Putrajaya targets 9.2 million tourists this year

Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) is targeting the visit of 9.2 million domestic and foreign tourists to Putrajaya this year compared to 8.9 million last year.

Its president Datuk Seri Hasim Ismail said the number of visitors to the federal government administrative centre was expected to increase following the hosting of various international standard events as well as various tourist attraction spots.

He said foreign tourists visiting Putrajaya last year were from China, Korea, Japan and Singapore.

"This year, there will be 34 international events scheduled to be held in Putrajaya. Apart from that, we will also be having annual events such as the Light and Motion Putrajaya (LAMPU) festival," he told reporters after launching the 2017 Putrajaya Tourism Photography Competition here today.

According to him, the programme was held for the first time starting this month until July to promote Putrajaya as a tourism destination which displayed unique building architecture and beautiful natural landscape.

Hasim said the contest, which is free, is divided into three categories namely Putrajaya architecture, Putrajaya natural environment or landscape, and drone photography.

"The drone category is a first contest of its kind in Malaysia and will certainly offer an experience with a difference to participants.

"We have obtained approval for contestants to use drone and they only need to register with the secretariat," he said.

According to him, the contest offered prizes totalling RM34,000 with the champion for each category taking home RM4,000 cash, runner-up (RM2,000), and RM1,000 for the third winner as well as five consolation prizes of RM200 each.

The winners will also receive prizes in the form of camera accessories sponsored by MyPutrajayaNews, he said.

Further information on the competition can be obtained via PPj website at www.ppj.gov.my and its social site at www.facebook.com/putrajaya or call 03-8887 7736 or 03-8887 7276.

-- BERNAMA