KUCHING: The Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) is optimistic that all tourism-related development projects planned within its jurisdiction can be implemented and completed this year.
Its chairman Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik said the agency, working closely with relevant government departments and implementing agencies, is confident it is on track to meet the targeted timelines.
“We are optimistic that all tourism–related projects under GKCDA will be carried out and fully completed this year because the duration period for the implementation is not so long.
“The longest duration to complete some of the projects may take 12 months. So by 2027, everything should be ready,” he said.
Ik Pahon noted that tourism–related development projects planned are important not only to beautify the areas but also to generate economic opportunities for local communities.
He explained that the projects involve a mix of infrastructure upgrades, enhancement of public facilities and improvements to existing tourist attractions across the 10 state constituencies under the agency’s coverage.
The completion of these projects is expected to boost visitor arrivals and create a positive spillover effect on small businesses, including homestays, food operators and handicraft sellers.
“We want tourism development to be inclusive. When facilities improve, more tourists will come, and the people on the ground will benefit directly,” he added.
Ik Pahon noted that tourism is something GKCDA wanted to focus in Padawan and Penrissen because the people in the area a truly active.
“On the socio-economic part in these two areas, I think we leverage on tourism because the advantage is most of the tourists can go there on day trip. They go in morning and return in the evening.
“Those tourists may spend one or two nights with the homestay, so the homestay operators also can earn money,” he said.
He said the tour agents can do the packages like one day they do the city tour, the second day they do eco-tourism and the third day they come down and the fourth night they go back.
He believed that if tourists can have a minimum stay in Sarawak for four nights, they contribute to tourism.
“That’s what we want to focus on, especially the eco-tourism in upper Padawan and upper Penrissen. To me, I want to push all these because if they can make money, we are also happy,” he added.
He noted the potential tourist destinations, aside from the Bengoh Range Trail and the Annah Rais Longhouse, are Kampung Sapit and Kampung Kiding.
He said huge amount of fund had been allocated to improve the infrastructure and facilities in these areas.
