Page 82 - MAEPS - Journey Through the Decade
P. 82

Journey through the decade: An Agro-Wonderland Tale

















                       M                AEPS - your


                                        agrotourism destination










                                   t was 1991. Agrotourism started   need only visit MAEPS to get a taste of
                                   formally in Malaysia and was   Malaysia,” he said.
                         I included in the Sixth Malaysia        “Right after MAHA 2018, we will work
                         Plan (1991-1995).                      with our counterparts in the Tourism
                           It was part of an effort to increase tourist   Ministry and see how we can help market
                         arrivals to Malaysia. Since then, there have   MAEPS as a destination for Visit Malaysia
                         been numerous agrotourism destinations   Year 2020. This will be a start as we want
                         nationwide, including MAEPS, luring    to see MAEPS being sold to the world as an
                         visitors worldwide.                    all-time destination, especially in future
                           Close to three decades later, efforts are   editions of Visit Malaysia Year.”
                         being made to ensure MAEPS turns into   Sallehhuddin added MAEPS’ location is
                         a must-visit destination ahead of Visit   unique as it sits between Kuala Lumpur and
                         Malaysia Year 2020, and beyond.        KL International Airport.
                           The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry   “Those in transit can even spend half
                         Ministry is eager to work on smart     a day at MAEPS before continuing their
                         partnerships with tourism industry players   journey. MAEPS is easily accessible and
                         and stakeholders to transform MAEPS into   that’s what we hope to see ... more and
                         an iconic site.                        more visitors. We want tourists to continue
                           The ministry’s secretary-general Datuk   returning to MAEPS.
                         Sallehhuddin Hassan described MAEPS     “The ministry is eager to explore
                         as a “Mini Malaysia” thanks to its 13 state   opportunities with interested parties
                         pavilions.                             and stakeholders. Smart partnerships
                           “The pavilions are the best place to   are the way forward and this will benefit
                         showcase the respective states’ identities,   all – especially tourists. Agrotourism has
                         culture, fashion and even food. Visitors who   so much to offer and MAEPS is one of the
                         are on a budget or have time constraints   many sites worth visiting.”























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