SARIKEI: Sarawak’s target of 4 million tourist arrivals this year is expected to be achieved by end of September. 

According to Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, 2.8 million tourist arrivals has been recorded from January to July 2024, an increase compared to 2.2 million during the same period last year.

“With an average arrival of 400,000 tourists each month, the target is expected to be achieved by the end of September.

“By July, the number of tourists had already reached 2.8 million,” he told reporters after chairing the Sarawak Tourism Committee Coordination Meeting at the Sarikei Division Resident's Office on Tuesday.

Additionally, Datuk Sebastian expressed his ministry’s optimism that Sarawak is on track to surpass the 4 million tourists target this year especially with various major activities such as the Para Malaysia Games (Para SUKMA) XXI, Sarawak Regatta, and the International Dragon Boat Festival scheduled to take place from September until the end of 2024.

He added, MTCP is confident that tourist arrivals could reach 5 million by the end of this year, surpassing the record set in 2019 which saw 4.66 million tourist arrivals. 

"Tourists from Brunei Darussalam remain the largest group with a total of 1.1 million visitors.

“The significant growth in tourist numbers is expected to have a substantial impact on the local tourism industry including hotels, homestays, the food industry, and transportation,” he added.

Datuk Sebastian also acknowledged the crucial role of the media in promoting the tourism sector throughout Sarawak.

Also present at the meeting were MTCP Permanent Secretary, Datu Sherrina Hussaini, Sarikei Division Resident, Michael Ronnie Langgong, along with other guests. -UKASnews