Sus-Taiping-ability Recently, Taiping has been awarded as one of the top three sustainable cities in the world during the 2019 Sustainable Top 100 Destination Awards at International Tourismus-Börse (ITB) travel show in Berlin. The award also recognises TMC’s effort in providing urban sustainability while avoiding excessive tourism that may upset the city’s natural ecosystem. When it comes to , the first thing any tourist would probably think Although Taiping is an established tourist attraction town, TMC sees a lot of potential in is Pahang, Sabah, Melaka, Langkawi developing it further and planning to open up or Pulau Perhentian. However, there is new attraction spots in the near future, backed another hidden gem in Malaysia that most with the support and funding from the federal and tourists are not aware of. Surrounded state governments. Currently, TMC is developing by lush greenery, enriching culture and a botanical garden which will represent all the northern states of Malaysia in Taiping. Just as Johor memorable heritage sites, Taiping is a botanical garden represents the southern zone and must visit retreat for any tourist. Terengganu represents the eastern zone, has been chosen to represent the northern zone. The Taiping’s evolution into a tourist spot is largely funding to develop these gardens was provided attributed to Taiping Municipal Council (TMC). by the federal government, under the National TMC plays a key role in developing Taiping into Landscape Department, Ministry of Federal an amazing tour destination in Malaysia. It was Territories, Kuala Lumpur. officially established on 1st September 1979, TMC’s root dated back to colonisation in 1874. Its vision is to shape Taiping into a progressive, dynamic, sustainable, safe and prosperous city by year 2050. Supporting this vision, TMC has formulated strategic plans within its jurisdiction in order to fulfill the basic requirements of the community while preserving its legacies and natural beauty.

Taiping is blessed with its geographical position as it is one of the places in the world that has everything, namely rainforest, mangrove forest, hills, international-class zoo, historical places, In fact, Taiping won the Gold Award nearby the sea, and many more that would suit any type of tourists. In fact, Taiping won the Gold Tourism Promotions Campaign in Award Tourism Promotions Campaign in 2018 for 2018 for its exceptional efforts in its exceptional efforts in successfully promoting Taiping as a tourist attraction spot. successfully promoting Taiping as a tourist attraction spot.

2 MAJLIS PERBANDARAN TAIPING Sus-Taiping-ability Tourism “TMC strategies to retain the identity of Taiping have succeeded in introducing this state as a natural and eco-tourism destination.

Meticulous planning as well as encouraging involvement from the private sector also contributed to the stimulation of Taiping’s economic growth through the increasing number of visitors each year. Besides that, the development of new tourism products also managed to attract additional visitors to Taiping, especially among the youths.”

YBhg. Dato’ Haji Abd Rahim bin Md. Ariff, Yang Dipertua Taiping Municipal Council.

MAJLIS PERBANDARAN TAIPING 3 Sus-Taiping-ability Tourism Distinctive Tourism Products in Taiping

The uniqueness of nature that can be found in Apart from that, there are also a total of 8 lakes this region became the main attraction for many within the Taiping Lake Garden area. Interestingly, tourists, especially nature lovers, to explore exotic these lakes are filled with natural water provided places in Taiping. One of the most appealing by the hills of Bukit Larut while being surrounded spots in Taiping is Bukit Larut, which is also a part by 130 years old raintrees or Samanea Saman. Its of the Public Forest Estate (PFE) and inhabited peaceful and serene atmosphere makes it a great with diverse species of flora and fauna. Bukit Larut spot to relax, seeking inspirations and recreational is one of the oldest hill resorts in Malaysia with a activities. The maintenance and management height of 1,250 above sea level. Aspiring hikers are of Taiping Lake Garden are fully under TMC also welcome to challenge Gunung Hijau located jurisdiction. in Bukit Larut and enthralled by the picturesque view overlooking Melaka Strait and the town of In an attempt to further establish its products, TMC Taiping. TMC plays key role in maintaining its also promotes its which is unique since pristine environment while also providing a Land it uses an open concept where visitors would be Rover service for those who wish to access the able to observe up-close while letting the animals hill top via jeep ride while admiring the beautiful rein free in their own natural habitat. Each year, surrounding forest. TMC would organise the eventful Zoorama Festival, which lasts for a week. It is also the main highlight Formerly well-known as Port Weld, for many visitors since it offers them the chance is a fascinating village area blessed with bountiful to explore new and special locations in Taiping mangrove forest. The mangrove forest offers accompanied with many fun activities and attractive plenty of opportunities for eco-activities, such as prizes. -watching, jungle-trekking, wildlife-spotting, hiking, photo-op, fireflies, dolphins and seabirds’ Complementing Taiping Zoo, Night Safari is one- observation. Visitors would also be able to of-a-kind attraction in Malaysia featuring wild learn herbal plants or trees containing medical creatures that are active during the night within the properties, providing an interesting yet educational zoo area. All the activities, including the exchanging experience. All these nature and eco elements of animals with zoos from other countries, are managed to attract many visitors to come and managed by TMC. These are among the initiatives explore these destinations. Under the efficient taken to attract more tourist to stop by Taiping and administration of TMC, Taiping was successfully make it as one of their main travel destination hubs. developed into a natural and eco concept destination.

