The Bentong district has great potential to become a hub for ecotourism which in the long run will help boost the tourism sector in the country, said Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

He said this was because the natural resources in the district were still well preserved and the interesting ecotourism products available there could attract local and international tourists.

"So if the ministry provides support for ecotourism in Bentong, I am sure it will be a success and the people in Bentong will reap the benefits as it can develop the local economy and improve the local communities' standard of living.

"As such I intend to turn this district into an ecotourism destination and hub," he told reporters after a tour of the facilities at Caravan Serai Exclusive Villas near here today.

In addition, Mohamed Nazri said new infrastructure development such as the Bentong Bypass which is part of the Central Spine Road (CSR) project and the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) passing through Bentong town would further boost ecotourism in the area in future.

Elaborating, he said the ministry's intention to make Bentong an ecotourism hub was consistent with the sustainable tourism policies as outlined by United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Mohamed Nazri said the government had always tried to ensure that sustainable tourism was being adopted in developing tourism, without compromising the nation's natural resources.

"We also have the support of the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) in our efforts to develop ecotourism in the country as he has announced a RM400 million allocation for the purpose this year," he said. - BERNAMA