The Kelantan chapter of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is focusing on plans to upgrade three areas to become the Community Based Tourism (CBT) locations to attract more visitors to the state.

Its director Mohd Aidil Afizie Daud said the three locations were Kota Pengkalan Datu, Kota Bharu; Kampung Jelawang Homestay in Jeli and Rumah Inap Renok Baru in Gua Musang.

“Currently, we are upgrading the Kota Pangkalan Datu area emphasising on the Cerana Villa Resort because this location has a good tourism community network which is suitable with the CBT concept.

“Under the CBT segment, all product and service providers are gathered in one place to serve domestic and international tourists,” he said after the reopening of the Pengkalan Datu floating market and tourism farmer’s market here, yesterday.

Among the community-related activities offered in Pengkalan Datu are river cruise, collecting lokan (a type of shellfish) and experiencing fishermen’s lives in Kampung Pulau Gajah.

Mohd Aidil Afizie said in Kelantan, only Min House Camp has been awarded the ASEAN CBT standard and he hoped that all tourism players in the state would step up their efforts and be innovative in attracting more international tourists.

According to the ASEAN tourism standard, CBT is a form of tourism that seeks to empower communities to manage tourism growth and achieve community aspirations relating to their wellbeing, including economic, social and environmental sustainable development.

-- BERNAMA