PONTIAN (Oct 6): With so many tourism destinations and products to offer in Johor, the closure of the Hello Kitty Town and the Thomas Town Sanrio theme parks at Princess Harbour, Iskandar Puteri here early next year, will have little impact on Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Johor Year (VJY) 2020. 

State Tourism, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Liow Cai Tung said the state government through Tourism Johor is actively promoting 10 districts in the state with a rich history and unique features, to domestic and international tourists.

She said that the closure of two theme parks would affect a small number of visitors since they were among the state’s tourist attractions, adding however, that it was the decision of the private sector which state government had to respect.

Liow told this to reporters after attending a Pontian district roadshow that promoted activities, recreation and information to mark the Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Ayer Baloi, near here today.

She added that besides theme parks, Johor had so many other attractions for its visitors including its islands, and also medical, agro and eco-tourism.

“Among the 20 destinations and 20 tourism festivals featured in its VJY 2020 campaign are pineapple farms and paddy fields which are bound to attract both domestic and international visitors ” she said.

Yesterday, Liow was reported to have said that both the parks which had been running for the past seven years, will cease operations at the end of the year because of the poor response.

Meanwhile, Liow said the Tanjung Piai parliamentary by-election, next month, would certainly contribute to the tourism sector around Pontian.

“Whenever there is a by-election, leaders, those from other areas including voters who live elsewhere, will return to vote.

"They help boost the area’s economy as there will be an increase in demand for local fare at eateries and demand for accommodation at guest houses, hotels and motels," she said, adding that as of January last year, Pontian had four homestays that were recognised by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.