To strengthen the tourism and cultural sectors in Terengganu through various programs scheduled for 2020, the Terengganu government has allocated over RM14.5 million for the same to promote the tourism sector through various high impact domestic and international channels.

Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said when tabling the Budget 2020 in the State Assembly “We are optimist at the economic potential of the tourism sector by organizing prestigious events of international stature with the involvements of the local communities. In this regard, RM4 million is allocated towards this end.

‘’Pulau Bidong, which is also known as The Little Saigon’ will be developed as a cultural tourism product with an allocation of RM1 million,’’.

A hike of 9.8 percent tourist arrival is recorded in the state from January to August this year compared to the same period last year. Tasik Kenyir in Hulu Terengganu would receive an RM3 million allocation to boost its management quality and the state government aspired to declared it as ‘Kenyir Hornbills Valley’ since 10 of the 12 species of hornbills had been found in the lake area.

Ahmad Samsuri said “To further promote the Terengganu communities’ cultural heritage, the state government would also create a Cultural Village in the compound of the state museum as one of the heritage tourism packages. RM1 million will be allocated for this purpose so that we can continue to preserve our identity and cultural heritage which is unique to the state,’’.

In the meantime, two renowned resort islands, namely, Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian, would have a new and unique identity as Islamic Tourism locations when Terengganu established the Ummah Dakwah Centre.