KUALA TERENGGANU: The tourism industry can serve as the alternative core economic resource for Terengganu, in replacing the depleting petroleum source, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said.
He said, Terengganu was rich in interesting
natural beauty such as islands, lakes, waterfalls and the state cultural heritage which appeal to tourists.
“We must transform these areas straightaway as tourist destinations.
“Transformation of the Kenyir lake development as a tax-free lake zone will be completed by 2014, to boost tourists arrival in the state,” he added.
Ahmad said this at the launch of the Decoration Citra boats, in conjunction with the 50th birthday celebration of
the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin here Saturday night.
He said the 2013 Visit Terengganu Year marked the importance of tourism as one of the many forms of revenue generated by the state.
He mentioned that other than tourism, several industries would be incorporated to generate
income for the state, including iron ore mining, biotechnology projects and aquaculture. —Bernama