Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Limited air connectivity suffocating Sarawak tourism industry

MIRI: Poor air connectivity is biggest stumbling block in getting Miri on the international tourism radar, said Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin yesterday.

Lee said the local authority and tourism players had been striving hard to project Miri as a lively and vibrant resort city not only for the domestic and international markets but the response thus far had been below expectations.

“Although the city is blessed with a wide selection of tourism assets, without strong air connectivity support there is nothing much the operators can do,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Lee, who is also chairman of the Miri City Incorporated (MCI)’s Tourism Working Committee, said the limited air connectivity issue had frustrated the business community.

“I would like to appeal to the government to, perhaps, grant more international routes to Miri … in addition to the current direct routes to Singapore provided by AirAsia.

MAS should also consider redesigning another international connecting route for the Kuching-Miri-Hong Kong/China/Korea sector, instead of having a transit point in KK.

“KK is now overflowing with international flights. MAS should look into alternatives, probably making Miri another gateway hub of Sarawak to go overseas,” Lee suggested.

He added that the state tourism sector deserved better because places like Miri could offer culture, adventure and nature (CAN)-based tourism products which people from European countries adore.

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