KUCHING: Sarawak can expect an influx of tourists from China this year, said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting.
He said the increase is expected due to the 30 day visa-free entry to Malaysia.
“I think we (tourism industry) will do well especially now that tourists from China are coming in without visas.
“They can stay up to 30 days, I believe tourism in Sarawak will be better,” he told reporters after flagging off the ‘Borneo Ride 2024’ here on Monday (Feb 19).
Ting said the target of three million tourists last year was achieved in the first week of October.
“This year our target will be four million, and I think we should reach four million easily. In June, we will have a relook at this year’s number and the number of tourists coming into Sarawak then,” he said.
Therefore, Ting said the Ministry will continue to work hard and aggressively promote Sarawak’s tourism, with plans to go to Berlin, Germany next month for the ITB Berlin.
Ting also disclosed that the tourism receipt for Sarawak had reached RM9.9 billion, after the state record 3.9 million visitors last year impacting positively on hotel, food, handicraft, and culture.
“This will help bring up our economy because under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, tourism is one of the pillars.
“So our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who was the former Minister for Tourism, knows the importance of tourism and that’s why he is very supportive of tourism,” he added.
Among those present at the flag off were Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Dennis Ngau, Pin Sing Travel and Tours chief executive officer (CEO) Sia Sung Leong and Sheraton Hotel owner, Tan Sri Yee Ming Seng.
