By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Feb 13: Sarawak’s tourism industry is set to reach new heights with the launch of AirBorneo, the State’s very own airline, says Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“We welcome the announcement made yesterday by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg that we will have our own aircraft, our own airline.
“This is a source of pride for all Sarawakians, including the Ministry of Tourism, as we manage tourism programmes to attract more visitors to Sarawak,” he told reporters during a doorstep interview following the official launch of the Sarawak MTCP Integrity Day 2025, held today at a prominent hotel in Kuching.
With the establishment of AirBorneo, Abdul Karim expressed his belief that the tourism sector will experience a major transformation.
“I believe AirBorneo will eventually arrange travel packages—maybe not immediately, but as time goes by, they will certainly organise vacation packages and other offerings,” he said, adding that the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) will collaborate closely with the airline to strategise ways to attract more tourists.
He further highlighted potential promotional efforts, such as booklets showcasing Sarawak’s top attractions, which could be placed on flights and at AirBorneo’s destinations.
“For now, their operations may be localised to Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia, but they have big plans. We know they have ambitious plans to expand to destinations such as Korea, China, Japan, the Middle East, and Europe.
“With long-haul destinations like these, there must be coordination—either with Tourism Malaysia or through our own Tourism Board—to promote Sarawak alongside local travel and tour agencies,” he explained.
While it may be premature for his ministry to outline specific plans, Abdul Karim assured that STB will work hand-in-hand with AirBorneo to develop targeted tourism programmes.
“During school holidays, for instance, we will explore what can be arranged to attract more visitors during that period,” he said. — DayakDaily
