Ethnosport challenge draws tourists to Perak village
KUALA KANGSAR: The village, Kampung Labu Kubong, here is not just well-known among the locals but also among European tourists, all because of its annual Badang Ethnosport Challenge.
The challenge had brought thousands of European tourists to the village since it started the challenge five years ago, said organising chairman Meor Samsudin Abu Hassan.
“Last year alone, we recorded over 2,000 tourists from Europe and around 1,000 local tourists.
“For the event this year, we have reservations from almost 3,000 European tourists and their arrivals will surely benefit the villagers, especially homestay owners and operators,” he said after the launch of the 2018 Badang Ethnosport Challenge at Kampung Labu Kubong here on Saturday.
The event was launched by Perak Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing.
Meor Samsudin, who is also Labu Kubong Homestay Association coordinator, said the event had also brought about positive impact to the local economy.
“Apart from the attractive homestay, the foreign tourists also like handicrafts, traditional food and folk culture and entertainment promoted by the villagers,” he said.
Tan said the event would be included in the state’s tourism calendar from next year.
“The event also has vast potential to be expanded to other districts as each has its own uniqueness in terms of arts and culture,” he said.
The three-day challenge which began on Sept 7 saw 32 participa- tions, including 15 from Indonesia, Brunei, Tajikistan, Turkey and Australia, contesting in three categories, namely above 80kg, men's under 80kg and women’s open.
It is organised by the Kampung Labu Kubong Homestay Association with the cooperation from the World Strongman Federation, World Ethnosport Society, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Perak state government, Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council and Tourism Malaysia Perak. — Bernama