By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 20: Sarawak is cautiously optimistic of achieving its five million tourist target this year despite rising airfares and travel disruptions, with tourism receipts averaging RM1 billion monthly from January to September 2026.
Speaking to reporters after his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) complex today, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah noted that Sarawak came close to achieving its five million tourist target last year, recording 4.97 million arrivals, just 26,000 short of the milestone.
He explained that the State had decided to retain the same target for this year rather than raise it, given that the five million mark had remained elusive despite several years of efforts to achieve it.
“How many years have we been targeting five million but have not reached it? We almost reached it last year, missing it by 26,000,” he said.
Abdul Karim acknowledged that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East had created additional challenges for the tourism sector, particularly through higher airfares and disruptions to travel plans.
He attributed the rising ticket prices partly to higher oil prices, which had prompted some prospective tourists to change their flight itineraries and travel arrangements.
“I’m not too sure that we can hit the five million. But if we can hit that five million, of course I’m very pleased, despite the odds,” he conceded.
The minister projected that a clearer picture of Sarawak’s overall tourism performance would emerge by December, as the final three months of the year could contribute significantly to visitor arrivals and tourism receipts.
He remained hopeful that October, November and December would generate stronger tourism receipts, potentially helping Sarawak achieve its annual target despite the challenges affecting international travel.
He also highlighted the encouraging performance of tourism receipts despite fluctuations in visitor arrivals, indicating that the sector continued to generate substantial economic returns. —DayakDaily
