KUCHING: The wave of tourists visiting Sarawak has exceeded the state’s initial target of 3 million by October, with an expected 4 million visitors anticipated by the end of 2023.
“I believe by the end of December, Inshaallah we will achieve more than 4 million tourists coming into Sarawak.
“From November until December, we still have big programmes coming up either in Kuching or other parts of Sarawak,” said Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the Sarawak Gendang Festival Gala Night at Kuching Waterfront here last night (Nov 4).
Abdul Karim said through the Sarawak Gendang Festival Gala Night, local artists were impacted positively economically.
He said organising large-scale cultural events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival, Sarawak Regatta and the Borneo International Kite Festival not only celebrate the state’s traditional arts and culture but also significantly contribute to the state’s economy and local entrepreneurial income.
“This event has the potential to attract more tourists to also understand traditional arts and culture in Sarawak.
“Indirectly, the State Government is also able to multiply the return of income which contributes to the income and revenue of the state through this cultural tourism activity,” he said.
Abdul Karim also pointed out that the Sarawak Gendang Festival plays a crucial role in promoting cultural heritage, especially among young people, nurturing a love for the region’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
On another note, he said the end of the year countdown event for the year 2023 would be held at Kuching Waterfront and an official ceremony would be held to celebrate the completion of the Sarawak flagpole on Dec 31.
Also present was National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN) director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris.
