Embarking on Visit Perak Year 2017, it is expected that industry players and members of tourism associations have planned ahead. In anticipation of this, the Chairman of Perak Tourism Association (PTA), Hj Mohd Odzman Abdul Kadir organised a ‘Teh Tarik Meet’ on Wednesday, February 22.
The meeting was held at Tower Regency Hotel and Apartments, Ipoh. A total of 52 industry players all over Perak attended, including those from Kampar, Manjung, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping and Royal Belum.
The objective was to exchange ideas on tourism development and to get updates on events. It was a fruitful evening, as all participated in the discussion in between tea.
Some of the upcoming events the meeting discussed were Ipoh’s fifth Waiter’s Race Day which is scheduled for May 14 to be held in Old Town Ipoh. Kampar, on the other hand, is having an event called WOW Kampar from March 24 till 26. The emphasis is on sports and entertainment and will be held at the Grand Kampar Sports Centre.
“In promoting Perak internationally, we’ve used in-flight magazines in airlines such as SIA (Singapore) and JAL (Japan),” said Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Perak Management Berhad, Zuraida Mohd. Talib.
“Perak is well-known for its eco-tourism. I think we should begin making full use of it before none of it is left,” added Dr Kevin Lazarus, Director of Taiping Zoo and Night Safari.
Taiping Zoo is giving 20 per cent discount to Perak residents throughout the year as a form of support for Visit Perak Year 2017.
Among the other topics that were discussed included inviting reputable bloggers to tourism spots throughout Perak. This should help with promoting Perak, despite not having much budget to be spent.
Moreover, some of the locals themselves are not aware of the tourist locations that are being promoted. Hence, we all play a part in looking into available locations before suggesting new ideas.
Ipoh City Council’s Car Free Day is held every once a month. The meeting suggested it be held once every week in Old Town for the development but at the same time, sustaining its scope.
The participants were in agreement that the informal meeting was beneficial and should, subsequently, be held once every two months. Perak Tourism Association will organise it and the next meeting will be hosted by Lost World of Tambun.
Khaleeja
