well as create direct and indirect employment opportunities.
"Additional jobs can easily be created in this industry, considering its deep and wide linkages with other related industries."
These industries include agriculture, handicraft, hotel, transport, arts and culture, wellness, food and beverages, entertainment, construction and finance.
"Tourism protects and conserves every aspect, be it history, culture, heritage or environment. We are looking at sustainable development, including in the job market," Dr Ng said, adding that tourism benefited everyone.
To achieve a target of RM94 billion in gross national income by 2020 compared with RM34 billion now, the ministry has identified 12 high-impact projects across five themes.
The first theme -- "affordable luxury" -- includes three projects, namely imposing duty-free status on a wider range of goods, turning Bukit Bintang and KLCC into premier shopping districts and introducing at least three new premium outlets.
The second theme -- "nature adventure" -- aims to transform Malaysia into a pre-eminent global biodiversity hub, while the third theme -- "family fun" -- will introduce new integrated resorts and increase competitiveness in high-end cruises via the Straits Riviera projects.
The fourth theme -- "events, entertainment, spas and sports" -- targets the staging of more international events and establishing dedicated entertainment zones, and promote spa and sports products.
The fifth theme -- "business tourism" -- aims to establish the country as a leading business tourism destination.
Under the Malaysian Tourism Transformation Plan, the ministry aims to achieve RM168 billion in revenue and 36 million tourists by 2020.
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