MIRI: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak is embarking on promotional and marketing initiatives aimed at encouraging more domestic tourism amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the initiatives were targeted at tourists from Malaya, Sabah and from within the state to visit their preferred holiday destinations under the ‘Sarawak more to discover’ and Visit Malaysia campaign 2020.
Abdul Karim said the ministry was optimistic of the state’s tourism potential despite the global fears amidst the Covid-19 outbreak.
Speaking at a Regional Specific Tourist Guide (RSTG) certificate presentation to 22 recipients at a leading hotel here on Wednesday, he said Sarawak recorded 4,662, 419 tourists arrivals in 2019.
“Tourism is an important pillar of Sarawak’s economy,” he said adding that the Regional Tourism Satellite Account recorded a gross value added revenue of RM11.57million for Sarawak in 2019.
That accounted for 8.72 percent of Sarawak’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he added.
Abdul Karim pointed out that under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, the State government had embarked on many infrastructure projects to ensure better accessibility to all major towns and cities in Sarawak and also Brunei and Sabah.
“We also look forward to the completion of Sibu-Kapit road link this year, because its completion will further enhance the tourism potential in the central region of Sarawak, particularly the Rajang Basin and towns like Sibu, Mukah, Sarikei and Kapit,” he explained.
He disclosed that the chief minister will launch the completion of the Sibu-Kapit road link towards the middle of this year.
“Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari as we know is an avid motorcycle rider and will be riding along the newly completed Sibu-Kapit road to mark its launching,” said Abdul Karim.
Also present at the certificate presentation ceremony were Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting and ministry permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee.
Sarawak currently has a total 149 licensed tour guides comprising 138 in Kuching, seven in Sibu, Kapit (two) and one each in Sarikei and Miri. In addition, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation has 158 licensed park guides.
