Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Sarawak tourist arrivals may hit 4.2 million this year


Tourism and Heritage Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said this optimism was based on the healthy trend during the current third quarter and the 16 per cent increase in tourists arrivals during the first quarter of this year, compared to the same quarter of 2010.

“The trend in the current quarter is healthy, and if it continued like that the 4.2 million figure is achievable.

“We will try to woo more tourists by trying to get more flights to Kuching. My ministry is currently holding discussions with major airlines to turn Kuching as another hub for the region,” he told reporters during a breaking of fast at Grand Margherita Hotel on Sunday.

Among those present at the gathering, which was organised by the Tourism and Heritage Ministry, were assistant minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip, permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik and Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Datuk Rashid Khan.

Abang Johari, who is also Housing and Urban Development Minister, revealed that tourism infrastructure would be improved to lure more foreigners to come here.

Foreign arrivals recorded an increase of 22 per cent this year as compared to the same period last year.

Most of the foreign visitors were from Australia, Europe, Japan and Korea.

In cognizance of the shifting of worldwide interest to green products, Abang Johari said the state would fully tap its eco-tourism resources, such as dams and beaches.

“We will be making visits to the Nordic countries next month to see how these countries take advantage of water-based tourism.”

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