State Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Thursday (Nov 14). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sibu is set to become a tourist-friendly destination with various projects, events and promotional initiatives, says Datuk Sebastian Ting.
The state Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the projects include the proposed Rascom Museum at Tunku Bujang Square, complementing the existing Lau King Howe Museum and Heroes Monument.
"These new products can be packaged into a Sibu Heritage Trail with other heritage attractions such as the Tua Pek Kong temple to promote Sibu as a tourist centre and attract both local and foreign tourists to Sibu division," he told Chieng Jin Ek (GPS-Bukit Assek) during question time in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Thursday (Nov 14).
Ting said the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) would enhance Sibu's visibility and appeal by organising hosted experiences for key opinion leaders, media representatives and travel agents, especially during events like the annual Borneo Cultural Festival.
He said promotional initiatives in the pipeline include the launch of new brochures and Sibu "fun maps" next year and promoting Sibu as a must-visit destination on STB's social media platforms.
Additionally, a six-episode video series highlighting Sarawak food, including Sibu's unique gastronomy, is set for release next year.
Ting also said various sports and cultural events held in Sibu this year could be enhanced to attract international and domestic visitors.
He said Sibu now enjoyed better connectivity with the introduction of more flights and improved roads.
"Currently, Scoot Airlines operates the Sibu-Singapore flight sector three times a week.
"AirAsia’s existing Kuala Lumpur-Sibu route operates 31 times a week while its Sibu-Johor Baru and Sibu-Kota Kinabalu both operate seven times a week. "Malaysia Airlines also schedules flights eight times a week from Kuala Lumpur to Sibu, while Batik Air operates seven weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sibu," Ting said.
He added that the completion of the Sibu-Kapit road made Sibu the gateway to Kanowit, Song and Kapit, bringing in more domestic visitors to Sibu during festivities and events.
