ISKANDAR PUTERI – The Johor government has earmarked a RM15 million (US$3.59 million) investment for tourism next year, Chief Minister Dr Sahruddin Jamal said on Thursday (Nov 21).
The move is the largest investment in the state’s history, surpassing its previous investments of RM3 million and RM8 million, said Dr Sahruddin at the tabling of the Johor 2020 Budget.
The investment will be channelled towards upgrading infrastructure and basic amenities at tourist destinations to promotional activities, as well as the hosting of events.
A total of RM8.2 million from the allocation will also be spent on advertising conducted locally and overseas.
This will also include incentives to travel agents to attract visitors to stay overnight at selected destination.
Dr Sahruddin added that the state government intended to facilitate the introduction of new travel routes via the Senai International Airport in Johor.
Tourism is expected to inject nearly RM29.4 billion in 2020 from some 18.4 million tourists, of which 8.4 million are targeted to be overnight visitors.