Johor’s can-do attitude
JOHOR is confident of attracting 15 million overnight visitors to the state by the end of this year. Johor Tourism director Suhairi Hashim said this is based on its success in attracting 8.8 million tourists to the state until today.
He said it also achieved this through various large-scale activities implemented by the state government to attract domestic and foreign visitors to the state.
“Previously, we targeted 10 million overnight visitors to Johor this year and we also estimate that the state tourism sector has reached the 80% level compared to before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Last year, Johor recorded nine million overnight visitors, that was when the country’s international borders were just opened. So, surely there will be more this year,” he told reporters after the launch of the 2023 Majestic Johor Festival recently.
Suhairi expects 650,000 people to attend the nine-day 2023 Majestic Johor Festival at Puteri Harbour, Kota Iskandar from Aug 26, compared to 600,000 last year.
He said the event aims to gather entrepreneurs from various sectors, including fashion, beauty, health, adventure, food and beverages.
“This time, the main attraction is the involvement of the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football team, whose top players will be present to enliven the event.
“In addition, this year’s programme will also feature 60 popular local artistes who will entertain visitors with performances every night,” he said.
Commenting on the recent 23rd edition of the Kembara Mahkota Johor (KMJ) 2023, Suhairi said the royal convoy that travelled to the 10 districts in the state was a success as it was well-received by the public.
The KMJ, which was inspired by Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in 2001 when the ruler was the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, aimed to forge closer ties with the people and has since become one of Johor’s main annual events that strengthened the connection between the Palace of Johor and the people. – Bernama