KUCHING: Sarawak plans to host more events next year as a key strategy to achieve its target of five million visitors, says Datuk Sebastian Ting.
The state Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the ministry had been allocated RM10mil next year to host events and festivals which showcase Sarawak's cultural vibrancy.
"We will be organising international events, musical events, concerts and more next year.
"The private sector has always been helpful and we will work with them to see what we can do together to make sure we reach the target," he told a press conference after chairing the state tourism coordination committee meeting here on Tuesday (Dec 3).
The target was set by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg last month after Sarawak exceeded its goal of four million visitors this year, recording 4.08 million arrivals as of Nov 15.
Ting reminded the state's various administrative divisions to submit their list of local events and activities for compilation as soon as possible.
"We have not finalised our calendar of activities for 2025 as some of the divisions have not submitted their events," he said.
Ting also said the ministry was allocated RM174mil in next year's state budget for operations and implementation of tourism marketing and promotion programmes.
Besides the RM10mil for hosting events, it included sponsorship grants for tourism activities totalling RM45mil, research grants of RM5mil and RM86mil in grants to the Sarawak Tourism Board, Business Events Sarawak, Sarawak Arts Council and Sarawak Craft Council.
In addition, Ting said RM81mil would be provided for the ongoing implementation of tourism projects and sites.
These include the Performing Arts Centre, Brooke Dockyard Industrial Heritage Museum, Sadong Jaya mangrove tourism, Sarawak Museum Campus and heritage trails, Santubong Archaeological Park and Wallace Centre, Darul Hana Malay Heritage Museum and upgrading of the Islamic Heritage Museum.
