(From left) Ahmad Suqairy receiving his certificate from Rumaizi, while Odzman looks on.
MORE new tourism products should be introduced to encourage tourists to spend in Ipoh, says Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.
The mayor said it was important for tourism industry players and businesses to offer products that attracted spending.
“As much as we want more tourists to visit, we also want them to spend, as this drives our country’s economy.
“We need something that people can and are willing to spend heavily on,” he said, urging the public including those in the tourism sector to study consumer trends.
“If we just hold on to our traditional products, we cannot go far,” he said after launching the Road to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026): Greater Ipoh initiative at Ipoh City Council.
Victoria Bridge in Enggor and Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajahare part of the Greater Ipoh Initiative. — Filepics
He said matured tourism cities in Malaysia, such as Penang and states in the East Coast, were constantly upgrading their products.
“Thailand is another country that can comfortably change its products.
“Businesses cannot rely on any single product forever and must continuously innovate.
“If tourists come here two or three times, they will get bored if they see or buy the same thing,” he added.
When asked whether new products should have an identity linked to Ipoh, Rumaizi said businesses must be creative.
“The tourism industry is also about being creative.
Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajah . — Filepics
“For example, the whole world already knows about our white coffee, which is ranked among the top 10 coffees globally.
“How can we upgrade it so that it sells more?
“In Indonesia, they have kopi luwak (civet coffee), which sells at a much higher price than our white coffee, despite not being in the top 10.
“This is creativity in play in terms of both the product and its promotion,” he said.
On the Greater Ipoh initiative, Rumaizi said tourism promotions would cover Kuala Kangsar, Kampar and Batu Gajah.
The initiative will be a collaboration between government agencies and non-government organisations, including tourism industry players, to develop strategies ahead of VM2026.
“The tourism sector has huge potential for further growth and is expected to be a major contributor to the state and national economy,” he said.
“The state aims to position Perak as an international tourist destination, focusing on luxury, history, culture and nature.
“To attract more tourists from other states and abroad, we need to expand and develop the Greater Ipoh Tourism Region, involving Kuala Kangsar, Kampar and Batu Gajah.”
Rumaizi said the four areas had plenty of tourism icons that could be further developed.
“These include Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajah, Masjid Ubudiah and Victoria Bridge in Kuala Kangsar, Gua Tempurung in Kampar and limestone hills in Ipoh.
“These icons must act as catalysts for further development in their respective districts.
“This includes expanding hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and most importantly, helping the local economy.”
At the event, Rumaizi presented a certificate to Kampar district council president Ahmad Suqairy Alias for his participation in the launch of the Road to VM2026 Greater Ipoh initiative. Also present was Perak Tourism Association president Datuk Mohd Odzman Abdul Kadir.
