KUANTAN: An appointed assemblyman has proposed that the Pahang government intensify efforts to capitalise on avitourism, or birdwatching, a highly specialised area of nature-based tourism.

Rizal Jamin described birdwatching as a premium product that had gained popularity, particularly among high-income groups, especially foreigners.

"Birdwatching, or avitourism, is a recreational activity that involves cataloguing bird species in a specific habitat and documenting sightings of various species, particularly those that are rare or seldom found in the area.

"The activity typically requires the use of high-powered binoculars, digital cameras, and mobile apps for bird species identification. Avitourism guides are experienced and certified in eco-tourism," he said during the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, at the state assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang today. 

Rizal said that the Grand View Research database estimated the global market size of avitourism at nearly US$63 billion (RM283 billion) in 2023, and it is expected to continue growing in the coming years due to increasing demand for eco-tourism activities.

"I had the opportunity to participate in a birdwatching activity last month, during which I was taken on a boat ride in Lipis. A total of 42 species, including rare birds such as the Great Slaty Woodpecker and the Black Hornbill, were spotted," he said. 

KUANTAN: Inspired by strong figures for last year, the Pahang government is now aiming to welcome 13.8 million visitors this year. Last year, the state recorded 13.7 million tourists exceeding the state government's target of 13.5 million tourists. The east coast state's tourist arrivals had been rising steadily, from 13.2 million in 2023 and 10.18 million in 2022. In 2021, it recorded two million arrivals only when the country's borders were closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

State Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man said Genting Highlands was the top among the 20 popular tourist destinations in the state last year, drawing 8.55 million visitors.  This was followed by Kuantan and Cameron Highlands with 2.28 million and 1.37 million visitors, respectively. "Taman Negara, one of the world's oldest rainforests, attracted 135,435 tourists in 2024 compared to 128,592 visitors the previous year," she said in a statement. 

Leong said Pahang tourism had organised 35 major international events throughout this year, including the Malaysia International Tourism Expo (MIT) Pahang, which made its debut last year, and Southeast Asia's longest-running international bird race event, the Fraser's Hill International Bird Race, in June. She said apart from focusing on promotion campaigns, the state government had planned familiarisation visits where travel agencies and stakeholders from abroad will be brought to visit top holiday destinations in the state.

Leong said the state government also paid equal attention in promoting holiday destinations and featured them in all its campaigns, including brochures and social media. "We believe that all tourism destinations in Pahang, both old and new, have some form of appeal which gives visitors a reason to drop by," she said.

Source - NST

KUANTAN: After Scoot Air, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, it is now Garuda Indonesia's Citilink that could soon offer direct flights between Jakarta and Kuantan. Discussions are currently underway between the Pahang state government and Citilink to establish direct flights to and from Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport (LTSAS) in Kuantan, with the aim of boosting visitor arrivals.

State Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man said Scoot Air had recently launched 14 weekly flights to Kuantan. "When Scoot Air resumed operations between Changi Airport and Kuantan in March 2023, they initially operated three flights weekly. This was later increased to four weekly flights last year, and now they operate two flights daily. I was informed this expansion was due to a strong overall load factor," she said. Going with Citilink, and should these negotiations come to fruition, Pahang would become the first East Coast state to offer direct flights to Jakarta.

Leong said that this development would benefit both visitors and workers and could help promote Pahang's tourism destinations to neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, she reiterated the state government's hopes of reviving the Penang-Kuantan route, previously serviced by low-cost carrier Firefly, and introducing new routes to East Malaysia. It was previously reported the Pahang government was in talks with airlines companies, both local and abroad to operate at LTSAS.

Addressing concerns about the decline in popularity of Cherating Beach, Leong dismissed the claims, stressing that the destination remained a top choice during promotional campaigns in European countries and had never been neglected. "During the Malaysia International Tourism Expo Pahang last year, the gala dinner was held in Cherating. The destination is always featured in our campaigns, included in our brochures and promoted on social media. "I recently visited Cherating with the Kuantan City Council and Motac (Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry) to assess the area at night. We have agreed to upgrade the infrastructure, including installing more street lighting and resurfacing roads. We consistently prioritise all tourism destinations," she added.

Source: NST

KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has ordered that cleanliness be given priority by all parties, particularly traders, in a bid to attract more tourists to resort areas like Cameron Highlands. His Royal Highness said cleanliness is crucial and must be given attention by ensuring all food sold is in good condition and not contaminated. "Food must be covered. Not only that, the surrounding areas, including the drains, must always be cleaned. Provide sufficient dustbins,” Al-Sultan Abdullah posted on the Kesultanan Pahang Facebook page on Monday (Feb 17).

His Royal Highness made this statement during his visit to inspect the Kea Farm Bazaar in Cameron Highlands on Sunday (Feb 16). During the visit, Al-Sultan Abdullah also took the time to listen to the problems and complaints of the people and traders at the popular highland tourist destination. His Royal Highness also interacted warmly with visitors, including foreign tourists, and graciously presented personal gifts to children. Source - Bernama