Spike in visitor arrivals due to events being held
KUCHING: Sarawak’s arrival of visitors from January to March this year recorded an average increase of more than 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2018.
Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said thus far, the state has recorded more than 300,000 visitor arrivals for the first quarter of 2019.
“In fact, in January there was a big jump of more than 60 per cent (of visitor arrivals) compared to January of last year, due to events that were held that month.
“This means that if there are events in Sarawak, more visitors will be coming in,” he told reporters at the Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival 2019 ( SHFF) press conference, here yesterday.
It is believed that the spike in the number of visitors in January was primarily due to Kuching hosting the 23rd Asian Television Awards (ATA) for the first time, where the best of
In fact, in January there was a big jump of more than 60 per cent (of visitor arrivals) compared to January of last year, due to events that were held that month. Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister
Asia’s film and entertainment industry, including celebrities, were here for the two- day international event.
ATA had chosen the state as the venue for its 23rd edition in conjunction with this year’s Visit Sarawak Campaign ( VSC).
With the ongoing VSC, Abdul Karim said events like SHFF will no doubt contribute towards the increase in visitor arrivals.
“So far, we are seeing quite a good increase of visitors coming in and this is something we are hoping for through the next several months,” he added.
He pointed out that there will be a line-up of events to be held every month and this will contribute towards enticing visitors to come to Sarawak.
‘For instance, SHFF definitely has its own followers especially when it is now in its 16th edition.
“Since the festival coincides with the Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa) 2019 which will be held from April 25 to 27, it will definitely be an event which will rise up to the occasion this year.”