KUCHING, Nov 5: Sarawak has exceeded its visitor target of 3 million for 2023 in early October, and the state is now aiming to surpass 4 million visitors by the end of the year, according to Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performance Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
In 2022, the ministry’s target was 2 million visitors, and it achieved a figure of 2.02 million by the end of the year.
“So for 2023, the ministry is proud to have achieved the targeted figure of 3 million, higher than expected,” he said during the Festival Gendang Sarawak at the Kuching Waterfront yesterday night.
Abdul Karim said the ministry is optimistic that more than 4 million visitors is achievable as there will be more activities in November and December in the city and elsewhere in Sarawak.
Abdul Karim hoped that the Festival Gendang Sarawak would have a positive economic impact on artists in Sarawak, particularly those in Kuching City.
He pointed out that various events, including the traditional ‘Tandak Lelaki’ competition, ‘Seh’ drum competition, ‘Bermukun’ Competition, and other local activities, have the potential to attract more tourists to Sarawak, providing them with insights into traditional arts and culture.
This, in turn, would contribute to the State’s income and revenue through cultural tourism activities.
The event was attended by the Director-General of the National Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN), Mohd Amran Mohd Haris, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performance Arts (MTCP), Datu Sherrina Hussaini. — DayakDaily
