Caretaker Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has announced that the government intends to brand Malaysia as the best ecotourism destination in the world. This is in line with the National Tourism Policy 2020-2030 which seeks to promote our country as a ‘Top of The Mind Ecotourism of the World’.
As reported by Bernama, Takiyuddin further said that the goal needs to be jointly shared by all interested parties to ensure continued sustainable, competitive and inclusive development of ecotourism products. Among the parties involved include the government, private entities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and industry players.
The caretaker Energy and Natural Resources Minister also stressed that the effort should be in line with the government’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and 17 Sustainable Development Goals under the United Nations (UN). He elaborated,
“One of the strategies that need to be improved is through more aggressive and consistent activities in promoting and marketing ecotourism products to maintain the momentum of the ecotourism industry’s growth in the country,”
“Malaysia is very rich with high-value natural resources and this is proven when it became one of 17 countries worldwide to be classified as a mega-diversity nation that holds various flora and fauna which have yet to be identified and fully explored.”
Besides that, Takiyuddin also stressed that his ministry has a big role to play under the National Ecotourism 2016-2025 and to contribute towards increasing local economic generation around the ecotourism cluster. Under the ministry, more than 150 ecotourism locations have been identified which are among our country’s natural resources that Malaysians must be grateful for, enjoy and take care of as best we can. These locations include Taman Negara, Hutan Taman Negeri, Ekorimba Parks, Geosites, Ramsar Site, Wetlands and Malaysian Forestry Research Stations.
So, what do you guys think of the statement by the caretaker Energy and Natural Resources Minister? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: Domestic Holidays Still In High Demand Despite Recent Trend Of Locals Frequenting To Thailand