PUTRAJAYA: The Monsoon Cup, which enters its eighth edition this year, has spurred economic activities for local businesses in Terengganu during the monsoon season, former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

He said much development had taken place in Terengganu since the championship started in 2005 including the building of more hotels.

"The Monsoon Cup is a sporting event. But there are other activities which will be held in Terengganu. The event is very attractive, which has made Pulau Duyung and Terengganu more attractive," he said at the launching of the Monsoon Cup: Rebranding for the Future, here.

Present was the chairman of T-Best Events Sdn Bhd, Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik.

The championship, from Dec 3 to 8, will to be participated by 12 countries including Malaysia, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France and Italy.

It was initiated by Tun Abdullah in 2005 to serve as a catalyst for economic growth for Terengganu.

Continuing the pioneering spirit, the Monsoon Cup is the first event on the Alpari World Match Racing Tour to implement the global rebranding exercise with the introduction of a title sponsor, Alpari.

Head of Visit Terengganu 2013 secretariat Ahmad Fathil Abdul Ghani, meanwhile said, the state government welcomed the arrival of the Monsoon Cup each year as it gave a positive impact to the tourism industry. "All this while, Terengganu or the East Coast towns would become dead towns in November, December and January due to the rainy season.

But with the championship, tourists from within and outside the country are more attracted to come to Terengganu," he said. - Bernama

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