KUCHING: The state government has received tourism tax for the period from 2017 until the end of last year totalling RM2.58 million, said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah.
“We are very happy to have received the tourism tax which has been promised to us. With the amount we will do more for our tourism industry,” he said.
Karim also said that the contribution from tourism to the gross domestic product (GDP) last year was RM7.95 billion.
On visitor/tourist arrivals, he said in January this year they increased by 10.72 per cent compared to the corresponding month last year.
“With the Visit Sarawak Campaign, we hope to see increasing number of tourists coming into the state and we are always working with all agencies to make sure that we achieve our target,” he told reporters after chairing the State Tourism Steering Committee meeting here yesterday.
Karim said that as air connectivity is of utmost importance for the development of the tourism industry, the state government has tried very hard to improve it through collaborations with airlines.
“In fact, the ministry now is actively engaging with local and several airlines from China to explore the possibilities of doing direct flights from China, and with that we are now working hard on the Kuching-Jakarta flights,” he said.
On the Bung Bratak Heritage, he said it was a good idea to set up the cultural complex for Bidayuh culture. It is an initiative of the federal and state government to develop tourism in Sarawak.
“The place can be where tourist stay, watch and experience the Bidayuh culture. Nevertheless, we need to look into the safety of the building and area before taking any further action,” he said.
Karim stressed that the state government also wants to improve Niah Cave in Miri Division. The ministry is looking into more development for the place. Hopefully the coming Cabinet meeting would get good news on the improvement.
“We believe that Niah Cave has tourism potential. A researcher from New South Wales, Australia found that humans lived in the cave for 65,000 years instead of the previous calculation of 40,000 years.
“That’s why Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is eager to improve the infrastructure for the area,” he said.
He also hoped that one day there would be a Sarawak premium outlet selling local products and crafts to visitors and tourists.
