Tourism can be harnessed to yield intangible benefits: Nazri

GEORGE TOWN: Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (pix) today reminded the delegates of the World Tourism Conference (WTC) that "tourism is not just about economic growth but it can be harnessed to yield intangible benefits".
Nazri said he hoped the lessons learnt from this conference would serve as an invaluable guide for the transformation journey to mainstream and maximise the potential of tourism.
"We need to be mindful that tourism is not just about economic growth but it can be harnessed to yield intangible benefits such as the 'feel good factor', building bridges, peace, harmony and making this world a better place," he said in his closing speech for the 4th WTC, here.
The three-day conference themed 'Tourism Delight: Delivering the Unexpected', from Oct 17 until today, attracted 733 participants from 32 countries.
Nazri said the conference had exceeded his expectation as all the delegates decided to even skip tea-break and remained in the conference room for three hours throughout the panel session.
"On behalf of the Government of Malaysia, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and deepest appreciation to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, speakers, moderators and delegates once again for making this 4th World Tourism Conference a resounding success," he said.
He also announced that the 5th edition of the WTC would be held in Sarawak in 2019.
"Do come back to Malaysia, not just in 2019 but earlier. Thank you and see you in Sarawak," he said.
On the final day of the WTC, the delegates could join the city tour themed 'East Meets Wests' or be on the Heritage Tour to visit the Unesco Heritage Site here. — Bernama