WITH the rapid advancement of this technological era, tourism industry players should be dynamic and ever changing or they would be left behind by the current trend.
Speaking at a networking session with Penang tourism industry players, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said each of us needs to discard the silo mentality and dependency on one particular product that we have.
He added that most people tend to fail to look outwards to other products that they could get more attention and exposure.
“For example, how many times would a tourist ride the funicular train in Penang Hill? Sure, tourists will get bored one day if no new product, like the Habitat, is added to Penang Hill.
“This is why I applaud the opening of Habitat on Penang Hill as it is a value added to our existing product.
“As I know, people do not flock to Penang for our shopping malls or theme parks. And yet they are in love with our way of life, traditions, heritage and of course, food.
“Many of the tourists love our street arts, regardless of how simple they might look. People are coming to see that and sharing their experience to the whole world.
“These are things we should preserve and promote.
“As we all know, we are embarking on Visit Malaysia Year Campaign for 2020.
“However, we will no longer use the traditional route that has long been associated with the brand. No more traditional marketing for us where we rely on billboards, brochures and traditional media.
“Our focus is to establish a footprint in the digital platform. Digital marketing is definitely the way to go,” he added in his speech at Bayview Hotel on Feb 15.
Muhammad Bakhtiar is optimistic of Malaysia attracting 30 million tourists with a receipt of RM100 billion for year 2020.
He said it could be achieved if the strategies are right as well as given full support and commitment by the industry.
Speaking to reporters later, Muhammad Bakhtiar said liberalising the visa requirements could also help increase more people to visit Malaysia.
Story by K.Thaarshenii
Pix by Law Suun Ting