JOHOR BAHARU, June 18 (Bernama) -- Total tourist arrivals to the state saw
an 18.32 per cent surge or an increase of 729,423 visitors for the period
between January and March compared with the same period last year.
State Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk
Hoo Seong Chang said the healthy tourism growth had proved wrong, the perception
of certain parties, that Johor was not a safe destination.
"The 2012 first quarter foreign tourist arrival hit 4,710,987 visitors
compared with 3,981,555 visitors last year.
"This showed Johor is a safe state and not as alleged by Penang Chief
Minister recently, even though he has apologized for the statement," he said.
According to him, the number was expected to rise further when several new
tourist attractions were opened to the public such as Johor Premium Outlet (JPO)
and LEGOLAND Malaysia Puteri Harbour Indoor Theme Park.
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DEWAN-JOHOR (TOURISM) 2 (LAST) JOHOR BAHARU
He was speaking at the 5th session of 12th Johor State Legislative Assembly
here today when replying to an oral question by Datuk Lee Hong Tee (BN-Jementah)
and Dr Boo Cheng Hau (DAP-Skudai), on the total number of tourists to Johor.
Seong Chang (BN-Paloh) said in the first quarter this year, Singaporeans
were the largest tourist group with 3,813,700 visitors followed by Indonesia
(232,386), China (153,245), Philippines (79,271), India (59,944), and United
Kingdom (24,015).
He said total domestic and foreign tourists who stayed in the state last
year also went up to 3,785,376 persons compared with 3,618,932 in 2010.
"The areas identified as local and foreign tourist attractions are the
Tanjung Piai National Park in Pontian, Endau Rompin National Park in Mersing,
Desaru Fruit Farm and Desaru beach in Kota Tinggi," he said.
Meanwhile, replying to an additional question by Hong Tee on the position of
the state in the tourism sector compared to other states, Seong Chang said Johor
was comparable to Sabah and Melaka.
"The state government through the Johor Tourism Department is working hard
to raise the state to the fourth position after Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and
Penang," he said.
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NSM CHW JRL