KUCHING: Sports tourism is making a comeback after two years of absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that this was following the country’s transition to the endemic phase and with the relaxation of some Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Today (May 9), we launched the Kuching Marathon and Miri Marathon, and we have another sports event, the Spartan Race, which we launched recently.
“So we are happy to see the return of these sport events,” he said a a press conference during the launch of the Kuching Marathon and Miri Marathon here.
Abdul Karim, who is also Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development, mentioned that the last two years had been challenging not just for sports tourism but all sectors.
“However, with the opening of the country’s borders, there is already an increase of flights into Sarawak. The flights coming in are about the same as before the time of Covid-19.
“With sports events, we therefore encourage not only local participants but those from overseas to join.
“And this in return will also boost the hotel industry as the hotel rooms will be taken up to cater to these participants and their families,” said Abdul Karim.
