By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
Ipoh: Kellie’s Castle has solidified its position as a leader in Perak’s heritage tourism sector after being awarded the ‘Best Heritage Tourism Attraction’ by the Malaysia International Tourism Development Association (MITDA).
Zamari Muhyi, General Manager of Kellie’s Castle, described the recognition as a motivational boost to continue preserving the 109-year-old historical treasure.
“The mystery and eerie tales that pervade every corner of Kellie’s Castle have captivated visitors, establishing it as a prime destination for ‘Dark Tourism’ in the region,” he remarked.
“This uniqueness is what earned Kellie’s Castle the prestigious award, recognizing it as an outstanding heritage destination that successfully enchants tourists with its rich history and legends.
“The architectural charm, blending Mughal-Moorish, Indo-Gothic, Greco-Roman, and East-West influences, along with the romantic story of Smith and his wife, Agnes, further enhances its appeal to visitors,” Zamari added in a phone interview with Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic.
The prestigious award was presented by former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah, at the Tourism Industry Awards ceremony held recently at Royal Chulan, Kuala Lumpur.
According to Zamari, the horror tourism initiative at Kellie’s Castle had previously received positive feedback from 400 members of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) during a virtual presentation in 2020.
At the same time, Tourism Malaysia had designated Kellie’s Castle as one of the leading dark tourism destinations in Malaysia, following Penang.
The response from PATA members was very encouraging, as Kellie’s Castle is not only easily accessible but also provides a safe horror tourism experience for visitors.
When asked about attracting more visitors, especially the younger generation, Zamari acknowledged that the main challenge in preserving and sustaining heritage tourism lies in the efforts and creativity implemented.
“To achieve this goal, it is essential to engage the younger generation by incorporating elements that resonate with their interests, such as the beauty of the landscape, unique storytelling, and creative presentations.
“With these initiatives, we hope to better preserve the existing history while adding value to heritage products, ensuring they remain relevant and balanced for all segments of society,” he emphasized.
