STIZ Will Boost Tourist Arrivals, Improve States' Tourism Potential - Industry Players

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- The government's initiatives to develop the Special Tourism Investment Zone (STIZ), particularly in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Sarawak, are expected to boost tourist arrivals and improve investment in the sector in those states.

Mersing Tourism Association (MTA) secretary Ahmad Firdaus Shaik Omar is confident that the initiatives can also open up more business opportunities for local industry players, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), homestay operators and tourist guides.

"As such, the MTA remains committed to collaborating with all parties, be it the government, private sector or local communities, to ensure this development provides holistic benefits to industries and the people,” he told Bernama.

Malaysia Association of Hotels (MAH) Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teo, meanwhile, said that the STIZ would further develop the tourism potential of the state, which is already well known for its arts, culture, heritage and natural environment.

Meanwhile, Melaka Homestay and Kampungstay Owners Association chairman Datuk Akramuddin Abd Aziz described the government's strategic measures through the STIZ as being the best platform to promote the uniqueness of local cultures.

"It is a huge opportunity for Melaka to showcase new attractions and diversify its tourism products. With a planned implementation, I'm confident Melaka will become the choice destination in this region,” he said.

He is also confident that the STIZ can continue to be an attraction that generates job opportunities, activates local entrepreneurship and enhances community tourism in Melaka.

MAH Negeri Sembilan chapter chairman Haziz Hassan feels that, besides the STIZ, the government's focus on the homestay sector will empower the rural tourism industry, which will directly offer more accommodation choices for tourists besides hotels.

"The development of the tourism industry and socio-economy planned by the MADANI Government is extremely good. Hopefully, it can be a year-long initiative and not just limited to the Visit Malaysia Year,” he said.

Meanwhile, Padawan Homestay and Eco-Tourism Entrepreneurs Association chairman Amirrudin Abdullah proposed that the STIZ development in Sarawak involves continuous assistance and support for homestay operators, encompassing training, hospitality certification, digital marketing and tourism safety.

Amirrudin also hopes that the government will upgrade basic infrastructures, such as roads and tourism signage, expand the promotion of homestays in state tourism packages and provide grants for operators to improve facilities without affecting local cultural identities.

"Tourism promotion to interior areas has opened up new opportunities to local communities, but there are still many challenges that must be addressed so that these benefits can be maintained sustainably.

"The recent increase in interest in nature-based and cultural tourism has had a positive impact on homestay operators in rural areas like Padawan,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) on July 31, said that the government would continue to empower the tourism sector through the development of the STIZ, the conservation of heritage assets in the capital city and the empowerment of the homestay industry throughout the five years of the 13MP.

Anwar, also the Finance Minister, said the tourism sector had gained renewed momentum, with foreign tourist spending surging to RM102.2 billion in 2024.

-- BERNAMA