Local communities are set to benefit from an increase in visitors to the festival that capitalises on the east wind phenomenon in the country’s northernmost state. — Photos: Bernama and Explore Perlis
PERLIS’ royal capital Arau will soon see a flurry of activities involving hot-air balloon flights, motorised hang gliders and parachute show as it hosts the state’s top annual tourist attraction.
This year’s Perlis East Wind Festival, also known as “Pesta Angin Timur Perlis” (PAT 2024), is set to take place in Kampung Lat Seribu, Tambun Tulang from March 1 to 3.
When announcing the 2024 festival, Perlis Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli listed 11 new activities among a total of 33 exciting happenings planned for the event.
“In conjunction with Visit Perlis Year 2024/2025, we are introducing a variety of programmes,” he said during the media conference held at Perlis State Assembly Complex in Kangar, as reported by Bernama.
Other new activities to attract visitors include a hay art tunnel as well as paramotor and kayak competitions.
Mohd Shukri is anticipating a large increase in visitor numbers this year, from the 350,000 attendees recorded in 2023.
He said he was confident the festival would boost tourism as well as benefit local communities in Perlis and its neighbouring states.
Pointing out that a total of 128 agencies worked towards the success of PAT 2024, Mohd Shukri added that annual improvements had been made to the festival, which marks the turning of the season, since it started in 2015.
Also present at the media conference were Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff and state National Culture and Arts Department director Norazlin Nordin.
