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MIRI, July 2: Minister for Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin is optimistic that yachting events can help promote tourism in Miri and attract high spenders.
He said the government needs to capitalise on the prospects of yachting events given Miri’s advantageous location.
“With the facilities that we have here in Marina Bay Jetty, we should promote yachting events and, at the same time, engage with the local community,” he told the local media on Saturday night (July 1) during a gathering with more than 70 yacht enthusiasts from around the globe at Miri Marina.
The yacht enthusiasts comprised various nationalities, such as New Zealand, the United States, Australia, Germany, South Africa, Canada, France, and Indonesia, and the gathering was hosted by Sarawak Sailing Association advisor Troy Yaw who is also the owner of Miri Marina Bay Jetty.
Lee added that the economic benefit from the yachting events is enormous, and there is more to be tapped.
“Each yacht that arrives in the country spends, on average, RM200,000 per year, and the average stay for those arriving with Sail Malaysia is 730 days,” he pointed out.
Managing director of Sail Malaysia Sazli Kamal Basha, and representatives from the Malaysia Cruise, Marine, Tourism Association and Malaysian Tourism, Shipping and Marine Association were present at the gathering. — DayakDaily
