IPOH: Tourist locations that have been long established in the state need to reinvest and "up their game" to continue attracting visitors, says Loh Sze Yee.
Perak tourism committee chairman said operators of these locations cannot just be happy with the revenues and earnings they have generated but need to continue improving.
"We've seen some new locations that have received a lot of tourists.
"We've also seen some older destinations that are not so busy compared to last time," he said when met after the Jelajah Malaysia Digital @ Perak at Lost World of Tambun Hotel here on Sunday (Jan 12).
"Operators need to reinvest and to upgrade their premises, be it a repaint, an upgrade or renovation. Maybe have something different that can surprise tourists.
"If things remain the same, they (tourists) will go to another place," he said, adding that tourists like to experience new things.
"This is something that I've seen and a lesson that can be learned from the Visit Perak Year 2024 campaign," he added.
Loh also said that Perak, not just Ipoh City, must continue to give its best to ensure the state remains a good tourism destination.
"Other things that we can improve on include cleanliness, be it toilets, hotel rooms or restaurants.
"We also need to ensure we continue to dish out delicious food and have attractive locations," he said.
"The people also need to be more friendly when welcoming tourists," he added.
Loh had been asked earlier to comment on Ipoh being named as one of eight must-visit cities in Asia this year by London-based lifestyle magazine Time Out recently.
In its Dec 19 publication, it put Ipoh in fourth spot, while Sumba, Indonesia, topped the list, followed by Siargao in the Philippines, Da Nang in Vietnam and Tainan, Taiwan.
The other destinations were Osaka, Japan; Nan in Thailand and Lijiang, China.
Ipoh was noted for being a welcoming place, with heritage buildings, limestone cliffs, cave temples and a “city for eating”.
As for preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Loh said the state and the tourism sector would need to continue working hand-in-hand.
"We want to get tourists to stay longer and not just pass by the state," he said.
