SEVEN MILLION TOURISTS TARGETED FOR VISIT KEDAH YEAR 2025

ALOR SETAR, Nov 27 (Bernama) — Kedah has raised its tourism target for Visit Kedah Year 2025 to seven million visitors, up from the original goal of 6.5 million.

State Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin attributed the revised target to the allocation of RM5.81 million announced by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor during the Kedah Budget 2025 presentation on Sunday.

“This allocation reflects not only confidence but also high expectations for the tourism segment in Kedah to thrive. At the same time, it ensures the success of Visit Kedah Year 2025.

“The allocated funds will be utilised efficiently under strong governance, guided by a clear vision and objectives,” Mohd Salleh said when winding up the debate on the budget during the state assembly sitting here today.

The RM5.81 million allocation will support tourism promotion activities, 'pocket events,' and the maintenance of key attractions, including developing the ‘Musuh Bisik’ War Gallery, upgrading eco-park entry points and improving tourism facilities across the state, he added. 

As part of the campaign, he said over 100 district-level tourism events are planned, complemented by state-level programmes with national and international appeal.

Highlights include the Kedah Lion Dance Festival, International River Sports Festival, Kedah Mango Festival, Pedu Festival, Kedah Jerami Carnival, and Experience Kedah Floria Citrawarna.

“The state also aims to launch signature events like the International Islamic Festival 2025 and ‘Kedah MyKampung’, involving international students. Other events like the Kedah Traditional Food Festival and ‘Jom Beraya’ in Kedah will showcase the state’s cultural richness,” he said. 

Mohd Salleh also said that Kedah’s connectivity will receive a boost with Batik Air’s new Kuala Lumpur–Alor Setar route, set to launch on Dec 5, which is expected to boost visitor numbers.

There are also efforts to establish a new Alor Setar–Kota Bharu route, which he believes could double the positive impact on Kedah’s tourism.

“The introduction of this new route will open greater opportunities to elevate our tourism sector,” he said.

-- BERNAMA