Sarawak offers new draws at Matta Fair
> State aims to attract 4.8 million visitors, says tourism board
KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak is targeting 4.8 million visitors after retaining its status as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) 2018 Fair.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) marketing director Benedict Jimbau said this is based on the arrival of 4.956 million visitors last year.
“We will be offering about 120 packages to new tourism destinations, half of which are in central Sarawak.
“Central Sarawak is considered ‘experiential tourism’ at its best because some places are still unpopular with tourists.
“Places such as Sibu, Mukah and the fishing village Kabong ought to give visitors an idea of our culture and heritage,” he said in a news conference held at Matta’s headquarters here yesterday.
From January until July, Sarawak has recorded 2.5 million visitors of which 1.269 million were domestic tourists.
STB has taken up 14 booths promoting its culinary to selfdriving holidays, rainforest kayaking and adventure caving.
He said the Sarawak pavilion will hold lucky draws and social media contests for those buying packages.
“Go to Sarawak if you haven’t, and if you have, go again – it’s such a big state,” he said.
The fair is back this Sept 7-9 at the Putra World Trade Centre.
It features 1,356 booths offering domestic and international travel promotions including 86 booths on umrah packages.