Tourism had a bonanza year in 2024, drawing in a record-breaking RM104 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and breaching RM100 billion for the first time. This was a 43.4 per cent increase from 2023 and an 18.7 per cent spike from 2021.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry must be ecstatic as the revenue eclipsed the target of RM102.7 billion.
The major revenue spike has convinced Tourism Malaysia to set more ambitious targets this year. International tourist arrivals are expected to reach 31.4 million, while revenue has outpaced the target of RM125.5 billion, another record.
The numbers confirm that domestic and foreign tourism rebounded strongly after the nightmare of the pandemic years.
With the fantastic post-pandemic tourism revenue, it pains to learn that in one state, local and tourism authorities have shown apathy in upholding the very thing that attracts entrepreneurs and tourists.
Take the distressed Tanjung Dawai beach. State authorities have been taken to task for their indifference and irresponsibility for letting the prime tourist spot rot.
The beachfront is a mess of marine debris. Perhaps the authorities didn’t receive the memo that 2025 is Visit Kedah Year.
The eyesore is especially despairing for Tanjung Dawai’s communities of fishermen, petty traders and homestay operators, who have been badly affected by the worsening environmental degradation and the growing amount of waste.
The local authorities appear to be ungrateful for the natural beauty that the state has, a boon less bountiful countries would be envious of. If only the local tourism authorities could learn from the positive attitude of our Thai neighbour in spurring international tourism.
Thai culture embraces understanding and tolerance, setting aside differences in customs and behaviour. In return, tourists who honour Thai customs and traditions are appreciated and treated well.
The Tanjung Dawai case is inexcusable, but it should not tarnish the admirable qualities our country has that foreign tourists admire: a melting pot of cultures, languages and traditions, buffeted by pristine beaches and beautiful coral reefs, as well as lush rainforests and mountains.
Tourists find the blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines exotic and flavourful, especially the appetising varieties of street food.
Top that with historical sites, modern landmarks, mega shopping malls and the nightlife.
Malaysians have also gained a global reputation for their genuine hospitality, warmth and friendliness. They make foreign tourists want to come back again and again. We dearly hope that the poor maintenance of Tanjung Dawai is an exception.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
