KUALA LUMPUR: The lure of delicious food has enticed tourists to spend RM9.7bil on food and beverage last year.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the figure accounted for 17.2% of overall tourist expenditure for the year.
“Food has and will continue to be one of our attractions.
“And, our tourism sector has grown to become the second largest foreign exchange earner after manufacturing,” she said in her speech, read by ministry secretary-general Datuk Ong Hong Peng, before launching the Food and Hotel Malaysia (FHM) 2011 exhibition.
Several other conventions and culinary competitions are being held in conjunction with the exhibition. It ends on Friday.
Held for the 11th time, it showcases technology and products related to food, drinks, hotel and restaurants.
About 20,000 visitors are expected at the exhibition with 1,000 exhibitors from 45 nations. It is open to professional, trade and business visitors only.
Categories: Malaysia