KUCHING: Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datu Ik Pahon Joyik said Sarawak recorded 4.6 million tourist arrivals in 2016 and Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg had set the target of 5 million tourist arrivals in 2017.
Ik Pahon said the tourism sector alone had contributed a total of RM8.3 billion to the Sarawak economy in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2016.
He said there was a significant increase of 48 per cent in tourist arrivals (over 420,000) for January 2017 compared to 283,000 in January 2016, and for the first time, Singapore tourist arrivals increased by 34 per cent.
The role played by the tourism sector was not small one as the sector provided income opportunities for people in both rural and urban areas, he said when officiating at the opening of the 10th Sarawak Matta Fair 2017 at Boulevard Shopping Mall, yesterday.
Ik Pahon called on the private sector players in the toursim industry to work together with the state government in ensuring the sustainability of the industry.
Although tourism is a delicate industry, the government is open to work together with the private sector in strengthening the industry.
“It is not easy as tourism is a sensitive and dynamic industry, but with the collaboration between the government sector, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the public sector, I am sure there are areas where the government could assist to ensure that tourism will be at the forefront and its sustainability in the future.
“But if there is no support or positive feedback from the industry players, we would not be able to achieve this.
“At the end of the day, we might be able to give input in terms of policies and direction, but we need to receive the feedback on the actual execution, the packages, product quality and service frontline quality so that we can address such issues together if the need arises,” said Ik Pahon.
“You might need the support of the ministry and this is where we can come in. Let us continue this engagement to ensure that tourism will continue to be vibrant and Sarawak will be the preferred destination for domestic and foreign tourists,” he added.
The three-day 10th Sarawak Matta Fair 2017, organised by MATTA Sarawak Chapter, attracts participation of 70 various agencies from the tourism industry.
Also present at the opening ceremony were the organising chairperson Lina Tsen, advisor Chris Kon, the organising committee members and the sponsors.
