KUCHING, 11 December 2019: Sarawak will adopt new tactics and strategies to improve tourism to the East Malaysian state according to a report in the Borneo Post on Monday.
Quoting the Sarawak’s Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, the report provides insights into projects that the state will activate during the 2021 to 2025 period of the 12th Malaysia Plan.
The minister highlighted the role of national parks to attract more international tourists.
“We want to upgrade our national parks, particularly those frequently visited by visitors such as the Bako National Park, Semenggoh National Park, Mulu National Park as well as Niah National Park. These are the national parks we are going to upgrade,” Abang Johari commented during the 8th Hornbill Tourism Awards at the weekend.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation has the mandate to work together with the private sector to operate facilities in national parks.
“The asset belongs to the government, but SFC will work with the private sector to operate the national park. This gives an interaction between the asset holder, which is the government, and must comply with certain regulations enforced by SFC in terms of conservation and preservation but the marketing and running of the facilities will be done by the private sector.”
More emphasis will be placed on product development and the promotion of tourism to draw more international visitors.
“We will intensify our promotion worldwide and at the same time work closely with tour operators, as well as domestic and international airlines,” the minister told the audience.
Promoting medical tourism which is an emerging market for the state, will gain more emphasis. Sarawak is also increasing promotions to reach out Asia’s event organisers some times called MICE planners ( Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions.)
He confirmed there are two new applications to set up private hospitals in Kuching to take advantage of “competitive infrastructure, including lower electricity costs.
The state’s minister of tourism emphasised the drive to bring more healthcare travel to Sarawak. As of October this year, the state welcomed 34,100 health visitors who generated MYR47.60 million in tourism receipts.
Sarawak should welcome 5 million visitors and earn MYR8.18 billion in tourism receipts in 2020.
In addition to the nation-wide Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign, the state has launched its promotion branded Visit Sarawak Campaign: Sarawak, More To Discover.
Visit: https://sarawaktourism.com/
(Source: Borneo Post)
