KUCHING: Terengganu’s tourism industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the state attracting more than 5.2 million visitors by June 2024.
According to its Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change chairman Datuk Razali Idris, the Terengganu government has been instrumental in this achievement, implementing strategic initiatives and securing numerous accolades to boost the state’s appeal as a top tourist destination.
He said that this comprehensive approach to tourism involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government departments, private companies, government-linked companies (GLCs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), school students, and the public.
“This strategy is further supported by the annual introduction of the Terengganu Calendar of Events (COE) for tourism and culture, designed to double the influx of both domestic and international visitors,” he said during the Terengganu-Sarawak Cross-Cultural Programme dinner here on Tuesday (Aug 20).
Furthermore, he said Terengganu’s tourism efforts were recognised with the state receiving several prestigious awards at the 2022 Malaysian Tourism Council Gold Awards.
“These honours include the Gold Award for New Culture Attraction (Terengganu Cultural Village), Eco-State Park (State Park Management Council), and Traditional Spa (Warisan Spa), among others.
“Further enhancing its profile, Tasik Kenyir was declared a National Geopark under the name “Kenyir Geopark” in May 2023, covering 2,449 square kilometers and featuring geological formations dating back 360 million years,” he said.
He added that the state’s recognition continued at the 2024 Tourism Industry Awards, with multiple awards celebrating its cultural, educational, and sustainable tourism practices.
Terengganu’s tourism is organised into five key clusters namely Kuala Terengganu, Island & Beach, Kenyir Geopark, Arts, Culture & Heritage, and Natural Environment.
“Each cluster offers unique attractions, from iconic landmarks like the Terengganu Drawbridge and Crystal Mosque to the stunning islands of Perhentian and Redang, the Kenyir Geopark, and cultural experiences at the Terengganu Cultural Village,” he said.
