KUANTAN, MALAYSIA: Warm hospitality, efficient service and cleanliness are simple and inexpensive attributes that bring changes in the tourism industry, said State Arts and Tourism Committee chairman Shafik Fauzan Shariff.
However, he noted that these qualities needed constant reminders.
It is not new to have awareness campaigns to remind people and the industry players.
It is something that needs to be done from time to time, he said in an interview.
Shafik Fauzan said he emphasised these qualities on his rounds of duty and wanted the same dedication from the public and industry players.
Things would not work out well if the commitment came only from the state, he said.
He cited his recent visit to Bali where he was taken up by the warm hospitality of locals and workers.
They greet you with a warm, sincere and respectful welcome.
It makes you feel nice, he said.
Shafik Fauzan said that Bali had no grand infrastructure but was clean and friendly, and visitors found it appealing and kept going back.
We should do the same to make visitors feel welcome, he added.
