MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
BOOSTING COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM IN MALAYSIA
SELANGOR, 5 SEPTEMBER 2024 – Aimed at enhancing community-based tourism across the state, Tourism Selangor has participated in the Discovery of Local Community Host in Selangor by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). This initiative is poised to enrich the local tourism landscape by fostering meaningful and immersive experiences, led by Selangor Community Hosts.
One of the most successful examples of community-based tourism in Selangor is the highly-acclaimed Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk, a programme that takes visitors through 11 historical landmarks in Klang, offering a journey through the rich heritage of the Royal Town.
Currently, Selangor boasts four distinctive community-based tourism packages, namely:
- Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk in Klang
- 1,001 Cerita Tempe in Kuala Langat
- A Cultural Experience in Hulu Selangor
- Heritage Garden Trail in Hulu Selangor
Since the programme’s inception in 2018, a total of 51 Selangor Community Hosts have been appointed to lead community-based tourism efforts across six districts including Klang, Kuala Langat, Hulu Selangor, Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor and Hulu Langat. The Selangor Community Hosts programme is the first of its kind in Malaysia, pioneering the discovery and recognition of local community champions to guide and curate authentic local experiences.
This unique initiative is not only expected to draw in more locals to become certified tour guides, but also to serve as a benchmark for other states. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) sees the Discovery of Local Community Host in Selangor as a potential model for developing guidelines for community-based tourism nationwide, leveraging Selangor’s successful framework.
Azrul Shah Mohamad, the Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor in a statement said, as we approach Visit Selangor Year 2025, community-based tourism will be at the forefront of our promotional efforts. This initiative reflects our belief that authentic, locally-driven experiences are key to showcasing the true essence of Selangor. By empowering local communities to lead these experiences, we are not only enriching the tourism landscape but also fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the state’s rich heritage and culture.
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