SARAWAK is positioning itself to tap into the growing cruise industry.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said, however, there is a need to improve port facilities and logistic services to facilitate seamless passenger transfer in the state.
“The Ministry is in discussion with Singapore based cruise operators to include Kuching and Miri as future ports of call,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Abdul Karim explained that the cruise sector continues to show remarkable resilience and expansion.
“According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Southeast Asia recorded more than 300 ship calls and over 2 million passengers in 2023, with projections to reach 3.19 million passengers by 2029,” he said.
On air connectivity, Abdul Karim said the matter is fundamental to expanding Sarawak’s tourism horizon globally.
“I believe with AirBorneo, which is scheduled to commence its operation early next year, the state would be able to chart its own destination of choice and accelerate the growth of its tourism industry,” he said.
Moving forward, he said AirBorneo’s route and destination planning would need to be aligned with the state’s target market, as well as with tourism products and attractions.
“Hence, there is a need for a closer engagement between AirBorneo and tourism industry players and stakeholders, including my Ministry,” he said.
