ONE of Selangor’s key tourism attractions, the annual “Festival Sawah Padi Sekinchan”, has been attracting a growing number of domestic and international visitors.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the festival has helped strengthen agrotourism.
“Selangor is focused on environmental and agricultural tourism in the Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda).
“Tourism has grown by more than 30% as a result of various programmes and continuous efforts in promoting the area,” he said in his speech during the event launch at Terminal Sekinchan.
Also present were state local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim and Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) group chief executive officer Datuk Saipolyazan M. Yusop, reported Bernama.
Commenting on the introduction of the sustainability fee on tourists since January, Amirudin said the proceeds would be channelled towards upgrading public amenities and redeveloping areas affected by disasters like flood.
The festival, organised by Tourism Selangor together with various government agencies and private strategic partners, featured a more dynamic concept this year.
For the first time, the event stretched into the night in line with the trend for noctourism and visitors watched the sun set over the padi fields and joined activities such as the “Sawah Padi Run” starting at dusk.
It also featured more than 35 vendors under Platform Selangor (Plats) offering a variety of local food, outdoor movie screenings, guided tours, tram rides, traditional games, concerts and voluntourism.
The festival aimed to attract 15,000 visitors.
