MIRI: The private sector has been urged to invest in the development of hotels in the city to meet the increasing demand from both domestic and international tourists.
“Investing in the hotel industry presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses to capitalise on the growing tourism market in the region,” said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
In highlighting at the opening of a four-star hotel at Jalan Brooke here Sunday, he said, the city is in dire need of more hotels to accommodate the influx of visitors during big events.
“The government alone is not enough.. we urge more private companies to come and invest,” he said.
According to Lee there has a been a noticeable increase in number of FITs, or Free Independent Travellers or Flexible Independent Travellers compared to GIT or Group Inclusive Tour.
“The FITs normally make their own hotel or accommodation bookings, directly,” he said.
Hence, he said, the city needs different categories of travel and business accommodation as well as boutique hotels, service apartments and B&B, accommodation.
On traffic congestion at the Sungai Tujoh Customs, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) complex , Leesaid his ministry officers had studied the problem and proposed remedial measures.
“I have also briefed our Premier recently on this issue. He will personally go to Sungai Tujoh CIQS soon and also look at the short-term remedial proposals for speedy implementation,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, Mayor Adam Yii , his deputy Ariffin Mohamad, the group executive chairman of Shin Yang group of companies , Tan Sri Ling Chiong Ho and Group Managing Director of Chiong Ho Ling Sdn Bhd, Datuk James Ling Lu Kiong.
