10,000 visitors expected for Monsoon Challenge GP

THE maiden Terengganu Monsoon Challenge Sailing GP on Nov 23 - 26 in Duyong Marina Resort, Kuala Terengganu has attracted participants from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan.

Over 10,000 visitors are expected to turn up for the challenge and contribute significantly to the tourism revenue of the state, estimated to be around RM5 billion from the targeted 5.6 million visitors for its ‘Visit Beautiful Terengganu 2017’ programme.

Promoting the challenge at a press conference Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman, who has recently taken over the state tourism executive councillor’s portfolio, said the Terengganu Monsoon Challenge Sailing GP will also include local traditional sports like sampan (small boat) rowing and tug-ofwar.

“We are expecting more than 10,000 visitors because the Monsoon Challenge will incorporate ‘sukan rakyat’ (local traditional games) into its programmes,” said Razif yesterday.

He added that the Terengganu Monsoon Challenge is different from the more established Monsoon Cup because the former is very localised.

“It’s totally designed by the state government and does not involve a 'professional cup'. It's one of our tourism products specially created for the Visit Beautiful Terengganu 2017 programme and we want to make it an annual event in our state event calendar.”

The Monsoon Challenge will go on amid the current rainy season in the East Coast.

"It's going to be highly challenging because it is set against the monsoon backdrop," Razif added.

The state government has capped the budget at RM200,000 and will only spend on promotional activities. The bulk of the expenses will be borne by corporate sponsors, which include Petronas.

The three-day challenge will see 300 contestants, comprising professionals and amateurs, vying for the top spots in seven categories, including Best Team, Round Island Challenge and Remote Control Challenge.

The winners will walk away with trophies, medals and cash prizes, totalling RM60,000. Noorsila Abd Majid