ALOR STAR: The state government has raised the target for visitor arrivals in conjunction with Visit Kedah 2025 (VK2025) to seven million, compared to the initial target of 6.5 million visitors.
State Tourism, Culture, and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the new target is made possible by the RM5.81 million allocation under the Kedah Budget 2025.
"The allocation not only reflects trust but also high expectations to ensure that the tourism sector in Kedah becomes truly viable and that VK2025 is a resounding success.
"This funding will be utilised as effectively as possible, guided by principles of efficient governance, sound management, and a clear vision and mission," he said in his winding-up speech for the Kedah 2025 Budget at the state legislative assembly today.
The Perikatan Nasional Kubang Rotan assemblyman expressed his appreciation to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for the allocation.
Salleh said the allocation would be used to cover tourism promotion expenses, 'pocket event' programmes, and the repair and maintenance of tourism facilities.
He said numerous programmes have been planned, including 100 district-level tourism events for next year.
Among them are national and international activities such as the Kedah Lion Dance Festival, the International River Sports Carnival, the Kedah Mango Festival, the Pedu Festival, the Kedah Padi Straw Carnival, and the Experience Kedah Floria Citrawarna.
"We are also planning to organise the International Islamic Festival 2025, the Kedah MyKampung programme involving international students, the Kedah Traditional Food Festival, 'Jom Beraya di Kedah', and many more," he said.
Salleh also announced that the state government will welcome Batik Air's inaugural Kuala Lumpur–Alor Star flight on 5 December. "This will certainly help boost visitors' arrivals in the state. I am also working to establish a new Alor Star–Kota Bharu flight route. If successful, I am confident it will significantly enhance our efforts to invigorate the tourism sector in the state," he said.