KUANTAN: The soon-to-be established Pahang Tourism and Conventions Bureau will promote the state as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings and conventions to boost tourist arrivals.
State Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said the bureau, which would include representatives from the tourism industry, would develop well-coordinated programmes that cater to people of all walks of life.
“The bureau will have a comprehensive development plan and several programmes, including the bird race, Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge and caving activities, which have a huge following,” he said.
“We want to take them to the next level by catering to certain specific groups. It will save time and streamline event planning.
“This is another step forward following the positive feedback that we received during Visit Pahang Year 2017.
“We are looking at bigger groups of tourists coming here for major events, including conferences, conventions and training programmes.
“Representatives from the private sector will be part of the bureau as they are well versed in the needs and demands of the industry.”
Sharkar said the bureau would work with Tourism Malaysia to restructure and strengthen certain areas to tap into a wider market on the international level.
“The bureau will sit down and chart the future of the state’s tourism industry and explore new opportunities... We have some of the top tourist destinations and we need to look into how we can promote our holiday spots. If everything falls into place, it will be a game-changer for tourism in Pahang,” he said.