LABUAN NEEDS MORE FUNDING TO DEVELOP TOURISM, SAYS MP

LABUAN (Malaysia), Oct 6 (Bernama) -- Federal Territory of Labuan will
request more funds from the Tourism Ministry to boost its tourism industry to be
comparable with that of other popular tourism states in the country.

"Labuan has the potential to host international events similar to those of
Langkawi which is currently hosting Lima (Langkawi International Maritime and
Aerospace exhibition) and Le Tour De Langkawi," Labuan Member of Parliament
Yussof Mahal told Bernama Tuesday.

Among the tourism projects that needed funding were the Labuan bazaar,
marine parks and aggressive promotion to tap the markets in Southeast Asia.

He said that these were the projects deferred from the 9th Malaysia Plan to
be implemented under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

He said Labuan would focus on high-growth regional markets, namely Asean,
China, Japan and Korea.

Currently, four hotels were being constructed and were expected to be
completed next year.

Asked how the tourism sector could sustain its growth, Yussof said this was
done by focusing on the tourists' needs, continuously seeking to satisfy their
changing and dynamic requirements and by introducing more value-added tourism
products to the market.

Increased branding and continuously meeting the standards set by the
international tourism bodies were also key, he said, adding that homestay
programmes and education tourism would be promoted.
-- BERNAMA