This Content Is Only For Subscribers
By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 28: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) is currently identifying traditional longhouses in Sibu and Kapit that can be utilised as homestays.
Its minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stated that the use of longhouses as homestays is beneficial not only for the tourism industry but also for the economic well-being of the longhouses’ proprietors and occupants.
“We are currently working to improve more longhouses for usage as homestays.
“But we don’t force them because the longhouse is a private right, and it’s up to the owner of the house and its occupants whether they want to make their longhouse a homestay,” he said when asked by reporters during a press conference on Kuching Marathon 2023 (KM2023) held today at Baitul Makmur II, Petra Jaya here.
Meanwhile, on another development regarding his recent visit to Bogor, Indonesia, Abdul Karim said it was in conjunction with the International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) 2023.
“The conference was a Sarawak initiative, hosted in the State for the previous two occasions, and this year was held in Bogor, Indonesia, at the request of the mayor of Bogor.”
He also mentioned that during the visit, he had the opportunity to meet and discuss with the Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr Sandiaga Uno, about how to further develop the tourism industry between Sarawak and Indonesia.
Abdul Karim further remarked that he also held discussions with Indonesian airlines to increase flight routes between Indonesia and Sarawak and hoped that the national airlines would do the same, especially to bring potential Umrah pilgrims departing from Kuching next month. — DayakDaily
