Tourism industry players should be actively involved to promote eco-tourism in the Lenggong Valley, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
She said the Lenggong District Council should meet the industry players and come up with packages to attract nature-loving tourists.
She said while the ministry plays an advisory role in developing an overall tourism master plan, the local authorities have a better picture of programmes they wish to introduce.
“The ministry can help by installing ‘Welcome to Lenggong’ signboards in the district,” she told reporters at Tasik Raban Resort here Tuesday.
Dr Ng said the Lenggong Valley was already a marketable eco-tourism product because of its pristine archaeological sites and natural environment.
“It is now time for the local council and tourism players to step up their promotional efforts,” she said, adding that tourism packages introduced must not damage the original appearance of the archaeological sites and early cave settlements.
Some of the important sites in the Lenggong Valley are Kota Tampan, Bukit Jawa at Kampung Gelok and Kampung Temelong.
The Lenggong Valley, about 100km north of Ipoh, was recognised as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in July this year.
On the performance of eco-tourism promotion, Dr Ng said Sabah and Sarawak were two exemplary states.
“The local industry players work hand in hand with the authorities to organise local events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival and marathon at Mount Kinabalu,” she said.
