State Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting (seated centre) in a group photo with delegates at the UN Tourism Asia-Pacific executive training programme in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak wants to be a luxury tourism leader through major infrastructure investments to improve connectivity and visitor experience, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the state was making headways in this sector with its state-funded airline and autonomous rapid transit rolling out soon.
"Moreover, with the expansion of Kuching International Airport, designed to handle up to 15 million passengers annually, international visitors will soon experience seamless travel inspired by global standards," he said at the United Nations (UN) Tourism Asia-Pacific executive training programme on tourism policy and strategy here on Monday (Oct 28).
In his speech read by deputy minister Datuk Sebastian Ting, Abdul Karim also said that the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching is being expanded to accommodate 10,000 people by 2027, besides venturing into the aviation and satellite industries.
He said these initiatives would support tourism by enhancing regional connectivity and improving visitor experience.
"Through these efforts and our commitment to future-proofing tourism development, Sarawak is ready to welcome luxury or quality travellers and international conferences alike, all while maintaining the natural beauty and cultural richness that define us," he said.
Abdul Karim also said his ministry was working with UN Tourism on responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives, tourism marketing intelligence and data management as well as capacity building for Sarawak's tourism industry.
He said this partnership had boosted the recovery and further development of tourism in Sarawak as a key economic sector.
"This is very much in line with the post-Covid-19 development strategy led by the Premier of Sarawak," he said, adding that Sarawak aimed to be a leader in responsible and sustainable tourism.
