KUCHING, Oct 29: The longhouse tourism industry in Sarawak has generated about RM1.87 million for the national economy as of August this year.
According to Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the tourism industry has consistently played a pivotal role in the nation’s growth, and in 2022, it contributed 14 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), amounting to RM92.7 billion (Sept 20, Department of Statistics Malaysia).
“Yesterday, I visited two longhouses (in Bintulu) together with Motac’s Sarawak officials to conduct the ‘Homestay MOTAC Bersama Komuniti’ programme.
“We engaged in meaningful discussions with the local community, aiming to enhance these longhouses for the benefit of their residents,” said Tiong in a Facebook post today.
He added that Motac not only envisions them as homestays, but the ministry also see the potential to showcase the rich traditional cultures of various ethnicities to both local and international tourists. — DayakDaily
