GOPENG, Nov 22 — Perak is expecting to double the number of tourists to the Royal Belum rainforest in Hulu Perak during the Visit Malaysia Year 2014.
Tourism Committee chairman Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi said the Royal Belum had been receiving 30,000 to 40,000 local and foreign visitors yearly.
“The problem now is that many tour agents are advertising Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang as tourists destinations.
“Therefore, Royal Belum needs the brand name. Tourism Malaysia’s London office has committed to work with us to promote Royal Belum,” she said.
Nolee said the tourism board was working with local tour agents to come on board by wooing more tourists to the rainforest.
She said measures were also being taken to increase the quality of tourist guides to Royal Belum.
“Next month, there will be programmes to certify these tour guides,” she said.
Nolee also lauded the decision by the state government to slash the waiting period for tourist permits to enter the state park from seven days to 24 hours.
“Even the type of accommodation and infrastructure in the park is up to international standard. So I think we are ready for more visitors next year,” she said here yesterday.
She said Perak expected to maintain its five million tourists target similar to last year when it launched Visit Perak Year.
