Joint effort needed to promote Bintulu as tourist attraction, says Resident
BINTULU: Strong coordination between the relevant agencies is needed to promote Bintulu as a tourist attraction in Sarawak, in line with the ‘ Visit Sarawak Campaign 2019’.
Bintulu Resident Jack Aman Luat said although Bintulu is not the gateway for tourist arrivals in the state unlike Kuching, Miri and Sibu, the town can still contribute to Sarawak’s tourism sector.
“Bintulu actually has a good record of tourist arrivals as it is located in the central region. By adding value to Bintulu, we can attract more tourists,” he said during the Visit Sarawak Campaign Bintulu Division roadshow held here yesterday.
Jack said among the big events held annually here are Borneo International Kite Festival, Tanglung Carnival and other cultural events.
He said among the attractive spots that can be further promoted to foreign visitors, especially nature lovers, include Similajau National Park, Tanjung Batu beach, Bukit Kana and Bukit Setiam.
“If all the resources are fully utilised, it can generate extra revenue for the local people and to Sarawak’s coffers,” he said.
At the same time, he also believed that with better coordination by the relevant agencies, more local products including handicraft can be promoted as an attraction.
“There is no registered homestay in Bintulu so far, and we are trying to get the relevant agencies to propose the longhouses and villages that have the potential for homestay programme.
“We need the cooperation of all agencies, local community leaders and non- governmental organi sat ions to promote Bintulu as a tourist destination. There are many things that can be discovered here and, most importantly, generate revenue for the local people,” he added.
Meanwhile, Denva Ajeng Wan from Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) in his presentation provided an update on the Visit Sarawak Campaign, which expects some five million visitors to the state this year.
He said the ‘ More to Discover’ tagl ine underscores STB’s strategy in positioning the state as a plethora of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals, that are not found anywhere else in the world and are ready to be discovered.