Greater Numbers Of European Tourists Visiting Sarawak Expected

KUCHING (Sarawak, Malaysia), April 24 (Bernama) -- Sarawak's tourism industry is anticipating a positive trend in the number of foreign tourists during the next three years, especially from Europe, State Tourism Minister Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said Tuesday. He noted that Sarawak has the potential to become an international convention destination, thanks to the prestigious Golden City Gate (Das Goldene Stadttor) awards won by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) in the print campaign category - "Where Adventure Lives" - at the recent ITB Berlin travel show. "We foresee the trend will grow, from now until 2015, provided we work hard to develop air connectivity and improve our infrastructure in preparation for the influx," Abang Johari told reporters after handing over the award to Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud here. Apart from three international conventions being held here this year, he said, several more would be organised, including a film and media convention, between 2013 and 2015. Abang Johari noted that STB would also need to enhance its marketing strategies to attract foreign tourists with spending power, as there was a strong possibility of tourists opting to travel to Asian destinations, including Asean countries, due to the carbon emission tax imposed in Europe. Compared to the 3.8 million tourists who arrived through December 2011, Sarawak was targeting about four million foreign visitors this year, especially to Kuching, Miri, as well as national parks such as Mulu and Bako, according to Abang Johari. He said he was happy to note that last year the state recorded an impressive 16 per cent increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2010. The trend continued this year with a 14 per cent increase through February, while foreign arrivals also rose to an impressive 21 per cent, he said. Sarawak is an East Malaysia state. -- BERNAMA