Malaysia Needs To Position Itself As Dining Destination To Attract Repeat Tourists

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia need to position itself as a memorable dining destination to lure travellers to come back, said Deputy Tourism Minister Dr James Dawos Mamit. In view of this, he called on the private sector to work together with the government in promoting the local culinary tourism. The sector is one of the best ways for tourist to get to know a new and exotic locale, he said. "This will definitely help boost the economy since it is said that nearly 100 percent of tourists spend money on food at their destinations," he said in his speech before launching the Makan Kitchen's Exotic Sarawak Festival here on Tuesday night. Among the highlight of the three-week festival to be held from today to Nov 27, is the exotic cuisine from traditional Sarawak recipes, prepared by two Bidayuh guest chefs, priced at RM59 per adult (lunch) and RM89 per adult (dinner). (US$1=RM3.13) The festival will also showcase ethnic Sarawakian dances and their skilled craftsmanship with aged-old crafts at the restaurant throughout the festival. --BERNAMA