KUCHING: Sarawak aims to further grow its tourism industry, with more tourist arrivals from India as one of its focus.
Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor pointed out that India ranked number four in the state’s tourism market list.
“It is a journey for Sarawak, the Indian market is a significant market that Sarawak cannot miss out on.
“Sarawak is targeting four segments for the Indian market – weddings, filming, MICE and events,” she said.
Sharzede was speaking to the media at the Travel Agents Federation of India (Tafi) Convention 2022 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here on Thursday (Sept 22).
“Sarawak is very excited about the Indian market, during the pre-pandemic period, the Indian market grew organically but had to restrategise its structures during the pandemic.
“We hope that we will be at the top of the minds of the Indian market.
“We will find ways to reach out, we don’t have all the facilities to meet the Indian market, we know the weaknesses in Sarawak. However, we hope to build the market.”
Meanwhile, noting connectivity issues to Sarawak, during the pre-pandemic period, discussions were already made, and “with Tafi being there, we hope to expedite it.”
“When it comes to airlines, it boils down to passenger load. If we don’t have that, they (airlines) won’t want to listen.
“With Tafi coming here, and the Indian market coming here, I am looking forward to more direct flights coming in.”
Also present at the press conference were Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Seri Anil Jeet Singh Sandhu, Tafi president Ajay Prakash, and Tourism Malaysia Communication and Corporate Division director Zakaria Mohd Nani.
