By Amanda L
KUCHING, Mar 29: Sarawak’s tourism sector is expected to remain resilient despite global tensions and rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the State’s strong domestic tourism continues to support the industry and provides flexibility for travellers to adjust their plans if necessary.
“Travellers can adjust their trips without harming the industry. If previously we travelled abroad twice a year, maybe we can reduce it to once (a year). If we usually go overseas every year, maybe this time we choose a domestic holiday,” he told reporters during his ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at a hotel here today.
He added that while fluctuations in global oil prices could slightly increase airfares, the impact in Sarawak has been limited as Malaysia is also an oil and gas producer.
Turning to major events in the State, Abdul Karim confirmed that the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is expected to proceed as planned amid reports that the annual music festival may face cutbacks amid global uncertainty.
He noted that more than half of the festival’s attendees are usually domestic visitors, and even if European arrivals decline, tourists from Indonesia, Singapore, and other parts of Malaysia can fill the gap.
“RWMF is not only for foreign tourists. Many of those who attend are locals,” he said.
He added that European visitors who still plan to attend are adjusting their flight routes to avoid certain airspace in the Middle East.
“If Europeans do not come, we can still have visitors from Indonesia, Singapore, and within Malaysia,” he said.
Abdul Karim urged the public to remain calm, stressing that tourism in Sarawak has not been significantly affected by global developments.
“Don’t panic. Life has to go on and we should remain positive.” — DayakDaily
