KUCHING: Sarawak recorded RM12.45bil in tourism receipts last year, an increase from RM9.99bil in 2023, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the receipts were generated by 4.8 million visitors last year, which exceeded the state's target of four million arrivals.
"Tourism receipts don't go into the government coffers but contribute to the gross domestic product (GDP), benefiting related sectors like hotels, transport and homestays," he told reporters after chairing the state tourism steering committee meeting here on Thursday (Feb 27).
Abdul Karim also expressed confidence that Sarawak would meet its target of five million arrivals this year, with over 400,000 visitors and RM1.02bil in tourism receipts recorded in January.
"January is usually a slow month and I'm surprised that we managed to hit more than RM1bil in tourism receipts.
"This is a good sign that we are on track for five million tourist arrivals this year," he said.
Abdul Karim said the biggest number of visitors came from Brunei, with 150,000 to 200,000 a month.
He said there was also an increase in arrivals from Indonesia, either by road from Kalimantan or by air from Jakarta.
"The Indonesians seem to be looking at Sarawak as a good destination, whether for medical tourism, music festivals or sightseeing," he said.
In line with this, he welcomed the opening of new private hospitals in Kuching to support medical tourism.
A groundbreaking ceremony for Gleneagles Hospital Kuching was held on Monday (Feb 24), while two other hospitals are slated to be built in Tabuan Jaya and Petra Jaya.
Abdul Karim also said Sarawak would continue to hold major events like the Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak Regatta and Kuching Marathon to attract visitors.
He said these were among some 250 events listed in the state's calendar of events this year.
