Sarawak records 1.6 mln visitors from Jan-Nov this year - Abdul Karim
09 Dec 2022 03:57pm
Image for illustrative purposes only - BERNAMA
Its minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the success of surpassing the target resulted from cooperation between the state government and tourism industry players throughout this year after the industry faced various constraints for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I believe we can hit over 1.8 million mark in December. That means we will surpass our target of 1.2 million (visitors) by 600,000,” he said in a press conference to promote the 2023 New Year Celebration here today.
Elaborating, he said the Sarawak government has effectively implemented the industry’s recovery strategy based on feedback received from industry players and hoped that the state’s tourism sector would continue to grow next year.
"We have been able to manage our state very well. The hotel and tourism industry had been quite happy. For a few years, we were under lockdown, and we hope that the new year will be a good one for us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said the Darul Hana Bridge at the Kuching Waterfront, one of the state’s iconic landmarks, would be closed from Dec 28 in preparation for the 2023 New Year Celebration event to be held on Dec 31.
"The bridge will be used as a site to launch fireworks, so I apologise to visitors who want to stroll along the bridge. It will reopen on Jan 1, 2023,” he said.
With the theme "Let’s Celebrate Together”, the celebration will be filled with entertainment performances, including from the country’s famous entertainers, Datuk Awie and Datuk Aishah, and the international award-winning dance crew, Zeppo Youngsterz.
Abdul Karim said the highlight of the celebration, which will be attended by the Premier of Sarawak Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the state Cabinet, will be the countdown to the new year and the computerised fireworks display. - BERNAMA
