KOTA BHARU, Sept 20 (Bernama) –The phenomenon of interstate marriages involving Kelantanese and partners from other states has been identified as one of the key factors driving the influx of tourists to Kelantan, particularly during the school holiday season.
State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor said the trend not only brings visitors to attend wedding ceremonies, but also encourages them to extend their stay and holiday with their families.
“In the past, interstate marriages were quite rare, but now they have become common. These family connections have led to significant two-way travel, especially during the school holidays,” he told reporters after officiating the reopening of the Pengkalan Datu Tourism Market, Pengkalan Chepa, here today.
Kamaruddin said the phenomenon has had a positive impact on the accommodation sector, with hotels and homestays recording higher bookings, thereby boosting the local economy.
Beyond weddings, he noted that Kelantan‘s unique traditional culture has also enhanced its appeal as a tourism destination. From official events to private programmes and community activities, organisers increasingly showcase Kelantan‘s identity through traditional attire and cuisine.
“It has now become a trend to wear traditional clothes at various events. Without being instructed, many organisers are choosing to highlight Kelantan’s heritage, which adds value to the state’s tourism products,” he said.
The state government, he said, is working closely with hotel associations, travel agencies and homestay operators to more widely promote tourism packages.
He added that new facilities, such as more than 500 motorhome and caravan sites in several locations, including Gunung Reng (Jeli), Pantai Kemasin (Bachok) and Jeram Mengaji (Pasir Puteh), are beginning to gain traction, making Kelantan a family-friendly destination and a choice for domestic tourists.
On the reopening of the Pengkalan Datu Tourism Market, he said, it added to the tourist attractions in the area, in addition to historical and cultural heritage such as dikir barat, silat, wau, toping, rebana and mak yong.
— BERNAMA
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