KUALA TERENGGANU, 6 October - Unlike the fallen ancient civilisation that succumbed to diseases and plagues, Terengganu is optimistic that its culturally rich tourism sector will rise against COVID-19 with the adoption of digitalisation.

Menteri Besar, Dato' Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said, amidst the negative impacts towards global tourism and related economic activities, innovation is a key factor in effectively support financial and operation sustainability.

“The pandemic has shown these sectors can grow digitally with tangible data showing that we have come forward five years ahead with the greatest opportunity with the use of technology.

“I can say that the pandemic has acted as a catalyst in this effort, in a short amount of time, we adapted to doing digital transactions such as online meetings, digital marketing and online meetings.

“I believe we will rise again, more prevalent that, the state government is consistently keen in venturing into digitalisation.

The Rhu Rendang state assembly illustrated by mentioning the launching of the Terengganu Smart Digital Government Master Plan (2021-2030) alongside the Strategic Artificial Intelligence Park Plan to capitalise and build a sustainable digital environment.

During the closing speech at Global Tourism Conference (GTC) 2021 last month, Ahmad Samsuri further pointed out the silver lining for the tourism sector during the hardships that digital improvements can be done mainly on the economy, social and environment.

Previously, State Tourism, Culture and Digital Technology Committee chairman Ariffin Deraman said that the government fully encourage all accommodation operators to use digital technology in the form of an online booking system to welcome back tourists.

Moreover, state tourism also garnered a mass following of more than 300,000 followers on Terengganu tourism pages in social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and others, showing the potential for online marketing and promotion.