MIRI, Nov 6: Thirty-eight diplomatic leaders from 17 countries visited Miri City on Nov 5 and 6, to learn about and experience the unique customs and cultures of Sarawak.
According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting said the visitors came from United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Cambodia, France, Kuwait, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Vietnam and Brunei.
“The programme was held to introduce Sarawak’s unique customs and culture after the tourism sector declined following the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said during a dinner with the delegation last night.
Ting also said international tourism is expected to continue its gradual recovery this year as more destinations ease or lift travel restrictions.
He disclosed that from January to August this year, tourist arrivals in Sarawak increased by 984.71 per cent to 897,903 compared to last year.
“Arrivals from Brunei reached a peak in 2019 when a total of 1,296,017 visitors arrived from Brunei through various entry points, the majority of which were through Sungai Tujoh.
“However, (the pace of) arrivals from Brunei this year is still slow and it is expected that it will increase gradually as visitors become more confident to travel,” he added.
Also present at the dinner were Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang. — DayakDaily
