KUCHING: Efforts to strengthen the state’s hospitality ecosystem have become increasingly important to ensure tourists leave with a lasting impression at the end of their stay.
In this context hotels, restaurants, transport providers, event venues and local businesses play a vital role in shaping Sarawak’s tourism landscape, particularly as the state positions itself as a gateway to Borneo and a leading destination for leisure, business events and experiential tourism.
Deputy State Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee said, tourism today is no longer driven solely by attractions and sightseeing, but by meaningful experiences and memories that visitors take home with them.
Speaking at the grand relaunch and rebranding of Nu Er Hong Restaurant at Pullman Kuching, he said Sarawak recorded 4.98 million visitor arrivals last year, surpassing pre-pandemic figures and reflecting the state’s growing appeal as a regional tourism destination.
“We don’t want to be just a gateway to Malaysia, but a gateway to the whole Borneo region,” he said.
He noted that upcoming infrastructure developments such as the Kuching Urban Transportation System, the new international airport project and major events including the SEA Games will further strengthen Sarawak’s readiness to accommodate increasing visitor numbers.
He added that building a strong tourism ecosystem requires collective participation from all sectors, including accommodation providers, restaurants, transport operators, event organisers and local communities.
“A very strong tourism ecosystem is essential. Hotels, restaurants, event venues, tour operators, transport providers and even local retail businesses must all play their part.
“Together, we shape the impression of a visitor, their satisfaction and ultimately Sarawak’s reputation as a destination of choice,” he said.
He added that facilities such as the expansion of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) would enhance Sarawak’s ability to attract larger meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), further boosting visitor arrivals.
Hii said the relaunch of Nu Er Hong restaurant reflects the type of investment and innovation needed to support Sarawak’s tourism ambitions.
He praised the extensive renovation and rebranding effort undertaken by the Interhill Group and Pullman Kuching, describing it as a timely addition to the state’s hospitality landscape.
Particularly noteworthy, he said, was the restaurant’s status as a halal-certified Chinese dining establishment, which embodies Sarawak’s multicultural identity and inclusive spirit.
“It reflects something profoundly Sarawakian, our ability to honour tradition while opening our doors wider. It brings people of different backgrounds, cultures and faiths to the same table,” he said.
Among those present were Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor, Interhill Group executive chairman Datin Lau Ngok Yung, managing director Albert Hu, executive director Rogina Hu, and Pullman Kuching Hotel general manager Sunardi Song.
