KUCHING: Sarawak recorded 1.24 million visitor arrivals in the first quarter of this year, marking a 4.5% increase compared to the same period last year.
State Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Asia remains the state’s primary source of visitors, contributing 52.6% of total arrivals.
“Of the figure, 48.8% are from Asean countries. Domestic tourism continues to drive our tourism industry forward, contributing 45% during the same period.
“For the first three months of this year, Sarawak generated a remarkable RM3.15bil in tourism receipts,” he said while winding up the debate for his ministry on the motion of thanks for the Governor’s address at the state assembly sitting yesterday, Bernama reported.
Abdul Karim added that despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in the Middle East, Sarawak’s overall tourism performance remains stable.
“We have set our bold target to receive five million visitors this year and generate about RM12.73bil in tourism receipts.
“Sarawak will continue to undertake strategic initiatives, including diversifying our product offerings and target markets, besides working closely with stakeholders and industry players to mitigate the impacts of rising costs and supply chain instability caused by the Middle East crisis,” he said.
He also said that StarDream Cruise, an international cruise operator, has shown an interest in its plans to launch a cruise package and include Sarawak’s ports in its South-East Asia cruise itineraries.
