Sarawak proud: Sarawakians of various races marching in conjunction with the 86th birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak at Stadium Miri yesterday. — Bernama
KUCHING: The initiative of Sia Sitok, which will continue to be implemented by the Sarawak Tourism Board, will get a boost following the incentives to encourage Keluarga Malaysia to visit selected domestic destinations under Budget 2023.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the allocation of RM25mil in the form of discounts, vouchers and rebates for accommodation, tour packages, handicrafts and artwork would help to increase domestic tourism activities.
“The provision of Tourism Malaysia Matching Grant, which involves promotional and marketing campaign with the industry, will be a catalyst and incentive to organise large-scale programmes including international sporting events,” he said when commenting on Budget 2023, Bernama reported.
According to him, state health tourism could also benefit from tax incentives for private healthcare services, which would be extended until 2025.
“The allocation to the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council, amounting to RM20mil, can also further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for health tourists,” he said.
Melanau culture tour operator Diana Rose said Budget 2023 could help revive the tourism sector, which was the first industry to be affected by Covid-19 and the last to recover.
“This is a tourism-friendly Budget with various incentives to help the industry to return to being a contributor to national revenue by taking into account the needs of various industry players,” she said.
She hoped the government at the federal and state level will initiate follow-up measures and draw up a strategic development plan for tourism in Sarawak, which is capable of developing the industry further.
