KUCHING: The state and federal governments have to work closely together in order for the tourism sector to thrive.
Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah explained that tourism was not simply a matter of opening up an attraction and expecting people to visit.
“There are so many things that come under it — connectivity, the tourism products itself, incentives. Without the state and federal ministries related to tourism working together, the industry would not be able to flourish well,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after an engagement session between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) and Sarawak’s tourism industry players at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
He said that the tourism industry comprised various businesses and attractions, including restaurants, tour guide businesses, national parks, and so on.
He noted that the tourism industry contributed about 19 percent of employment here as well as 8.72 percent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“So, this shows how important the tourism industry is. However, for it to move further, we need to work together,” Abdul Karim said, adding that Sarawak had a lot to offer.
“We do feel that we have been slightly neglected the last few years, but now we will be looking forward to getting more flights coming into Sarawak and how to open up more tourism products to be showcased for domestic and foreign tourists,” he said.
Meanwhile, federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that each state should develop its own niche tourism products which could contribute towards the state’s economic growth.
“It is very important for us to discuss and to agree on what we can share with Sarawak so that the state could focus on getting more revenue from tourism,” she said. Also present were Motac secretary-general Datuk Dr Noor Zari Hamat and the state ministry’s permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee.
