SIBU: Sarawak is expected to hit its 2023 target of three million tourist arrivals, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said that this is due to several international events expected to take place from now to December.
Abdul Karim said that the number of tourist arrivals from January to June is about the same as in 2019 and 2018, and added that this is back to pre-pandemic levels.
Sarawak received 4.4 million and 4.6 million tourists in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Abdul Karim said this at the closing of the Borneo Cultural Festival on Sunday (July 23) night and added that it has become difficult to book hotel rooms in Kuching due to a series of events.
“The national-level International Museum Day from July 31 to Aug 6 will involve all states in the country. We will have thousands of participants in Kuching for the event,” said Abdul Karim.
"The events will continue until the end of the year, when we will have the Dragon Boat Race and the Sarawak Regatta. We do hope many of those coming down to Kuching will also go to other places in Sarawak to extend their holidays," he added.
He also said that Kuching will be the host of the Asean International Film Festival from Aug 2 to 4 and South Korean star Rain is also coming to Kuching in the first week of August.
“He is expected to bring a lot of fans to Kuching,” said Abdul Karim.
