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BEIJING, Sept 5: Sarawak as a responsible tourism destination and how it leads in developing eco-tourism and as a growing business event hub in Southeast Asia were among the matters discussed during a courtesy call by a Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak delegation on the Department of International Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Cultural and Tourism China at Ministry of Cultural and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China.
According to a press release, the Sarawak delegation was led by its minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, to meet with Peng Yubin, who is the deputy director-general of the department, at the latter’s office in Beijing yesterday (Sept 4).
Other subject matters discussed included the facilitation of travel and visitor exchange, education, policy dialogue, and collaboration in tourism, arts, and culture.
“The Honourable Minister also informed them of the possibility of direct flights between Sarawak and China. Talks also dwelled on conducting joint tourism campaigns and participation in travel events,” it said.
The deputy director-general also highlighted important matters for Chinese tourists, which included security and safety.
“In order to develop mutual cooperation, China will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in particular for tourism initiatives.
“Sarawak welcomes this cooperation as it will benefit in stimulating economic growth in the region,” said the press release.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak delegation paid another courtesy call to Hainan Airlines’ Miongqiong Chen, director of the marketing committee; XinXiu Peng, manager for charter route development; and Bella Zhang, manager for Southeast market at the airlines’ office to promote Sarawak.
During the courtesy call, the Ministry extended an invitation to Hainan Airlines to visit Sarawak.
Abdul Karim also led the Ministry on another courtesy visit to the Embassy of Malaysia, where they were received by Laksamana Pertama Zahid Abdul Aziz, defence attache; Nurul Huda Ab Rahim, Counsellor for Political Affairs, and Taffazani Azmi, an official from the embassy.
Accompanying Abdul Karim were his deputy, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, and heads of tourism agencies under the Ministry’s purview. — DayakDaily
