IPOH: Perak attracted 8.4 million tourists throughout last year, surpassing the state government's target of 8.35 million in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2024.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that, according to Tourism Malaysia data up to September last year, 627,292 international tourists had visited the state.
He said the figure represents a 135 per cent increase in tourists compared to the Visit Perak Year 2017 campaign.
Saarani said this achievement reflects the right direction of all efforts to promote Perak as a tourist destination.
"Ipoh and Pangkor Island continue to be the main attractions, but what caught our attention is the extraordinary success achieved by the Larut, Matang, and Selama districts.
"This district recorded 1,050,144 visitors, making it the third-highest district in Perak regarding tourist arrivals.
"This increase proves that the tourism sector not only benefits urban areas but also brings economic opportunities to rural and suburban areas rich in uniqueness and heritage," he said in his speech at the Finale of Visit Perak Year 2024 held at Sultan Azlan Shah Roundabout here, last night.
Saarani said this success would not have been possible without the efforts and cooperation of various parties, including government agencies, particularly Tourism Perak, industry players, and the people.
"You have all indirectly become tourism ambassadors for the state.
"Every social media post, every photo shared, and every positive experience you spread helps introduce Perak to the world," he said.
Saarani also launched the logo for the "Coffee Trails of Perak" package.
Also present was the state Tourism, Industry, Investment, and Corridor Development committee chairman Loh Sze Yee.
The event, held in conjunction with the New Year's Eve celebration, was enlivened by cultural dance performances featuring various ethnic groups and highlighted performances by renowned singers Tomok and Ramlah Ram.
Saarani, along with more than 35,000 visitors, counted down to midnight, marked by a fireworks display to welcome the New Year 2025.