ID :
46203
Wed, 02/18/2009 - 12:47
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/46203
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SARAWAK DRAW NEW STRATEGIES TO BOOST TOURISM
KUCHING (Malaysia), Feb 18 (Bernama) - East Malaysia Sarawak-state has implemented new strategies to offset the impact of the global financial crisis, and boost the number of tourist arrivals from Asean, state Urban Development and Tourism minister, Michael Manyin said Tuesday.
He said with the global economic meltdown, travelers who used to travel
long distances like United States and Europe for holidays would opt for
affordable short-haul destinations, within the region.
"Sarawak is looking to capitalize on such short-haul travelers, especially
Singaporean tourists, by improving accessibility by making available more
Singapore-Kuching direct flights since November last year.
"For the Kuching-Jakarta direct flight sector, we will introduce new tourism
packages to draw Indonesian tourists before going on to (promote Sarawak) to the
Philippines, Thailand and the rest of Asean countries," he told reporters at the
launch of Tune Hotels.com-Waterfront Kuching, here Tuesday.
On Sarawak's effort to attract more Singaporean tourist, Manyin said the
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) would work closely with local tour operators and
airlines to offer various competitive travel packages.
He said four airlines, namely Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, SilkAir, and Tiger
Airways were providing Singapore-Kuching direct flights.
"Starting March 1, another low cost carrier - JetStar Asia, would start
operating the Singapore-Kuching direct flight route and an additional 7,000
seats would be available weekly.
"The direct flights had improved the accessibility between Singapore and
Kuching and STB will also work with local tour operators to attract students and
church groups from the island republic," he said.
Meanwhile, Manyin said an international beauty pageant to be held in the
state this year would also attract more tourists as well as promote Sarawak.
"Participants from 60 countries are expected to participate in the beauty
pageant," he said.
-- BERNAMA
He said with the global economic meltdown, travelers who used to travel
long distances like United States and Europe for holidays would opt for
affordable short-haul destinations, within the region.
"Sarawak is looking to capitalize on such short-haul travelers, especially
Singaporean tourists, by improving accessibility by making available more
Singapore-Kuching direct flights since November last year.
"For the Kuching-Jakarta direct flight sector, we will introduce new tourism
packages to draw Indonesian tourists before going on to (promote Sarawak) to the
Philippines, Thailand and the rest of Asean countries," he told reporters at the
launch of Tune Hotels.com-Waterfront Kuching, here Tuesday.
On Sarawak's effort to attract more Singaporean tourist, Manyin said the
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) would work closely with local tour operators and
airlines to offer various competitive travel packages.
He said four airlines, namely Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, SilkAir, and Tiger
Airways were providing Singapore-Kuching direct flights.
"Starting March 1, another low cost carrier - JetStar Asia, would start
operating the Singapore-Kuching direct flight route and an additional 7,000
seats would be available weekly.
"The direct flights had improved the accessibility between Singapore and
Kuching and STB will also work with local tour operators to attract students and
church groups from the island republic," he said.
Meanwhile, Manyin said an international beauty pageant to be held in the
state this year would also attract more tourists as well as promote Sarawak.
"Participants from 60 countries are expected to participate in the beauty
pageant," he said.
-- BERNAMA
