New airport in Malaysia hopes to attract package tourists
By Yusof Sulaiman- KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (eTN) – The chief minister of Perak state, Tajol Rosli, has indicated his that he wants the planned US$100 million airport to establish direct air links with other regional capitals by tapping the package tour market.
“Tour agencies can arrange vacation package tours to include intra city tours and other well-known attractions,” said chief minister Tajol Rosli. “The state has enough attractions to attract visitors and avoid the new airport turning into a white elephant.”
As an incentive to tour operators, the Perak government has purchased five tour buses for use by hoteliers and tour operators.
The new airport, to be sited in Seri Iskandar (about 40km away from state capital Ipoh), would also allow other townships including the state’s holiday island, Pangkor island, to draw visitors to the state, added Minister Tajol.
He also said he sees the state, famous for its cave temples, attracting one-day package tourists to visit other attractions in the state, including the legendary Kellie’s Castle, Gunung Lang, and newly-constructed man-made Lost World of Tambun.
“Tour agents can promote domestic tourism in the same way they promote holidays abroad.If we are going to spend money building the airport, we must make sure it is fully utilized,” said Tajol.
August 20, 2007
Posted in: Malaysia