“Marina Pangkor has a big potential if it is made as a nautical tourism destination to attract more international sailors,” said Patrick Southall, 61 from the United Kingdom.
“The Pangkor International Marine Tourism Conference 2022 (PIMTC 2022) is a starting point and good news to boost tourism development in the state.
“It will be great if the terms and conditions for entry for ports can be eased to facilitate two-way cooperation. The proposal for the upgrade of facilities is welcomed especially to assist tourists and sailors besides being able to boost local economy.
“With the opening of national borders, it is hoped that the tourism sector in the state will be strengthened. I hope the proposal to increase experts in the nautical tourism sector can be realised in addition to friendly tourism agencies,” Patrick shared during the final day of the conference which was held from May 9 till 12.
His wife, Elizabeth Fowler who is in her 60s shared similar sentiments.
“We have been sailing since 2007 with 15 years sailing in Southeast Asia. We are very satisfied with the facilities and services offered by the ports in Malaysia.
“We make Malaysia our destination to travel to Southeast Asia,” she said, adding that they will sail to India after this.
She also expressed her joy for the opportunity to experience several state tourism products at Taiping and Kuala Kangsar on the third day of the conference.
“We appreciate the opportunity and all the products are very interesting to explore.
“I visited the Taiping Zoo for the first time. The century-old rain trees at the Taiping Lake Gardens also captured my attention.
“We also visited a factory which makes charcoal from mangrove. We are touched by the friendly reception at the Kampung Labu Kubong Homestay. The beauty of the natural environment at the village is mesmerising. One day we will surely return here.
Rosli
