Government Urged To Build National Tourism Institution

Government Urged To Build National Tourism Institution

TEMERLOH, June 18 (Bernama) — The Pahang Tourism and Culture committee has urged the federal government to build a national tourism institution to educate and produce skilled manpower in order to boost the sector.

Its chairman, Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin said the tourism sector was the largest contributor to the national economy and it should be managed in a professional manner, especially in highlighting quality products to tourists.

“This institution should have a uniform curriculum to train individuals who are directly involved in the tourism industry. They will not only be trained as ‘little ambassadors’ of the country in terms of speech, dress, manners and culture, but also in the Malaysian culinary arts and food,” he told reporters here today.

A certificate from the institution will be recognised as a ‘licence’ to open a new homestay or work with any employer in the tourism industry in the country, he added.

Mohd Sharkar, who is also Lanchang assemblyman, said the state government was willing to offer suitable land for building the institution.

“Pahang has various natural attractions such as beaches, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, hills and secondary forest which can be highlighted to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

“The many world-class tourist destinations available in the country will not benefit the economy if it is not utilised properly,” he said.

News Source — BERNAMA

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v8/newsindex.php?id=1145480