KUCHING, Oct 7: Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah welcomes the efforts of the Federal government targeting the arrival of more than 15 million foreign tourists with a potential to bring in RM47.6 billion in revenue to the country.
Abdul Karim in a statement today said the amount of RM200 million provided is also reasonable for encouragement, promotion and marketing to strengthen the recovery of the sector.
According to him, the Government’s focus on high value tourists from the niche market segment is good for the rapid growth of the ecotourism sector, golf and scuba diving as well as international conventions.
“Apart from that, the Tourism Promotion Matching Grant (GAMELAN) which involves a promotional and marketing campaign with the industry is on point and will be well received by industry players
“This grant can be a catalyst and incentive for organising large-scale tourism programmes including international sports events,” he said.
Abdul Karim was commenting on the Budget 2023, especially on the Recovery of Malaysia’s Tourism Sector.
Meanwhile, Karim said the Sia Sitok Sarawak initiative that has been planned and implemented by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) over the years will experience a shift by encouraging families to travel to their preferred destinations in the country.
He also thanked the Federal government for agreeing to allocate RM25 million to provide incentives to the people in the form of discounts, vouchers and rebates for accommodation, tourism packages, handicrafts and works of art up to RM100.
He said the assistance that will be given to tourism operators where the Federal government plans to implement the BNM Tourism Funding initiative with a fund of RM500 million is very much welcome.
“This include the increase of the maximum funding limit from RM300,000 to RM500,000 as well as a 100 per cent tax exemption given on statutory income for tour operators who bring at least 200 foreign tourists a year or handle at least 400 local tourists.
“Sarawak will also enjoy efforts to make Malaysia a major health tourism destination where existing tax incentives for the export of private healthcare services will be extended until 2025,” he said. — DayakDaily
