KUANTAN: The Pahang Tourism Action Council (PTAC), which promotes tourism in the state, is targeting 12 million visitors this year to pull in RM6bil in revenue.

Last year, the state attracted 10.3 million tourists and generated revenue of RM4.5bil.

In the East Coast Economic Region made up of Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and Mersing in Johor, Pahang attracts the highest number of foreign visitors.

According to PTAC general manager Idros Yahya, tourism was the second largest revenue earner for Malaysia, raking in RM44.5bil last year with 20.9 million tourists.

“To attract tourists, various events such as eco-tourism will be held this year at Tasik Bera and Tasik Chini.

“Themed as Santai Artis Bersama Rakyat (Relaxing with Artistes and the People), this year’s programme aims to promote environmental education and conservation,” he said in a statement here.

He added that the activities planned were kayak and 4x4 expeditions, telematches, cooking demonstrations, fishing competitions and dance performances.

Idros said the kayak expedition would comprise local and foreign teams, adding that at least 40 teams would participate in a 119km route FROM Tasik Bera to Tasik Chini.

For the 4x4 expedition, 30 teams would drive through a 150km jungle track between Tasik Bera and Tasik Chini, passing a Felda scheme, an orang asli settlement and villages, he added.

Among the celebrities involved are Fauziah Latif and those FROM the Akademi Fantasia and Raja Lawak reality programmes.

They will present hampers to 15 poor families in Kampung Pasir Borr and introduce the village as a homestay destination.

Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, is endowed with a diverse range of tourist attractions.

Nearly two-thirds of the state is covered by rainforest, making it an enclave of greenery, exotic wildlife and natural wonders.

Tasik Bera and Tasik Chini are the only two natural lakes in the peninsula.

Source The Star Online