Najib wants tourism industry to continue to shine
Bernama
September 27, 2014 23:23 MYT
September 27, 2014 23:23 MYT
NAJIB: Tourism can only prosper if it engages the local population by contributing to social values
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak hoped the tourism industry will continue to retain its position as one of the largest contributors to the country's growth.
Commenting on World Tourism Day (WTD) celebrated every year by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) member countries on Sept 27, he noted the tourism industry was a competitive, dynamic and people-based economic activity.
"Built on social interaction, it can only prosper if it engages the local population by contributing to social values such as participation, education and enhanced local governance," he said on his Facebook account.
This year's theme 'Tourism and Community development' brought to the forefront the potential that tourism has to promote new socio-economic opportunities and better livelihoods for communities worldwide.
Najib said it also highlighted the critical role that community engagement had in advancing sustainable development.
He took the opportunity to congratulate the Tourism and Culture Ministry and all industry players for their efforts to sustain and increase the nation's tourism achievements and uplift the cultural aspects of Malaysia.
This year, the national celebration for WTD takes place at the Mall of Medini, Nusajaya, Johor from Sept 26 to 28 via various smart partnerships with the private sector.
WTD has been celebrated since 1980.