UNDER the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sarawak is to increase its homestay clusters from 46 (in 2019) to 60 clusters by 2030.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I Datuk Sebastian Ting said this target is achievable with the registration of two clusters each year.
“Last year, two more clusters were registered, making the total homestay clusters to 48 clusters,” he said in reply to Datuk Ibrahim Baki (GPS-Satok) during question time today.
He said Sarawak will be a leading destination for ecotourism and business events in the Asean region by 2030, driven by empowered communities to conserve Sarawak’s culture, heritage and biodiversity and to promote investment and development through responsible actions.
“My ministry is active in organising programmes that involve local community participations and empowerments, focusing on sustainable tourism and preservation of natural environment.
“Among other initiatives by the ministry are the on-going development of the proposed geotrails at Kampung Kuop and Bau early this year, involving local communities.
“To date, 440 tour guides, local host guides and homestay operators are trained for sustainable tourism,” he added.
He said the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) also conducts various programmes such as Conservation Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) which involves communities with the appointment of honorary wildlife rangers.
“The Special Park Committees add on to the effort of involving local communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the tourism marketing campaign strategies, Ting said the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has always subscribed to a multi-pronged approach not only in creating destination awareness but also developing initiatives and programmes to generate growth and conversions in the tourism sector.
“Such campaigns include the Global Sia Sitok Vacations campaign which is available from May 1 to July 16, 2023. It includes 48 merchants with 144 packages via the EnjoySarawak App.
“This travel campaign is open for international and non-Sarawakians travellers into Sarawak,” he said.
“Next, the Rainforest World Music Festival will be held from June 23 to 25, 2023 and the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta from Oct 27 to 29, 2023 that bring both domestic and international visitors to Sarawak,” he said.
