MIRI: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri is optimistic homestay businesses in Sarawak will recover gradually now that restrictions on travel have ended.
She pointed out that now was the best time for homestay operators to promote their products to tourists.
“They can utilise the natural environment in promoting their homestay, be creative and participate in environmental preservation.
“I was told that Uma Belor homestay started operating on June 15 in 2011. Since then, the homestay had recorded a total 455 tourists; 368 were domestic tourists while 87 were tourists from abroad,” said Nancy.
“However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of tourists had sharply declined to only 35 local visitors.
“God willing, we will be able to revive the industry,” she said during her visit to Kampung Uma Belor Homestay in Sungai Asap Belaga on Saturday (Oct 16).
The lifting of the ban on interstate travel from October 11 was announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on October 10.
During the visit, Nancy was accompanied by state Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Ulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau who is chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).
Nancy (centre) during her visit to Uma Belor Homestay on Saturday. 
Nancy delivering her speech during her visit to Uma Belor.
