KUCHING: The Sarawak government is actively pursuing connectivity between Sarawak’s capital city and Jeju Island in Korea to woo travellers to the city, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier revealed the government’s interest in establishing the connection, citing the presence of geoparks in both destinations.
“Travellers can explore what we have in Kuching as a national geopark, and one of the areas that we are focussing on is Jeju Island, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Global Geopark.
“What we will do is that we connect Kuching with Jeju Island so that during South Korea’s winter, they can come to Kuching geopark,” he said when officiating at the grand opening of Sheraton Kuching Hotel here last night (Feb 18).
Abang Johari stressed the significance of Sarawak taking control of MASwings to facilitate more direct flights to Kuching from various destinations, including Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries.
“We need the airline, then we can have direct flights from Korea to Kuching, from Japan to Kuching as well as other Asian destinations,” he said.
He anticipated a surge in travelers visiting Kuching, benefitting hotels such as the Sheraton Kuching Hotel, enhancing occupancy rates, and bolstering the tourism sector.
In line with tourism development efforts, Abang Johari disclosed plans to upgrade facilities at Niah Cave in Miri.
“Actually, we are in the final stage of submitting Niah Cave National Park to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“So, people will come to enjoy and see the significance of history in Niah cave. The beginning of habitants in Borneo,” he said.
