Ng lauds Govt’s planning

Minister: KL is seen as a shopping hub because of proper forethought

RAUB: Kuala Lumpur’s placing as the fourth best shopping destination in the world by global news network CNN is due to the Government’s proper planning, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said.

The Tourism Minister said a conducive atmosphere also helped to bring in more tourists.

“This encouraged them to stay and spend in the country,” she said after closing the three-day Raub Tourism Carnival at Taman Tasik Raub yesterday.

The event was held to expose local tourism operators to the potentials and prospects within the industry, with 27 booths set up.

Dr Ng, who is the Raub MP, said her ministry had conducted numerous promotional programmes, leading to Forbes magazine listing Malaysia as the second best destination for shopping within the Asia-Pacific region.

“The country has also been awarded the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Ulysses Award for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance,” Dr Ng added.

“We also received favourable feedback from the Russians who visited us, saying they liked our greenery and hospitality,” Dr Ng said.

“Our homestay programmes have attracted more than 300,000 tourists.”

Last year, 24.7 million tourists visited the country with RM58.3bil in revenue generated, she said.

“The target is to woo 36 million visitors by 2020 with a revenue target of RM168bil.”

We also received favourable feedback from the Russians who visited us, saying they liked our greenery and hospitality. — DATUK SERI DR NG YEN YEN