BY ALEXANDRA LORNA and NATASHA JEE
KUCHING: Sarawak is optimistic it will receive more than 1.2 million visitors and generate RM3.2 billion in tourism receipts this year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the state government through the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts has introduced various recovery initiatives to increase tourism arrivals for Sarawak after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“One of the remarkable achievements of our recovery initiatives is the series of Sia Sitok Campaigns, which offered discounted tours and accommodation to promote domestic tourism.
“To some extent, besides offering opportunities for Sarawakians to tour their own home state, the campaign assists the tourism industry, including tour agents, tour guides, and hotels, in dealing with difficult times,” he said.
He said this in his speech delivered by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting during the 6th Annual Malaysia Tourism Council Gold Awards at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Saturday night (Oct 22).
He said during the pandemic, the state government engaged with the tourism, arts and culture industry to come up with long term plans.
“The first being the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) where tourism has been identified as one of the six economic sectors to propel Sarawak forward towards a developed state by 2030.
“Secondly, the Sarawak Tourism Master Plan 2021-2035 was published after a series of engagement with tourism players.
“The two long-term plans will be the blueprint for Sarawak’s tourism industry to recover and grow towards 2030,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the Malaysia Tourism Council (MTC) presented more than 100 awards to industry players for their excellence and support in the development of Malaysia’s tourism industry.
“What MTC is doing by hosting an awards ceremony is a good example of experience as it encourages Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality industries and recognises high-achieving tourism businesses and brands that promote the country’s positive image around the world.
“This award is also a good challenge for organisations in this industry, motivating them to improve their creativity and experience in offering the finest service possible.
“Let us work together to move forward and develop tourism as a more resilient and powerful industry,” she said.
