KUALA LUMPUR: The federal government will develop special tourism investment zones in four states to further develop the sector, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today.
The four zones will be located in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Sarawak.
They will be jointly developed by the state governments and private sector in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, which is expected to contribute 16% of the country’s gross domestic product.
“These zones will be the catalyst for new tourism products based on artistic, cultural, and heritage assets, as well as environmental areas like the Sungai Batu archeological site, the Lenggong Valley, and the Niah Caves which are recognised by Unesco,” Anwar said when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan.
He said the homestay industry would also be boosted to ensure that rural areas are not left out.