KUCHING: Kuching has been ranked 419th among the 1000 global tourism cities in a recent Oxford Economics survey, highlighting the need for significant improvements in the city’s tourism sector.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Snowdan Lawan shared his thoughts on the survey results, emphasising the untapped potential of Sarawak’s tourism products, including its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, gastronomy, sports, and medical tourism.
“To sum up, Kuching or Sarawak for that matter has much to catch up to reach a more favourable global ranking in so far as tourism is concerned.
“Our marketing efforts need some push, digital or otherwise. Expositions and roadshows which we organised overseas may not suffice. Cost is high instead. Social media platforms such as Youtube and many others are plenty to tap into,” he said.
Snowdan highlighted the importance of collaboration with tourism experts to showcase Sarawak’s hidden gems, including nature and adventure, festivals, heritage, and gastronomy. He also pointed out that the impending launch of Sarawak’s state-owned airline would significantly enhance connectivity, making it easier for tourists from across Asia to visit.
“Our infrastructures in respect to tourism products should run and develop concurrently, either upgrade or new spots unleash such as waterfalls, water sports and recreation centres. Similarly, the state should embark on more liberal strategies to capture the eyes and pinned tourists preferences,” he added.
The deputy minister called for more liberal strategies to attract tourists, advocating for fewer restrictions and more openness to events like Oktoberfest and concerts.
“Narrow down the ‘don’ts’ such as extremism. Events such as Oktoberfest, concerts, rock or otherwise should see an ‘open door’. Another form of extremism such as dictating what someone is wearing wouldn’t help in tourism.
“Decent, modest and cosy should be tolerable. It’s the inflow of currency from tourist arrivals that we count on not dressings He said that tourists bring their own styles, preferences, and choices, which should be respected to encourage their spending and boost the local economy.
