By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, July 6: Motoring events like International Bike Week can help propel the state’s tourism sector, particularly for its host city.
Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin was optimistic about the potential for such events becoming a catalyst to attract both domestic and foreign tourists.
“Miri has been synonymous with motorcycle rallies or two-wheel events over the years. I am optimistic that events such as the Miri International Bike Week 2019 has the capacity to attract tourists,” he said at the launching of the 8th edition of the event here today.
More than 2,000 local and international participants are expected to converge at the event venue, the Coco Cabana Miri, over the weekend, with some coming from Brunei, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Australia.
Lee suggested that the event organiser, Kelab Motorsikal Jaguh Miri, create a website on the event to create bigger impact and attract larger participation in the future.
“Use the Internet to promote the event, and I believe, via the website, you can do promotion on a bigger scale,” he said.
Various types of customised, modified motorcycles and big bikes were on display during the event. A total of 32 vendors selling motorcycle accessories also set up shop at the venue in conjunction with bike week.
Organising chairman Iskandar Lamat expected the event to attract some 30,000 visitors.
“I am optimistic that we can pull in the crowd to this event this time around because of the space advantage, which is bigger compared to the previous year,” he said.
Despite the hot weather soaring up to 32 degrees Celsius, it did not dampen the spirit of the some 5,000 motorcycle enthusiasts who gathered for the opening ceremony. — DayakDaily
