People taking photos with Tiong (centre) during his visit to Rumah Lidam in Sibu.
TOURISM, Arts and Culture Ministry will turn several longhouses into homestay accommodation to promote eco-tourism.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said this during a visit to Rumah Lidam longhouse in Jalan Bintulu-Julau, Sibu in Sarawak.
He said these longhouses would need to be upgraded to provide quality accommodation and a memorable experience to tourists.
“We need to ensure cleanliness, safety and that the facilities are at an optimum level,” he said.
“In addition to providing accommodation, these longhouses should also organise programmes such as cultural dance performances, cooking classes and traditional ceremonies.
“We should offer tourists something special and allow them to really experience the lifestyle of the local community,” he added.
Separately, Tiong appealed to the tourism, arts and cultural industry including travel agencies to provide his ministry with constructive suggestions.
He said the country, like the rest of the world, had been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in the past three years, with the tourism industry suffering greatly.
“2023 is the time for us to face these challenges and get Malaysian tourism back on track.
“We are motivated by the people’s expectations to attract more tourists to Malaysia,” said Tiong who is also Bintulu MP.
