Deputy Minister calls for reduced restrictions, embrace Western events to boost Sarawak’s global appeal

A file photo of Kuching Waterfront.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 4: Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan has suggested reducing restrictions and embracing Western-themed events such as Octoberfest and concerts to attract more tourists to Sarawak.

He proposed the liberal approaches in light of Kuching’s ranking of 419 out of 1,000 global cities in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2024.

“Decent, modest and cosy events should be acceptable. It’s the inflow of currency from tourist arrivals that we count on.

“Tourists have their own styles, preferences, and choices, which influence their spending,” he said, in a statement today.

Snowdan emphasised that Kuching and Sarawak have significant potential to enhance their global standing, pointing out the region’s untapped tourism opportunities, including nature, rich cultural heritage, gastronomy, sports, conferences, and medical tourism.

“Marketing efforts need a boost, whether digital or conventional. Overseas exposures and roadshows may not be enough,” he said.

With high marketing costs, Snowdan highlighted the potential of social media platforms like YouTube for promotion.

“We need expertise in this field to collaborate with our tourism players to uncover and let the world discover Sarawak’s hidden gems, especially our nature and adventure, festivals, heritage, people, gastronomy and many others,” he added.

Snowdan also pointed out that the upcoming launch of a Sarawak-owned airline should improve connectivity, making most Asian regions accessible with affordable fares.

“Additionally, our infrastructure should evolve alongside tourism products, with upgrades or new attractions such as waterfalls, water sports, and recreation centres,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kuching secured 419th spot out of 1,000 global cities in the latest Oxford Economics Global Cities Index for 2024, outperforming several other Malaysian cities, including Kedah and Ipoh.

The index, which covered 163 countries, featured 12 Malaysian cities in its top 1,000 list.

Kuala Lumpur ranked highest among Malaysian cities at 135, followed by George Town, Penang (351); Melaka (359); Johor Baru, Johor (376); Butterworth-Bukit Mertajam, Penang (385); Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (391); Kuantan, Pahang (412); Kuching, Sarawak (419); Kota Baru, Kelantan (433); Seremban, Negri Sembilan (447); Kuala Muda, Kedah (459); and Ipoh, Perak (465).

According to the 112-page report by Oxford Economics, the cities are evaluated based on five key categories: Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment, and Governance.

In these categories, Kuching’s rankings are as follows: 532nd for Economics, 492nd for Human Capital, 466th for Quality of Life, 419th for Environment, and 334th for Governance. — DayakDaily