KAPIT: More nature and adventure types of tourism activities or programmes need to be held from May till August to be able to attract more foreign tourists, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (pic).
The Kapit MP said this was because many working adults and students in the northern and southern hemispheres usually had their vacations during this period.
"Tourism activities such as raft safaris need able-bodied adventurers and holiday makers to participate.
"If we can hold such activities during the period, we would be able to attract many of them to come," he said.
The Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Minister was speaking at the postponement ceremony of the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari 2022 and the opening of the Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2022 at Kapit Town Square on Saturday (May 15) night.
Nanta also said that Kapit, which was known to have beautiful natural landscapes and many rivers, could contribute to Sarawak achieving its target of attracting 1.2 million visitors and obtaining RM3.2bil in income from tourism.
He said it was important to improve on the Baleh-Kapit raft safari - the brainchild of the late Tan Sri James Masing - which has been held since 1996, to be more appealing with more side activities to attract visitors to Kapit.
"Tourism can enliven the local economy, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.
"With the re-opening of borders and more activities allowed as we move toward the endemic phase, we hope economic activities in Kapit will become lively as it was before the pandemic," he said.
Nanta said his ministry would also organise the 'Program Jualan Malaysia" on May 21 and 22, simultaneously, in Song and Kapit.
This, he said, would help the Dayak community prepare for their Gawai celebration on June 1. - Bernama
