KUALA TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA: The state must intensify its promotions to boost the tourism industry in anticipation of the economic slowdown expected next year, Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ong Hong Beng said on Sunday.

With the expected slowdown, he said, there was more reason for the state to up the ante on promotional advertisements as Terengganu needed to lure more domestic tourists, the industry's biggest earner here.

It is estimated that Malaysians make up about 90% of tourists to the state.

He added that Pahang was currently number one in terms of hotel guests due to its efforts in promoting Terengganu.

"There's a lot to offer here, but many just don't know about it.

"Both the state and federal governments have done a lot in terms of promotion for Terengganu.

"But we need to see more participation from the private sector," Ong said after holding a discussion with non-governmental tourism organisations on Sunday.

Tourism Malaysia state director Suahimi Abu Hassan Shari agreed that more promotion was needed, adding that the agency would do so through its "Zoom" campaign.

"There is a perception among Malaysians that once you have visited places like Pulau Redang or Perhentian, it means you have visited all of Terengganu.

"But there is a lot more the state has to offer, areas which have not been highlighted.

"Our campaign next year will be more specific.

"I also hope the private sector here will take after their counterparts in Thailand and Indonesia, where there is an active follow-up after the initial promotion by the government," he said.

Ping Anchorage managing director Alex Lee, a tour operator, said there had been a lot of promotions for Terengganu but the scope covered was too general.

Lee said the promotions should be properly planned and include different tactics to tap into different markets.

"When promotions are too general, it won't hit any of the markets effectively.

"We can't sell a product to Europeans the same way we would sell it to locals."