KUCHING: It is timely for Sarawak to have its very own airline to cater to the needs of the global market.
Malaysia Association of Hotels (MAH) Sarawak Chapter chairman Ibrahim Nordin said the huge investment Sarawak will put into it will definitely boost the tourism industry.
“When Sarawak has its own airlines, and with more direct flights from other countries, it will bring in more tourists,” he told New Sarawak Tribune, when contacted yesterday.
He said the hotels too would have a big advantage, because more tourists mean the hotels will be fully booked most of the time.
Agreeing with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s airline proposal, Ibrahim suggested that the government should work out a plan with Hornbill Skyways.
“Maybe the chief minister can look into our local existing airline … invest, upgrade and expand the capacities to serve the global market,” he said.
On Saturday, Johari said that the state government is seriously looking into having its own airlines to solve connectivity problems for more direct flights from other regions to Sarawak.
The chief minister also calls upon all tourism industry players to play their part in helping the government in targeting five million tourist arrivals during the Visit Sarawak Campaign this year. Among them are hoteliers.
When asked on how the hotels would help the government in achieving that target, Ibrahim said the hotels have been actively selling Sarawak products at travel trade shows such as ITB Berlin, WTM London and ATF Asia.
“Locally, we market our industry through Matta Trade Fair and also create special packages or hotel rates.
“Currently, for the Visit Sarawak Campaign, we promote Sarawak using our local delicacies throughout the year,” he said.
