Langkawi Geopark Status A Boost For Island's Economy
|
Datuk Kamarulzaman Abdul Ghani. General Manager of the Langkawi Development Authority |
LANGKAWI, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- The listing of Langkawi Geopark on the list of the UNESCO's world geoparks is opening up new opportunities for those involved in the island's tourism sector, says the general manager of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) Datuk Kamarulzaman Abdul Ghani.
He said those involved in the tourism sector will be able to expand their businesses or services in view of the expected rise in number of tourists to the island and consequently boost the island's economy.
The global geopark park status for Langkawi is expected to attract not only nature lovers to the legendary island but also scientists, geologists, students as well as researchers from various fields worldwide.
"Langkawi Geopark will bring about new products, geotrails and directly raise the number of employment opportunities especially tourist guides," he told Bernama on the sideline of the Regional Conference On Asia Pacific Geoparks and Business Dialogues held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre, here Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Dr Thomas G. Bauer, assistant professor of tourism school of hotel and tourism management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said the local community stood to benefit directly or indirectly from geotourism.
Geotourism will create numerous tour products and new geotrails, thus creating new job opportunities for the local community such as tour guides, travel agents, boat operators, taxi drivers and food outlets.
"Homestay programmes or orchard tours are among the services that villagers can offer to tourists interested to experience and learn about the village lifestyle," he said.
-- BERNAMA
|
