A SUM of RM200 million has been allocated for the implementation of various tourism programmes under the 2024 State Budget since the tourism sector is one of the major contributors to the state economy.
“We will strive to transform Sarawak as a leading destination for eco-tourism and business events, driven by empowered communities to conserve heritage, culture and biodiversity,” Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.
He said the allocation includes the development of new tourism attractions and upgrading of existing facilities such as the Sarawak Museum Campus and Heritage Trails, Santubong Archaeological Park and Wallace Centre.
“This also includes the improvement and upgrading of works to the Sarawak Museum old building and ancillary historical building and the upgrading and development of new museums in Miri and Kuching Divisions,” he said when tabling the Supply Bill on the first day of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Abang Johari, who is also the Minister of Finance and New Economy, said Sarawak will also explore niche markets and penetrate second-tier destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, Finland, Kaohsiung and Taichung in Taiwan, and Xiamen and Chengdu in China, culminating in a dynamic alignment with Tourism Malaysia’s forthcoming initiative which is Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“The state will continue to enhance air connectivity and accessibility with other cities in the Asean, such as Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines.
In the meantime he said that a total of RM52 million will be set aside for Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) for their operation, marketing and promotion drives.
“The strategic partnership with government agencies and tourism stakeholders is to advocate and promote responsible tourism based on Sustainable Development Goals principles,” he added.
