Lenggong Valley Records 280% Surge in Tourists, Boosting Local Economy
Lenggong Valley Records 280% Surge in Tourists, Boosting Local Economy
Lenggong Valley continues to prove its appeal as a heritage-based tourism destination, recording a 280 percent increase in tourist arrivals over two years.
Perak Chief Minister, Dato Seri Saarani Mohamad, revealed that the number of visitors jumped from 24,770 in 2022 to 114,182 in 2023, the result of various ongoing development efforts in the area.
“Tour guide income increased by 237 percent, while accommodation operators also enjoyed revenue growth of 145 percent during the same period,” he said.
He emphasized that this development has a direct impact on the local economy, especially for rural communities, including traditional villages and the Orang Asli, who are now active in tourism, handicrafts, traditional food, and homestay programs.
Saarani said this while speaking at the Dinner Ceremony for the Aspiring Lenggong UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) Evaluation Session here today.
Great Potential as a World-Class Geopark Destination
According to Saarani, scientific studies have identified 39 geosites, 11 geoarchaeological sites, eight biosites, and 21 cultural and heritage sites with development potential in Lenggong Valley.
“Five of them have been recognized as having international-standard geological value, encompassing unique and interconnected elements of geological, biodiversity, cultural, and archaeological heritage,” he explained.
“This diversity of resources makes Lenggong Valley not only important for research but also a competitive tourism destination on the global stage,” he added.
International Cooperation Strengthens Lenggong's Position
The Perak State Government is also actively strengthening Lenggong's position internationally through collaborations with overseas geopark networks, including those in Japan, South Korea, and Turkey, as well as participation in international conferences.
“Lenggong is not just a tourism destination, but is now developing as a heritage-based human development center,” said Saarani.
UNESCO Status & Development Scope
Lenggong has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012, covering an area of 22 square kilometers or about 1% of the total Aspiring Lenggong UNESCO UGGp (2,248 sq km).
This UGGp area covers five mukims – Durian Pipit, Temelong, Lenggong, Kenering, and Gerik – with a total population of 61,039 people.
With this rapid growth, Lenggong Valley is expected to continue being one of the most dynamic heritage tourism destinations in Malaysia, thereby contributing to the socioeconomic progress of the local community.
– BERNAMA
