MIRI: The number of visitors from Singapore to Sarawak has surged past pre-pandemic levels, with a 29.8 percent increase recorded in 2023.
A total of 60,760 Singaporean tourists visited Sarawak last year, compared to over 48,000 in 2019.
Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) deputy chief executive officer (CEO) Putrie Rozana Soraya said Singapore continues to be a vital market for Sarawak’s tourism industry.
“The latest figures for May 2024 show that Singapore ranks in the top five source markets, coming in fourth place with a growth of 15.1 percent. In May alone, 5,448 Singaporeans visited Sarawak, up from 4,571 in the same period last year.
“The success and strength of STATOS in tourism lie in the strategic alliances and relationships we have built and sustained with tourism players in both Sarawak and Singapore,” she said during the Singapore-Sarawak Travel Connect Networking event here yesterday (Jul 12).
She emphasised that STATOS’s relevance to the travel fraternity and its value addition to organisations and businesses are key factors in its achievements.
She also revealed her personal connection to Miri, Sarawak’s Resort City, which inspired her to develop two brochures for the Singapore market: “Weekend Escapades Miri” and “EAT.CHIAK.MAKAN Miri.”
Putrie added these brochures were created in collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure an authentic representation of Miri.
“Additionally, STATOS collaborates with academia to bring students to Sarawak and partners with renowned underwater photographer Imran Ahmad to showcase Miri’s underwater beauty.
“Looking ahead, STATOS plans to expand its focus beyond the Singapore market through partnerships with airlines like Scoot, connecting other countries to Miri via Singapore,” she said.
The Singapore-Sarawak Travel Connect Networking event in Miri saw 14 participants embarking on a five-day, four-night exploration of Miri and Mulu, having travelled from Kuching.
Also in attendance were Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang and STATOS Tourism and Gallery assistant manager Aven Jong.
