SARIKEI: The division is eyeing more tourists from Japan and South Korea as Sarawak moves to develop its tourism potential through improved air connectivity, golf facilities and riverside and coastal attractions.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the expansion of Tanjung Manis Airport would support the tourism push by allowing it to accommodate ATR aircraft.
“We are expanding our airport in Tanjung Manis. When the airport is expanded, at least it will be able to receive ATR,” he said in his opening speech at the ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ (SKS) programme here today (Aug 8).
He said Sarawak would also have about six new ATR aircraft, while areas along rivers and the coast would be developed as tourism attractions.
“We will develop areas along the river and the coast to become tourism attractions,” he said.
Abang Johari said Japanese and South Korean visitors were among those who could be attracted, particularly through golf tourism.
“Japanese and Korean visitors like to play golf. So we will build a golf course in the Sarikei Division,” he said.
He said accommodation would also be developed to support the tourism sector and attract more visitors.
The Premier said visitors from the two countries could be attracted to Sarawak during their winter months, given the state’s moderate climate.
“They have winter there, and it is cold for up to four months. So they have to visit other places that are warm,” he said.
“Here, it is not too cold and not too hot. It is moderate. So they can play golf here,” he added.
Abang Johari said the tourism industry could also generate wider economic benefits for the division, with visitors expected to travel beyond the main tourism areas.
“They may want to see the interior, for example in Julau. They can go and see the unique attractions that are there,” he said.
He also said increased tourist arrivals could benefit local producers, including pineapple growers, as well as the food and hospitality sectors.
Abang Johari said the tourism development would create new economic activities for the division beyond its traditional agricultural and fruit production sectors.
He said the plans would be implemented from 2026 to 2030 and beyond as part of Sarawak’s wider development strategy.
During a press conference after the event, Abang Johari said Belawai had significant tourism potential and reiterated that Tanjung Manis Airport would be expanded to allow ATR aircraft to land.
He said the tourism focus would eventually spill over to other parts of the division, where visitors could explore unique local attractions.
