Sunday, September 04, 2016

Big players from Beijing eye tourism partnership with Sarawak


SIBU: Major players from Beijing, China are looking into the possibility of joint tourism development with local partners.

According to Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, several options up for exploration include a seaside resort at Tanjung Manis, a jungle resort and Pulau Kerto.

“I think they are looking at several options namely Pulau Kerto, the seaside resort at Tanjung Manis and the jungle resort suggested by SMC (Sibu Municipal Council) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King.

“They are also looking for those in the private sector in Sibu to become local partners to work with. We will explore this possibility and will be talking to them in greater details later on,” he told reporters after attending a briefing by Beijing Glory International Culture Development Co Ltd (BGI) vice-president Chew Koh Choan at SMC here yesterday.

In his presentation, Chew highlighted Sarawak tourism project on behalf of BGI, Beijing Tourism Group (BTG)-JianGuo Hotels and Resorts, and also China Comfort Travel Group Co Ltd.

Additionally, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee delivered a briefing on this town, focusing on its introduction to the visitors and highlighting Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

Asked whether the option to be explored for Pulau Kerto would be that related to a theme park, Wong was uncertain about it.

“I don’t know what they would like to do. These are very big groups. They will have brilliant ideas, anyway,” he added, recalling there was a plan to develop Pulau Kerto previously.

The minister hoped that through these groups, this town would receive more tourists from China.

“This town has much to offer,” he said, adding that the Chinese delegation visited a longhouse downriver yesterday afternoon to experience the local culture and tradition.

There, the visitors were introduced to ‘miring’ (blessing ritual), a traditional dance, blowpipe demonstration and other activities to welcome them.

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