Vouch 15 Cover Story – Interview with YB Datuk Tee Siew Kiong

Johor Bahru Property & Ecominic Outlook in 2016

Property and Tourism Mutually Beneficial Industries

Discover Johor

What makes Johor Bahru, a destination, a second home,  a memory capsule, distinctive and extra special is a set of attributes, or discover “Johor DNA.” Set in different clusters with unique characteristics and sights that awaits for one to explore. Sharing with us more about his insights on Johor’s tourism current and future developments, we have YB Datuk Tee Siew Kiong, Pengerusi Jawatan Pelancongan, Perdagangan dan Kepenggunaan Negeri Johor on what makes Johor the most coveted and popular tourist destination.

How will the international and local economic outlook impact on tourism ?

Tourism plays an important role in the economy, a sector that has an impact on development of country economy. The main benefits of tourism are income creation and generation of jobs. For many regions and countries it is the most important source of welfare. It has been an accelerating positivity for Johor Bahru, as we have conjoining 11 clusters for tourists to discover,explore,enjoy and share  : Family Fun – international & local theme parks and family entertainment centers, Urban Heritage & Lifestyle – Danga Bay and Pusat Bandaraya Johor Bahru, Leisure Shopping – Johor Premium Outlets , Mangrove & Rural Getaway – Segi Tiga Ramsar ( Taman Negara Tanjung Piai – Pulau Kukup – Sungai Pulai, Coastal Retreat – Desaru Baru , Marine & Island Escapade – Kepulauan Mersing , Eco Adventure Challenge – Taman Negara Endau – Rompin, Cradle of Johor Heritage – Muar Bandar DiRaja & Batu Pahat, Mystical Nature – Taman Negara Gunung Ledang, Agri Delights – Zenxin Organic Farm, UK Farm, KOREF, and last but not least the Orchard Route – Dusun Buah Buahan. From year 2012 with 3.6 mil tourist, gaining momentum in 2013 with 5.7 mil, doubling in 2014 with 6.42 mil to an on-going accelerated growth to ( 6.54 mil ) for 2015.

How does the property market in Johor Bahru correlate to the tourism industry ?

Both industries must possess the same goals and vision to enhance businesses so that everyone can reap the benefits at the same time. With more and more people knowing and understanding about Johor the more people are keen to reside when they had seen the other side of Johor that is unexplored. With more connecting flights from Thailand, Vietnam, and China,  the influx of tourists naturally boost the interest for foreign investors also the MM2H program which assist in both the industry, mutually benefitting.

Any challenges faced by Johor Tourism Board ?

The outflow of manpower to Singapore is the challenges faced by many, it is crucially important to think out the box, new ideas and technology in terms of outsourcing manpower yet being professional at the same time, business enhancement, and upgrading of standards allows the challenges to be in our favor. Also the need to have more selling points for an integrated growth.

The arrival of international theme parks, are they considered as main motivators and how can they contribute to the tourism industry?

They help in greater publicity, raising recognition to international standards, also assisting in supporting destinations that tourist may overlook.

How can tourist experience the true blue Johor ?

Homestays, to truly live like a local one must get acquainted with the life of living by nature and diving into the culture only can one experience true blue Johor.

How does Johor Tourism Board sets apart being different  ?

Everyone come together as one, united in bring greater outcomes for the Johor tourism industry for a compact variety of rich and diverse experiences.

On Johor Tourism Board and Technology

We believe modern technology is important with apps, websites, and social media promotion and marketing works even better.

Any favorite eating spots in Johor Bahru ?

Johor Bahru has a multi cultural pot of ethnic eating spots, everyone should explore their tastebuds. My favorites range from satay, oyster omelette to wanton noodles are my favorites.