FOR certain countries, tourism is top money spinner that helps boost their economy and lift their standing in the world.
Some are rich in history, with architectural wonders and ancient monuments, while others have a rich culture as well as breathtaking natural wonders.
Then, there are places that create their own attractions, like spectacular giant theme parks, to woo the crowd and their money.
So, what signature products does Pahang have to draw people during Visit Pahang Year 2017 (VPY2017)?
If Kuala Lumpur has the iconic KLCC and Petronas twin towers, what springs to mind when Pahang is mentioned?
Well, there are plenty. Some have garnered great reputation worldwide, like Pulau Tioman and Genting Highlands, besides the lovely beaches along the state’s coastline.
What local authorities and tourism players need to do next is some hard sell, which is what the other states are also doing. They have similar products to attract tourist dollars.
More importantly now for Pahang, as it prepares to embark on VPY2017, is its ability to gain and sustain the interest among domestic and foreign travellers to visit the state.
Naturally, the state government hopes to generate bigger revenue from VPY2017. The direct beneficiaries will be hotels, resort operators, transport providers and restaurants, besides offering opportunities for enterprising people to market their merchandise.
A project of this scale will have to take into account many issues so that the state, its people and tourists can all be winners.
However, there seems to be very little buzz to get everybody excited.
This was despite the launch of the grand plan in the middle of this year.
With only about three months to go before the end of the year, it is time for industry players to promote the state’s attractions.
Businesses in Kuantan, for example, have shown little preparation to become a major tourist host. Elsewhere, the seeming lack of enthusiasm to spread the joy of VPY2017 can, unfortunately, be felt strongly.
Such apathy will not serve the interest of the state, much less the potential beneficiaries themselves. Without any visible action taking place, how can the people and local businesses make tourists feel that
they are welcome to visit Pahang next year?
It is then quite absurd for the industry players — the first to benefit from tourist arrivals — to cite the lack of funding for marketing and promotions to make VPY2017 a success.
The state government has taken the effort to upgrade facilities at popular tourist sites and promote district-level activities for the year.
A long list of events has been drawn up to fill the calendar so that visits are more worthwhile for tourists.
Local authorities may also want to spruce up the popular beaches near the state capital, such as Pantai Beserah, as concerns over their cleanliness have been raised.
The coastal strips of Beserah and Batu Hitam, two beaches closest to the town centre, are popular among locals and foreign travellers, who can’t seem to get enough of the local delicacies there.
There are also famous hotels and resorts that are popular with tourists who, in turn, generate a lot of buzz on social media to promote the state and establishments.
The hotels and resorts will happily provide free publicity and marketing for tourist attractions near their premises without the need for state funding. What is sorely missing are the upgrades and better facilities, which will certainly add value to the attractions.
The clock is ticking and, before long, VPY2017 will be here. Yet, there is still a lot to be done.
Nik Imran Abdullah is NST’s Pahang bureau chief. He enjoys having his head in the clouds while going fast on a bicycle