By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Nov 5: Intra state tourism campaign “Sia Sitok Sarawak” is to be extended until March 31, 2021.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawakians can now continue to enjoy the state government subsidised tour packages during the public and school holidays beginning of next year.
“Initially, the ‘Sia Sitok Sarawak’ (campaign) is supposed to end on Dec 31, but STB (Sarawak Tourism Board) has extended it until March 31, 2021, and bookings are open until end of this year.
“This is a good opportunity for Sarawakians, especially in January, February and March, there are school holidays and also the Chinese New Year holidays,” he said, expressing his utmost support in the extension of this campaign.
The “Sia Sitok Sarawak” campaign was planned by STB with Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) to include 30 tour packages at substantial discounts of up to 50 per cent to promote local tourism amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
The campaign that started from July 15 was originally planned for only three months until October, but due to the high demand it was extended until Dec 31, and now further extended.
Abdul Karim said the response of the campaign was ideal with a total of 569 tours booked and 3,167 participants up to date.
“The total amount involved is RM340,000 times two (actual RM680,000) because the other half is paid by the government.
“And some of the packages are very successful, for example the Irrawaddy Dolphin Cruise and the Sarawak River Sunset Cruise which is the most popular package among others,” he said during a press conference after the launching ceremony of PANDei ePelancongan Course at Imperial Hotel earlier today.
Together at the event were Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry Assistant Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting and permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee. – DayakDaily
