Sarawak launches bold initiative for tourism resilience

BY GILLVEN MIXCOLLIN and GABRIEL LIHAN

KUCHING: Visitor arrivals in Sarawak from January to April 2024 show a 25.46 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said visitor arrivals stood at 1,615,912 compared to 1,288,036 during the same period in 2023.

“For foreign arrivals, there was a significant surge, reaching 997,451 compared to 705,863 in 2023, marking an increase of 41.31 per cent, while domestic arrivals also experienced growth, with numbers rising to 618,461 from 582,173 in 2023, an increase of 6.23 per cent.” he said.

Abdul Karim (Centre) with Datuk Snowdan Lawan (Left) and Noor Ahmad Hamid, chief executive officer (CEO) of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) during press conference (Right)

At the launching of the Sarawak Tourism Destination Resilience programme here on Monday (May 20) he said it sought to fulfill the objectives outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

He said this comprehensive initiative highlights the steadfast dedication in providing stakeholders with the essential tools and strategies to effectively navigate crises, ensuring sustainable tourism growth in Sarawak.

The programme covers 12 modules tailored to Sarawak’s tourism industry needs over five days and aims to strengthen the tourism ecosystem by promoting destination management, risk evaluation, and sustainable practices.

Speaking at the event, he emphasised the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global tourism sector.

“The pandemic unleashed a wave of disruptions, shaking the very foundations of economies and societies worldwide and Sarawak, like many other destinations, felt the tremors of this upheaval.

“But in the face of adversity, we have not wavered but instead, we have resolved to emerge stronger, more resilient, and more prepared than ever before,” he said.

During his address, Abdul Karim also noted the launch of PCDS 2030 as the blueprint to position Sarawak as a leading destination for eco-tourism and business events in the Asean region by 2030.

He highlighted the government’s proactive measures during the pandemic, including financial support and policy adjustments to sustain the tourism industry.

“We spent billions at that time to ensure businesses would not collapse, and we are fortunate to have substantial reserves that enabled us to support these efforts.

“We lowered electricity and water rates for government-leased buildings to help everyone facing challenges, and for contractors that were unable to finish projects, we offered contract extensions instead of termination, recognising their shortage of workers.” he said.

Additionally, he said while the pandemic brought significant challenges, it also stimulated digitalisation and current trends among travellers.

Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Noor Ahmad Hamid, chief executive officer (CEO) of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board, Datuk Dennis Ngau, chief executive officer (CEO) of Sarawak Tourism Board, Sharzede Datuk Salleh Askor.