BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The state government is set to meet the Songkhla governor in Thailand to strengthen collaboration in the tourism industry between northern Malaysian states and southern Thai provinces.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said tourism is a thriving sector that must be further enhanced through collaboration between the two countries.
He said various programmes had been planned to foster closer ties between the state and southern Thailand.
"InshaAllah, we will continue to elevate collaborative initiatives, particularly in halal food and tourism industries," he said at a press conference at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex here today.
"Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors, and we hope this will further strengthen ties between the two countries.
"Not long ago, the Songkhla governor visited Kedah, and we plan to reciprocate with a visit to discuss steps to advance tourism between southern Thai provinces and northern Malaysian states."
The press conference was held to welcome Thai tourists as part of the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign.
Present was state Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin.
Sanusi said Visit Kedah Year 2025 will feature around 150 events throughout the year to draw visitors.
"We have distributed booklets listing attractive destinations in Kedah to tourism industry players nationwide. We are also collaborating with Tourism Malaysia to promote Kedah internationally.
"I hope 2025 will mark the beginning of a surge in both domestic and international tourists visiting Kedah."
Sanusi added that the state's New Year's resolution is to strengthen the "Greater Kedah" aspirations.
Salleh said the state government was focusing on attracting international tourists, particularly from Thailand, to ensure the success of Visit Kedah Year 2025.
"While there is no specific target (regarding the origin of tourists), we are engaging with Thai industry players to promote Kedah. We hope these efforts will attract more visitors from Thailand," he said.
On May 6 last year, the state government received a courtesy call from a Thai delegation led by Songkhla Governor Somnuk Promkheaw.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to establish a special border committee to address mutual issues, especially in trade, tourism, education and culture.
However, Sanusi said some issues raised by the delegation remained unresolved as they fell under federal jurisdiction.
The state government, he added, will pay a return visit to Songkhla soon.
Promkheaw reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Malaysia's tourism sector among Thai residents, particularly in the southern region.