4 MAJLIS PERBANDARAN TAIPING Sus-Taiping-ability Tourism Developing Contemporary Tourism Products in line with the Shifting and Market Demands

Inspired to promote more historical sites but generates extra revenue when the factory sells in a more adventurous way, TMC pursued to unique souvenirs made from charcoals to its develop other kinds of creative tourism products. visitors. In 2015, TMC together with Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) launched the There are many challenging extreme sports events 11.5 km Heritage Trail consisting of 40 locations in held throughout the year to further boost the Taiping. NCIA is one of the major contributors in number of visitors in Taiping, mainly to attract Taiping development over the years. ones among the youths. Among the large-scaled events organised were Bukit Larut Mountain Bike Famously known as the Town of Many Firsts, each Challenge, King of Bukit Larut, Bukit Larut 4 x 4 location has its own unique attraction and stories, Challenge, Ultra Run, TRR Brooks Run, and Taiping especially the ‘33 First in Taiping’, which are slowly Deuter Run, along with many others. fading away in the minds of young generations. The locations are inclusive of Taiping Zoo, FMS Interestingly, the township development in Taiping Station, First Galleria, Esplanade, Bukit Larut and so is different from other states in Malaysia. All projects on. Trail adventurers have the option of exploring are constantly monitored by TMC to maintain its the sites by foot or commute with the bus provided uniqueness as an eco-nature destination. Even now, by Rapid shuttle service. there are only three shopping complex that were built in Taiping. This is because TMC focuses on its Every year, TMC would introduce brand new core trait as a tourism spot while allowing Penang tourism products without fail by proactively and to complement the shopping experience approaching potential industry players that can be as they are strategically located on both sides of featured in the tourism industry. For instance, TMC Taiping. transformed a charcoal manufacturing factory into a tourist-friendly attraction area that is open for visitors.

Khay Hor Charcoal Factory has been receiving many local and international tourists who are keen to learn and observe how the traditional trade of charcoal manufacturing was done. This tourist- friendly concept indirectly boosts the promotion of manufactured charcoal from the factory and

MAJLIS PERBANDARAN TAIPING 5 Sus-Taiping-ability Tourism Creating Significant Impact through Effective Promotional Activities

With an allocation of RM1.9 million by the NCIA To reach the younger audience, TMC collaborated to focus on tourism promotional activities, TMC with Bernama to produce Zoodaku, a TV series made sure that every single cent is utilised aired by BNC that portrays cute little rangers efficiently. It employed the service of Astro Awani dedicated in preserving the flora and fauna in to produce Travelogue, brand marketing through Taiping Zoo. This approach also instilled the trait of social media platforms and its website, sponsored responsibility towards nature while being able to the Familiarisation (FAM) Trip series, produced differentiate between what is right and wrong at a the Zoodaku TV series through Bernama News young age. Channel (BNC) and many more. In 2017, TMC collaborated with NCIA in organising Travelogue is similar to a documentary type of “Taiping Berpesta” that spans up to 5 months from show but an informal one, with the narrator sharing August until December. During that period, TMC his or her personal travelling experience. However, along with industry players conducted a lot of fun the narrator has to be convincing and friendly in and interesting activities, concurrent with each order to capture the attention of viewers. month’s theme. Both local and international tourists participated in the activities as part of promoting Familiarisation Trips or FAM trips, on the other Taiping on the global map. hand, are organised with the goal to educate and promote Taiping tourism products and services. This is done with the collaboration of local travel providers who are willing to sponsor the tourists’ accommodation as a marketing investment. One of the most profitable outcomes from this initiative is when a Chinese couple who happened to be famous Instagram users, uploaded pictures of their journey in Taiping which garnered over 1 million likes.

