The Kuala Lumpur Tourism Association (KLTA) today organized a walkabout in the Changkat Bukit Bintang area and the China Town (Petaling Street) area together with government agencies including Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysia Immigrations Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Tourism Malaysia.

The objectives of the walkabout was to inspect the environment and the offerings of the tourist centric establishments in these two locations. The walkabout started at 8pm and the participants were shuttled between the two areas by the Kuala Lumpur Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour Bus – itself an iconic and popular tourist attraction for both domestic and foreign tourists alike.

Established in 1963, the KLTA is the nation’s oldest tourism association. It’s objectives are to promote Kuala Lumpur as a preferred destination, work with members and industry stakeholders to develop industry standards, develop city-centric tourism products and provide a common platform for stakeholder engagement.

In line with this objective of engaging with tourism stakeholders from the private sector and the government agencies, this evening’s activity was conducted with the view to go to the ground and explore the environment as a tourist would see it. Through engagement with the establishment owners in Changkat Bukit Bintang and China Town, and even tour guides, it is hoped that issues faced by these stakeholders can be brought up for discussion with the relevant authorities in an effort to find workable solutions.

While the entourage comprising KLTA members and the government agencies had only cursory stopovers at a few selected outlets in both areas, some of the establishments owners were on hand to meet and greet the entourage at the entrance of their outlets. China Town has in the last few years undergone a rejuvenation exercise to clean up and beautify some of the back alleys and lanes. This has resulted in the area attracting more domestic and foreign tourists as well as the flourishing of new businesses with varied dining and entertainment offerings. The walkabout concluded at around 10.30pm when the KL Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour Bus sent the delegation members back to the Capitol Hotel.