On October 9, 2024, the DG of CIRDAP Dr. P. Chandra Shekara inaugurated the International Training Programme on Rural Tourism towards Integrated Rural Development in Penang, Malaysia organized by CIRDAP in collaboration with the Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA) of Malaysia held during 9-17 October 2024. At the inaugural ceremony, Ms. Annie Liaw, Deputy Director (Training) of INFRA welcomed the participants.
The officials of the Contact Ministries from CIRDAP member countries (CMCs) namely Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, IR Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam; and the Government and Non-Government Institute of CMCs along with the participants of the host country – Malaysia were participated on the training.
Special attraction of the CIRDAP-INFRA International Training on Rural Tourism, Penang, Malaysia: The Homestay
As a part of field visit, the participants of the training programme visited several homestays in Malaysia.
Homestay programme is a community-based programme where the hosts and the visitors interacts each other during the stay of the guests on day-to-day basis exchanging knowledge, culture and experience. It offers different types of activities, depending on the culture, food, economic activity as well as location.
Every state in Malaysia has its own uniqueness in terms of culture, ranging from the nasi dagang in Kelantan to the sumazau dance in Sabah, as well as the long houses in Sarawak. The Homestay day started with a class room session from INFRA on empowering rural homestay entrepreneurs. The day also featured hands-on field activities, adding a rewarding experience! Time to time participants were sharing their knowledge and experiences. The program ended with an exciting cultural program and dinner with exclusive local foods.
