MB: Tourism can replace petroleum as core economic resource for Terengganu

0

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