Sarawak To Focus On 'CAN' As Tourism Attraction

photo: PelanconganKini

KUCHING, April 16 (Bernama) -- Sarawak aims to attract some five million tourist arrivals this year, following its tremendous success in receiving 4.8 million tourists last year, far exceeding its target of 4.3 million.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said the figure reflected an increase of 11 per cent compared to the previous year, with the estimated tourism receipts generated last year recorded at RM10.6 billion.

He said with approximately 12 per cent contribution to the state Gross Domestic Product (GDP), tourism sector was a very important component in the state's economy, providing steady stream of revenue, income and employment.

He pointed out that in order to grow and further promote tourism, the state would continue its focus on culture, adventure and nature (CAN) as its niche attraction and tourism products.

The chief minister said the state government was committed to curb illegal logging, and the current directives and initiatives taken would protect the forest, ensuring more national parks and forest reserves to be created.

"Therefore in the coming years, Sarawak will have even more forested landscape and countryside to be developed as eco-tourism destinations," he said in his speech when officiating the State Tourism Conference in a hotel here today.
-bernama.