Competitive Tourism Industry Needs Innovation, Says Second Finance Minister

LANGKAWI (Kedah, Malaysia), Dec 6 (Bernama) -- The tourism industry which is becoming more competitive, day by day, must be innovative in order to lure more tourists to Malaysia, says Second Finance Minister Husni Hanadzlah, He said the world was constantly undergoing changes and the tourism industry needs a new business model and product. Tourist destination such as Langkawi was facing stiff competition from other tourist spots in the region in drawing both foreign and local tourist arrivals to the country, "Langkawi can emerge among the top tourist destination in the world. It has been described as "the jewel in the crown" in Malaysia's tourism industry," he said at the Langkawi Tourism Awards Friday night. Husni said the tourism industry in Langkawi was growing by leaps and bounds judging from the revenue generated. In 2013, the tourism industry recorded a 55 per cent growth to US$1.28 billion (RM4.5 billion) from US$829.75 million (RM2.9 billion) recorded in 2012. "Total investments in the island's tourism industry also grew an average US$1.54 billion (RM5.4 billion) between 2012 and 2014. This is a positive indicator of investor confidence in Langkawi," he said. -- BERNAMA