Sarawak recorded 1.3 million visitor arrivals and generated RM3.27 billion of tourism receipts as of April this year, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said the ministry is optimistic about achieving more than 3 million visitor arrivals this year and generating RM7.25 billion in tourism receipts.
“International tourism is expected to continue its recovery in 2023, while domestic tourism will continue to support overall performance fuelled by demand for destinations closer to home as tourists look for open-air activities, nature-based products, and rural tourism,” he said in his winding-up address for his ministry at the State Assembly sitting today.
In 2022, Sarawak recorded 2.03 million visitor arrivals with estimated tourism receipts of RM4.96 billion.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said his ministry has been facilitating events and festivals organised by various agencies and the tourism industry through events support grants.
He said these events attract inbound visitors and generate economic spin-offs for the local community besides creating visibility for international media attention.
“Last year, my ministry supported a total of 128 events and festivals throughout the state with a total grant of RM 31,568,549 disbursed,” he said.
He said this year, a few international events have been confirmed to be held in Sarawak such as the Rainforest World Music Festival (June 23-25); ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (Aug 2-4); 9th Edition of Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (Oct 27-29); Sarawak Regatta - Kuching Waterfront Festival (Nov 3-5) and Borneo Jazz Festival, Miri (Oct 27-28).
Source: BERNAMA News Agency