BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah extended his congratulations to the Sarawak Government for successfully establishing the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei Darussalam (STATOB).
 
According to him, the setting up of this office is crucial in strengthening tourism relations between Sarawak and Brunei.
 
Looking at the statistics, he noted that Brunei, a country rich in oil resources, is the largest contributor of tourists to Sarawak with more than 150,000 visitors each month.
 
"In August 2024, the highest number of tourist arrivals in Sarawak came from Brunei, totalling 198,331 visitors, compared to 94,320 in August 2023. This shows a significant increase over the year," he said.
 
He told reporters after attending the launch of STATOB which was inaugurated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at Pavo Point, here, on Thursday.
 
Elaborating further, Dato Sri Abdul Karim said STATOB will play a key role in fostering collaborations between entrepreneurs in Sarawak and Brunei.
 
"Once tourists arrive in Sarawak, they need accommodations, retail outlets, and various activities which have a significant impact on the economy.
 
"This is where STATOB plays its role. It not only facilitates networking between Sarawak and Brunei entrepreneurs but also promotes Brunei to visitors in Sarawak through networking and cooperation arrangements.
 
"Moreover, those based here (Brunei) will gain a better understanding of business and tourism opportunities available in Sarawak,” he pointed out.
 
STATOB is the second trade and tourism office established after the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Singapore (STATOS), aimed at expanding networks and promoting tourism and business opportunities within the Borneo region. -UKASnews