Foreign Tourist Arrival In Terengganu Up By 30 Pct - Exco

KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Terengganu's syariah-compliant tourism strategy has not affected the arrival of foreign tourists, said state Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris.

He said foreign tourist arrivals rose by 30 per cent this year, compared to 20 per cent last year.

He added that tourists from Australia, Italy and several other European countries made a beeline to the state, with resort islands being their main holiday destinations.

"Almost 90 per cent of these foreign tourists chose the islands, and they understand that Terengganu is a family-friendly destination. They also respect local culture, including dressing modestly in public areas and on beaches.

"Cleanliness, the hospitality of hotel and homestay operators, as well as the authenticity of the natural environment, are their main attractions. They come to enjoy the beauty of the islands and beaches, with Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang recording the highest overnight stays, while Pulau Kapas and Pulau Tenggol are popular for day trips," he told reporters at Wisma Darul Iman here today.

He added that international tourists have also given Terengganu's islands special nicknames: Pulau Perhentian is known as the Untouched Paradise; Pulau Tenggol (Black Gem Island), Pulau Kapas (Experienced Island), Pulau Bidong (Heritage Island) and Pulau Lang Tengah (Sand Coral).

Apart from water sports and recreational activities, Razali said foreign tourists were interested in learning the Terengganu dialect and trying traditional foods, like rice with budu, adding a unique experience to their visit to the east coast state.

In a related matter, Razali said as many as 60,000 vehicles were recorded entering the state daily during the recent school holidays via the East Coast Highway 2, indicating that Terengganu remains a top destination for domestic visitors.

-- BERNAMA