www.nst.com Tourism is set to become a major contributor to Terengganu’s gross domestic product and this will place the sector second only to petroleum and gas.

“It is not a pipe dream. We are working very hard to promote the tourism sector as it touches every sub-segment of the economy, including construction, transport, food and beverages, and skilled workforce.

“Investments will be big but these will not be entirely from the government. The rewards will be enormous, especially to those who grab the opportunity early,” said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh (picture).

Last year, more than 2.0 million tourists arrived in Terengganu. This year, the target of 2.8 million visitors is within reach.

Next year, the target has been revised to 3.5 million visitors. “We are confident of reaching the revised target,” added Idris.

With the Visit Terengganu Year just four months away, all the necessary inputs that will leave a lasting impression on visitors, are already in place.

The new Sultan Mahmud Airport, which has the architectural influence of Terengganu heritage, culture, tradition and innovation, will be ready by the end of the year to welcome visitors.

“It is a refreshing sight compared with most modern airports in the world. It provides a perspective of what tourists will get when they venture out of the airport — the Terengganu lifestyle.

“We pay great emphasis to the importance of heritage. It is what we are and we need to preserve and show it to the world,” said Idris. With transport woes being solved, tourists will be able to take a taxi at the airport, driven by drivers able to speak simple English, to visit interesting sites.

In Kuala Terengganu, the first destination will most likely be the soon-to-be-completed Islamic Civilisation Theme Park at Pulau Wan Man, located not far from the State Museum, the biggest museum in Asia.

“You don’t need to travel to the Middle East to see Islamic architecture and culture. You can visit all the important landmarks in the history of Islam at Pulau Wan Man,” said Idris.

And if tourists feel that the monsoon season is not the best time to visit Terengganu, they will need to change their travelling plans because the monsoon period is when Terengganu gets the world’s attention.

“You want to be at Pulau Duyong to catch the action among the world’s best sailors at the Monsoon Cup race.

“The monsoon period for the locals is no longer a time to get lazy. It is a time when they can enjoy the economic spin-offs. The cottage industry and the souvenir trade, including batik and songket, will benefit.

“This has been proven over the last two editions of the Monsoon Cup. This year, the locals are even more prepared to grasp the opportunities presented to them,” he added.

Idris said the government and agencies responsible for promoting tourism have also introduced a programme called “act tourism”, where courses were given to the frontliners in the industry.

“We are training 1,000 people beginning this November. Every known course related to the industry will be introduced, including those for tour guides, culinary skills and English.”

Idris said changes in the mindset among industry players were necessary as tourists were becoming more sophisticated.

“The environment and premises must be clean. I am happy to note that there have been improvements in cleanliness but more needs to be done. Efforts must not stop after a campaign. The people must make it a culture.

“In the past, the people were saying that it was difficult to change but today even the children are saying that there are no obstacles — only opportunities.

“It was never easy (to change the mindset) but we are determined. Breaking the psychological barrier is the hardest part,” he said.

Idris also pointed out that the glory of Tasik Kenyir as the angler’s paradise will be revived and more attractions will be introduced to promote adventure tourism.

“Apart from the attractions at the National Park, such as limestone outcrop and Gua Bewah, where there is an archaeology site, we have declared Sungai Petang and Sungai Petuang as kelah sanctuaries.

“Visitors need a permit and, like the famous Marine Park in Pulau Redang, they can swim with the fish and hand-feed them. It will be a new experience and an unforgettable one.

“Soon we will have an elephant sanctuary. It will be announced once we have found a suitable area in the lake,” he added.

Idris said the Visit Terengganu Year campaign next year would not end in one year but will be a continuous one with the objective of increasing the number of visitors by at least 15 per cent every year.