Sarawak tourism can still bank on domestic travels, says minister

KUCHING (March 29): Sarawak’s tourism industry can continue to thrive on domestic travels in the face of the international borders or global travel routes being affected.

In stating this, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah recalled the situation during the Covid-19 pandemic, where it was already proven that the sector could remain active with strong support from local travellers.

“People from Miri, Sibu and Bintulu could still travel to Kuching; those in the state capital could also visit other divisions; Sarawak has plenty of tourism products to sustain domestic interest.

“Tourism is not only about foreign tourists, as we also have domestic tourism.

“When the borders were closed during Covid-19, the industry survived because of local travels and also the programmes that we organised,” he told reporters when met at the ‘Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri’ event in the Waterfront Hotel here on Sunday.

On concerns that external events such as rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions could affect travel demand, Abdul Karim said Sarawak remained in a relatively favourable position as a resources-rich state.

“There will always be families who can still afford to travel.

“Some may reduce overseas trips and choose domestic destinations instead; that will still support our hospitality industry,” he added.

The minister also called for calm over claims of global uncertainties impacting major tourism events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival.

“The festival is not only for international visitors, as it also attracts strong local and regional attendance.

“Sarawak would continue to support arts, culture and entertainment.

“Life has to go on. We still need entertainment and cultural activities, and even if fewer foreigners come, we still have local and regional visitors who can make up the numbers.”

Abdul Karim also gave assurance that should the situation worsen, the government would have contingency plans to help ease the burden off the people and industry players.

At the open house yesterday, Abdul Karim and his wife Datin Seri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar hosted many guests.

Joining them in welcoming the visitors were his deputies Datuk Sebastian Ting and Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, as well as Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu.