KUCHING: Sarawak is expecting more visitor arrivals as the Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) will resume its Brunei Darussalam-Kuching flights from May 1 this year.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Sebastian Ting said there would be two flights per week.
“We strongly believe that international arrivals will greatly increase this year.
“This is especially now when travel is made easier without the hassle of undergoing quarantine for travellers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination,” he said when attending the Sarawak Tourism Coordination Committee (STCC) meeting at Imperial Hotel on Monday.
On another note, he said as the state prepares to move from the pandemic to endemic phase of COVID-19, his ministry and agencies will continue their efforts to implement short-term measures for the recovery of the tourism, arts and culture industry.
“The ministry and its agencies will reactivate events and festivals as the border reopens.
“And among the popular upcoming iconic events which have been confirmed are the Spartan Race which is to be held from June 11 to 12, Rainforest World Music Festival (June 17 to 19) and Borneo Jazz Festival (June 24 to 27).
He added that business events and arts, culture and heritage events are gradually being reactivated as standard operating procedures (SOPs) are further relaxed.
“This has greatly encouraged industry players after such a long halt to their businesses and activities,” he said.
At the same time, he said his ministry will continue the upskilling and continuous capacity building of the tourism industry players.
“This year, more focus will be paid to develop community-based tourism. The initiatives include registration of more homestay clusters and capacity building of the local communities with a view to raise their household income by adding value to their products and services.
“The enhanced knowledge, skills and attitude will prepare our tourism industry operators and frontliners for the return of visitors,” said Ting.