6 MAJLIS PERBANDARAN TAIPING Sus-Taiping-ability Tourism Symbiotic Relationship between TMC TMC has also collaborated with local universities and Private Sector such as Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) to paint Realising that there is only little that can be creative murals in designated areas. This attraction achieved alone, TMC works closely with various concept is similar with Penang Street Art and it also private sector in helping to boost tourism in provides the local students the opportunities to Taiping. However, while all initiatives proposed polish their creativities and possibly discover their by the private sector are highly encouraging, they hidden talents. UiTM also produced a souvenir would be regulated by TMC. mug depicting the famous post office in Taiping which TMC currently uses as one of the gifts for its One of the more significant initiatives is the Trong visitors. Leisure Farm and Resort (TLFR) which embraces the theme of ducks with the resort facing a calm and TMC knows that in order to fully utilise the serene lake view. For those who are interested in uniqueness of Taiping in the tourism industry, learning more about duck breeding or just wanted it has to identify both the internal and external to enjoy a peaceful day while being surrounded by factors affecting Taiping’s growth. Consequently, adorable ducks, TLFR is the perfect place to visit! it employed a few methods such as Strength Weakness Opportunity Thread (SWOT) analysis, Each year, TMC would organise two Teh-Tarik Mckinsey 7S Framework and Political Economic Sessions, a concept similar to a town hall session, Sosial Technological Environmental Legal (PESTEL) with relevant industry players. During this session, analysis to facilitate the path in realising its vision everyone would discuss their achievements, and mission. Moreover, while Taiping provides an challenges faced, and proposals for future tourism eco-tourism experience, its neighbours, Penang development. The discussion topic is strictly on and Ipoh would provide other memorable tourism with TMC being the main player in the entertainment to complement its shortcomings. respective industry. Furthermore, the development of tourism products Among the round-table discussion subject is has to be all-rounded to cater tourists with different the process to legalise resorts established in racial backgrounds as well as relevant with the the outskirts of Taiping. Since these resorts are modern era needs and wants. With this innovative vital contributors in providing affordable and approach as its foundation, TMC firmly believes unique experience for travellers, especially for that Taiping will be welcoming more visitors in the international ones. The legalising process mainly near future. focuses on the safety aspects of the resorts to ensure the owners are equipped with adequate, if not best, safety features. In order to conduct the resorts’ inspection in Taiping efficiently, TMC collaborated with various government agencies which accumulated a total of 13 resorts that have successfully undergone the evaluation process.

The owners are open and agreeable to this approach since most of them do not know the proper procedures. Indirectly, this enables TMC to reach owners whose resorts have the potential to grow more, yet lack the capabilities to do so.

MAJLIS PERBANDARAN TAIPING 7 Sus-Taiping-ability Tourism Attracting Visitors with Countless of Attractions

Attracting nature Providing Developing Offering tourists lovers with transportation natural and eco the opportunity to various service to concept explore Taiping recreational transport visitors attractions. by organising activities at Bukit to the top of the Zoorama Festival Larut. hill. annually.

Enchanting Boosting Tourism Taiping Industry with the Right through Promotional Strategies

Modern Utilising NCIA’s budget allocations to promote Taiping via Attractions local TV programmes and social media platforms. Elevating Taiping to international level with the cooperation Collaborating with NCIA to of relevant industry players. build the Heritage Trail to educate the public on Taiping’s rich history.

Transforming industry players Promoting into tourist-friendly attractions and promoting their Taiping through businesses.

Organising extreme sports Various Channels events throughout the year to attract young tourists. Improving tourism industry in Taiping with by forming strategic relationships with private sector. Monitoring all projects and developments related to Conducting Teh-Tarik Sessions with industry players to improving Taiping’s attractions. discuss on Taiping’s town development.

Working closely with government agencies to further enhance TMC’s administration efficiency.

Approaching local universities’ students to paint attractive murals in specified areas.

Benchmarking its tourism KPI using SWOT analysis, Mckinsey 7S Framework and PESTEL.

8 MAJLIS PERBANDARAN TAIPING Sus-Taiping-ability Tourism