SARAWAK’S TOURISM INDUSTRY
KUCHING: Confidence among visitors and tourism operators on the state’s tourism industry is expected to gradually increase beginning second half of next year.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said however, this will very much depend on the Covid-19 situation in the state.
He emphasised that the federal and state governments will assist the tourism industry through the introduction of various incentives and assistance with the focus on domestic tourism.
“We know that when it comes to tourism, there is still fear of traveling due to Covid-19. Even if we aggressively promote the state in foreign countries, it will not be able to boost tourist arrivals in the state directly.
“However, I hope through incentives and assistance from the federal government in the coming budget, it can at least rejuvenate the domestic tourism industry by injecting a boost in local products and tourism operators especially in hospitality, food and beverages, national parks and logistics,” he said.
Likewise, he said the state government will also be tabling the state Budget in the August house some time in November after Parliament.
“The state budget will coordinate with that of the Parliament on the allocation for the tourism industry,” he added.
He said this at a press conference after officiating at the Jelajah Belia Sarawak 2020 for Tupong constituency held at Waterfront Hotel here yesterday.
In another development, Abdul Karim who is also the Youth and Sports Minister further urged the youth to explore new opportunities available amidst the pandemic.
“We must be strong enough to look into what are the other new career opportunities to generate income following the new normal whereby more people are turning to digitalisation.
“Many have started to shop online and work virtually. So the youth must look into how they can use the apparatus for their own good, such as venturing into online businesses, logistics and delivery riders,” he added.
Also present were Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman and the ministry’s permanent secretary Nancy Jolhi.
