All quarters need to contribute to local tourism devt, Mirians reminded

MIRI: Mirians must undergo a change in mindset when it comes to developing tourism in this division.

Assistant Minister for Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin noted that when asked about places of interest here, among the most common answers was ‘there’s nothing to see here’.

Such response, he said, would not help promote and market Miri as a tourism destination.

“We must realise that although the attractions or products here are common for the locals, they are new to the majority of tourists and those from outside this division. These offerings could be something unique or special to them – things that they have never seen or experienced in their home countries,” he said prior to the presentation of Minor Rural Project (MRP) cheques to 36 local organisations at SUPP Senadin here yesterday.

Lee, who is Senadin assemblyman, believed that locals must have a positive attitude and the knowledge and information about places of interest or tourism products that could attract and convince tourists to come here.

He called on local associations, especially those with international networking, to contribute to tourism development here.

“This may not be your core activity but in a way, you can arrange activities for the participants before or after your events.

“You could take them to visit various places of interest and let them enjoy the local culture and lifestyles. I’m sure that some of them would come back and bring their families, relatives and friends to Miri after the experience.”

Moeover, Lee said the success of tourism industry here would benefit everyone, not just industry players. As such, everybody should contribute and play roles in promoting and marketing Miri as a tourism destination.

“Most importantly, we must all be positive and be proud of Miri. We must not be negative as this would leave a bad and wrong impression of Miri and its tourism industry,” he added.