KEMAMAN, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- The district of Kemaman has the potential to be developed into a prime shopping destination in Terengganu, said state Tourism Malaysia deputy director, Zaini Sulaiman.

She said besides the beaches which are popular with tourists, the Mesra Mall in Kemasik, here, was also a strategic location for this purpose and to help the local economy flourish.

"Although it is situated far from Kuala Terengganu, the location is strategic as people pass through to get to Kuantan and vice versa," she said.

Zaini was speaking to reporters after holding a dialogue session with tourism industry players including Terengganu tourist guides at the shopping mall, here.

Also present was Mesra Mall manager, Michael Vong.

She said the element of shopping was still lacking in Terengganu, despite it being a state which receives the highest number of local and foreign tourists annually.

Meanwhile, Vong said Mesra Mall, which was opened in Oct 2008, received about 3.6 million visitors with profits of RM64 million per year.

Besides its 51 outlets, the mall owned by Metro Kemasik Sdn Bhd and managed by Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd, also has a futsal hall and squash court.

-- BERNAMA