Terengganu to widen Redang airstrip to handle more tourists

Sunday September 7, 2008
Terengganu to widen Redang airstrip to handle more tourists
By R.S.N. MURALI

KUALA TERENGGANU: The state government has approved the widening of the airstrip on diving haven Redang island to cater for increasing tourist arrivals.

State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Zaabar Mohd Adib said the present strip was not wide enough to handle emergencies.

“We are also planning to upgrade the airport terminal,” he said.

He said the project was crucial as the airport was a gateway to Redang for foreign tourists, especially Singaporeans.

“There are two flights daily to the island operated by Berjaya Air,” he said, adding that the flights were from the airports in Subang and Seletar, Singapore.

The island now has a 60:40 ratio of foreigner to local tourists.

“More foreigners are making Redang their popular excursion spot,” Zaabar said, adding that hotel and resorts were enjoying 85% occupancy even during off-peak seasons.

“We are also witnessing a niche market at Redang where most tourists spend lavishly during their stay on the island,” he said.

Zaabar said the state government was also encouraging tourists from Hong Kong and Europe to come to the island and to stop at Kuala Terengganu first.

“The state government is planning to recruit tourist guides to bring foreigners to the city centre once they have landed at the Sultan Mahmud Airport here,” he added.

The Star