KUCHING, May 14: Sarawak saw a significant increase in tourism receipts from the period of January to April 2024 totalling RM4.17 billion, an increase of 27.43 per cent as compared to the same period in 2023 with RM3.27 billion.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this is due to Sarawak recording a 25.46 percent increase in tourist arrivals during this period, at 1.62 million tourists compared to 1.3 million the previous year.
“These figures not only highlight Sarawak’s resilience and growing prominence in the tourism sector, but also reflect the successful implementation of strategic marketing and development initiatives aimed at attracting both domestic and international tourists,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
He expressed optimism that the tourism industry will continue to recover throughout 2024 as both local and foreign visitors return.
“By the end of 2024, the industry is expected to reach around 90 percent of its pre-pandemic levels.
“This is in line with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Tourism Barometer prediction of 85 percent recovery rate in 2023,” he added.
Meanwhile in 2023, Karim said Sarawak welcomed a record 3.92 million tourists, marking a substantial 93.82 percent increase from the previous year.
Karim said this surge in tourism contributed approximately RM9.99 billion in revenue, recording an impressive 101.41 percent growth compared to 2022.
“This influx has had a big impact on the region’s economy, contributing 7.11 percent to Sarawak’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he added.
Highlighting Sarawak’s growing appeal as a key destination, he said the region accounted for around 20 percent of Malaysia’s total visitor arrivals last year.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Ministry of Tourism anticipates even greater numbers, projecting an estimated 4 million tourists, which would potentially generate around RM10.19 billion in tourism revenue, thereby increasing Sarawak’s GDP contribution to 7.25 percent.- TVS
