The 2010 edition of the Monsoon Cup has received a boost in terms of media coverage with the appointment of TV9 as the official local television station to promote the event.
All television stations and newspapers under Media Prima Berhad will play their part in supporting the Terengganu state government's effort to attract more tourists with value-added tourism products.
Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said local media coverage will help increase the Monsoon Cup's profile among locals as well as increase the promotional impact of Terengganu in the international media.
"The side events designed for local participation that we had included since two years ago will be increased with those organised by Media Prima Berhad. Locals will have more chances to enjoy the Monsoon Cup, not only as viewers but as participants," he said.
Ahmad was speaking after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between TV9 and Monsoon Cup organiser T-Best Events Sdn Bhd at Wisma Darul Iman in Kuala Terengganu yesterday.
Media Prima Berhad was represented by its News and Editorial Operation executive director Datuk Ahmad A Talib while T-Best Events Sdn Bhd was represented by its chairman Tan Sri Sabbaruddin Chik.
Ahmad said TV9 will organise a carnival at the Monsoon Cup venue during the event while Berita Harian will organise an angling competition with lucrative cash prizes to attract local participation.
"The Monsoon Cup and its side events will be given prominent coverage in our television and radio stations as well as in our newspapers Berita Harian, Harian Metro and The New Straits Times," he said.
"It is our chance to help Terengganu promote its value-added tourism products like the Monsoon Cup which has put the state on the world's yachting map."
Sabbaruddin said Terengganu could become a yachting hub in the East Coast as a result of the Monsoon Cup publicity.
"If a refuelling station and ship repair services are offered, I believe yacht owners would converge here as it is the only marina on the East Coast," he said.
Ahmad Said said the yachting facilities may become a reality soon as more yachts from around the region were berthing in Kuala Terengganu.
"Previously, a fuelling station was not viable as the number of yachts stopping here was small. Now Universiti Darul Iman has plans to build its own marina near the Monsoon Cup venue and it may include a refuelling station for yachts due to the rising traffic of international yachts to Terengganu," he said.
Read more: Event given a boost by Media Prima group http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/idvsiusdvin/Article/#ixzz0tAJpvNrn
