Kelantan continues to see a surge in tourist arrivals, especially during school holidays. Long-standing traffic jams leading into the state have become a familiar sight, often caused by interstate travellers heading home for weddings and festive gatherings.
According to Kelantan Tourism Committee Chairman Kamaruddin Nor, a growing number of interstate marriages involving Kelantanese residents and partners from other states is one of the key factors behind this influx.
Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor
“Interstate marriages used to be rare, but now they’re quite common. These family connections have created a steady flow of visitors, particularly during school holidays,” he said during the reopening of the Pengkalan Datu tourism market in Pengkalan Chepa.
Surge in visitors have lifted the local economy
Kamaruddin noted that the surge in visitors has boosted hotel and homestay bookings, giving a welcome lift to the local economy. He also highlighted Kelantan’s rich cultural heritage as a key attraction, with traditional attire and cuisine increasingly featured in both official and private events.
“It’s become a trend to wear traditional clothes at various functions. Organisers are voluntarily showcasing Kelantan’s identity, which adds unique value to our tourism offerings,” he added.
To further strengthen the sector, the state government is collaborating with hotel associations, travel agencies, and homestay operators to promote Kelantan’s tourism packages more widely.
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Also read: M’sians Spend Up to 28 Hours in Heavy Traffic While Travelling to Kelantan During the Holiday Season
