by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 16: Sarawak’s homestay industry has garnered RM6.7 million income in 2024 through 52,927 domestic and 3,046 foreign homestay guests registered with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP).
Its Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in his speech at DayakDaily’s ‘Homestay Odyssey’ Writing Competition 2025 Awards Ceremony today, highlighted that with Sarawak’s rich calendar of events, cultural attractions and natural treasures, the homestay sector has become a thriving industry—drawing visitors seeking a more authentic taste of Sarawak.
“Over the years, homestays have become more than just an alternative to hotels. They represent the heart and soul of our tourism industry—a warm invitation into the daily lives, cultures, and stories of our people. When travellers choose a homestay, they don’t just visit a destination—they live it,” he said.
“Community-Based Tourism has become a long-term pillar in my ministry’s strategy, especially under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. It contributes toinclusive rural development, sustainable livelihoods, and culture heritage conservation.
“One of the PCDS 2030 key outcomes is 30 per cent Increase of Community Based Tourism by Year 2030 with a target of 60 registered homestay clusters. As of today, there are already 65 homestay clusters registered with Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia throughout Sarawak. We have achieved our target much earlier than scheduled,” he emphasised.
He also pointed out that four of Sarawak’s homestays have received an ASEAN Homestay Standard award, namely Homestay Santubong, Kuching; Homestay Rh Benjamin Angki, Sibu; Homestay Ba’Kelalan; Lawas and Homestay Bario, Miri.
“For all these achievements, I would like to express my gratitude to the communities supporting our initiatives and the ministry staff who work tirelessly to ensure the success of all our initiatives,” he added. – DayakDaily
