Malaysia Gains Recognition As Major Tourist Destination - Minister

RAUB (Pahang, Malaysia), Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has been listed as one of the eight "value-for-money" holiday destinations in the world by low-cost travel portal STA Travel United Kingdom, said Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen. She also said that a report of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) placed Malaysia on ninth position in terms of tourist arrivals. The Lonely Planet information and tourism portal has named Malaysia as one of the 10 countries good to visit, she said when addressing a Chinese New Year gathering near here on Sunday night. The event was officiated by the Crown Prince of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. Also present was Pahang Chief Minister Adnan Yaakob. "The tourism industry has promoted Malaysia well in the eyes of the world. In fact, it is the fifth largest contributor to national revenue," Dr Ng said. The Member of Parliament for Raub said Pahang is blessed with an attractive natural environment and peaceful surroundings which make the state a major tourist destination. "Last year, up to September, Pahang recorded 9.3 million tourist arrivals, and Raub registered 91,868 arrivals. "In Raub, we have the Raub Lake Gardens, the pleasant Fraser's Hill, the popular Jarum Waterfalls picnic spot and the Besu Rapids which attracts kayak and camping enthusiasts," she said. Dr Ng said Pahang has been allocated RM40.27 million (US$13.2 million) under the 10th Malaysia Plan for development projects state-wide to promote tourism. About 10,000 people attended the Chinese New Year event, which also featured songs, acrobatics and fireworks. -- BERNAMA Malaysia