Veterans in the tourism industry who feel jaded should have
attended the inaugural Malaysia International Tourism Bloggers Conference which
ended yesterday and I was inspired by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen
Yen’s address.
While everyone agrees with the importance of responsible and
sustainable tourism, implementation could be better, especially in sectors that
have yet to set high standards.
The majority of tourists are attracted to popular
destinations, but seasoned ones are turned off by overcrowding during peak
periods.
Frequent overseas trips would eventually feel like commuting
to work. There is always a mad rush to catch a flight and check in and out of
airports and hotels.
Those who have returned from hectic trips would need a holiday
before they can fully recover for work.
We have been more successful in attracting foreigners than
getting our people to travel within our country.
Perhaps, it is an opportune time to develop domestic tourism
to its fullest potential, which has more than economic value.
We can identify ourselves by race, but if we were truly proud
of our roots, we would try to bring honour to our ancestors and hope for our
descendants.
History is memorised to pass exams with little effort on
application. Every human settlement has a beginning. The trials and
tribulations of the early settlers are as captivating as the tycoons who left
behind their legacies.
Every village or town has a unique story to tell and
sell. Even a haunted house could be an attraction.
It is a matter of harnessing latent resources. Citizens can set up working committees and trace
the history of their settlements and the colourful figures who passed through.
There are more talents in our midst if we care o look. They
can be roped in to share with visitors their entertaining acts and skills.
Tourists would be happier to learn an authentic local dance
than merely watch a dance troupe.
Locals will take great pride in their traditions and cultures
if they can showcase them to visitors. It would also bring the communities
closer.
People staying in villages and towns live a rather
passive life not realising that tourism can change their lives for the better.
It would be easy for the committees to identify the best
places for local fare to satisfy day-trippers.
Those staying longer need accommodation, which can range from
modern budget hotels to home-stays.
What culture vultures seek is experiential tourism and they
would happily help locals like farmers with their daily chores or grow
vegetables and return to harvest and show off their produce to friends and
neighbours.
Social media and word-of-mouth are powerful tools that can
drive tourists to any spot if it is well promoted.
The committees should post open invitations to bloggers to visit their
village or town together with the efforts they have made.
Apart from writing and promoting what is already in place,
journalists could highlight potential that the locals might not realise.
Many communities have remained backward due to lack of exposure.
Conversely, exposure to tourism can bring much progress to the people in many
ways.
The power of tourism is similar to solar energy, very useful
if we learn to utilise it intelligently.
YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur
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