KUCHING, Nov 3: Sarawak and Malaysia, in general, have emerged as appealing destinations for tourists from European countries, thanks to the warm weather and various other factors.
Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the presence of tourists is greatly appreciated because it boosts the State’s economic growth, TVS reported.
“To Norwegians, the sunny and hot weather in Sarawak and Malaysia in general are something that might be envied,” he said when speaking at the launch of the 24th European Film Festival (EUFF) here last Wednesday night (Oct 1).
He added that the majority of Europeans also associate Sarawak with the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) held every year in the Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong, which indicates that many Europeans are watching RWMF and following the music development at the festival which features bands from all over the world.
“It seems that after several years of organising RMWF, more countries especially the European media, know about this festival. This is something good because the number of tourists from Europe will also increase,” he added.
This year’s EUFF commenced with the screening of a Norwegian film titled ‘Operation Arctic’ at GSC CityONE Megamall.
The 2014 film centres around three siblings who were accidentally left behind in the cold, dark and dangerous environment of the Savalbard Islands in the northern Arctic Ocean.
The film is one of the 11 films being screened in the GSC CityONE Megamall starting Nov 1 to 4.
Other films included ‘Rising Hawk’ (Ukraine), ‘Last Dance’ (Switzerland), ‘Brothers’ (Netherlands), ‘Goya in Bordeaux’ (Spain), ‘Neither With You’ (Hungary), ‘The Restless’ (Belgium), and ‘Imad’s Childhood’ (Sweden).
Also being premiered are ‘We Still Talk’ (Itali), ‘Parents vs Influencers’ (Itali), ‘Mr Jones’ (Ukraine) and ‘Ramona’ (Spain). — DayakDaily
