KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu will no longer be a tourism backwater during the year-end monsoon season, which begins next month.
Typically the low season for tourism in the state, the monsoon period will be very much alive in Terengganu this year, as it is aggressively promoting a range of year-end events and benefits.
As almost all islands close during the monsoon, the state government will promote inland tours, especially inland fishing and city tours, by cooperating with tour agencies and hoteliers to offer attractive vacation packages.
Pesona Terengganu secretariat promotion manager Ahmad Fathil Abd Ghani said many countries, particularly India, are now capitalising on ‘monsoon tourism’ to keep the industry vibrant throughout the year.
He said monsoon tourism will offer a totally unique experience for tourists who would otherwise only visit the state’s islands during peak season.
"It is time to change perceptions. State tourism must now be focused on the whole year and not restricted to certain months,” said Ahmad Fathil.
"For a start, we are promoting fishing at the Kenyir Lake as the main inland activity. We have organised several programmes with the private sector, such as Boat on the Road (BOTR), as well as Monsoon Casting Tournament (MCT).
"(It is early days, but) the response so far has been overwhelming. Once this monsoon tourism promotion is proven to be a success, we will organise it on an annual basis," he said.
Ahmad Fathil added that among the perks tourists may expect during the monsoon period is cheaper accommodation, as most hotels will slash low season room rates to attract guests.