Special feature: Iskandar Mirza (second from right) launching the Birdwatching Paradise Malaysia ebrochure at Pengkalan Gawi in Tasik Kenyir. — Bernama
KUALA BERANG: About 5,000 tourist arrivals are expected in 55 birdwatching locations nationwide this year, according to Tourism Malaysia director-general (planning) Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof.
These locations include Tasik Kenyir and Setiu in Terengganu as well as Paya Maga and Mulu in Sarawak.
Tourism Malaysia is now actively promoting various events, including distributing a Birdwatching Paradise Malaysia electronic brochure to attract both domestic and international tourists.
“In 2019, the country recorded a total of 3,150 local and foreign birdwatchers, generating revenue of RM20.3mil. This year, we are targeting bigger tourist markets from the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand,” Iskandar Mirza said after launching the special interest Birdwatching Paradise Malaysia ebrochure at Pengkalan Gawi in Tasik Kenyir near here yesterday, Bernama reported.
“We hope that more birdwatching packages will be offered by tourism groups to stimulate and further develop the tourism sector in the related locations,” he added.
Malaysia has almost 4.5 million hectares of sites categorised as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) by BirdLife International.
“This must be utilised as best as possible to give economic returns to the people and country. Pahang, Sarawak, Sabah and Perak are among the states that have registered the highest (number of) IBAs. “Capitalise on this advantage to further promote the tourism agenda in your respective states,” said Iskandar Mirza.
