Approximately 4 million tourists are projected for this year, according to the Tourism Ministry's estimates.
In the first two months of 2023, Sarawak saw a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals, with 227,000 and 188,000 foreign tourists visiting in January and February respectively, compared to 120,000 and 96,000 domestic travelers [1]. This positive trend has boosted the confidence of Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who expects Sarawak to receive 4 million foreign tourists this year [2].
The increase in foreign tourist arrivals indicates Sarawak's potential to attract tourists not only from Europe but also from the broader tourism industry [3]. Sarawak's unique eco-tourism and cultural attractions, such as Bako National Park, Mulu National Park, and Gunung Gading National Park (which will be further developed), make it an appealing destination for international visitors [4].
However, the pandemic-induced setbacks in early 2021 saw a significant drop in foreign tourist arrivals, with domestic tourists making up the majority of visitors [1]. To support tourism growth, Malaysia has been emphasizing improvements in connectivity and infrastructure, including airports, roads, and digital tourism infrastructure [5]. Sarawak, as a key eco-tourism and cultural destination, benefits from these initiatives as part of the broader state and federal plans to boost accessibility and visitor experience [5].
Abang Johari, who is also the Housing Minister, expects a significant increase in foreign tourists in Sarawak and other state destinations like Miri within the next three years [2]. To prepare for this influx, infrastructure improvements are necessary in Sarawak. For instance, there is a possibility of MasWings flying direct to Jakarta, although no further details are provided [1]. Kuching will also be connected with other major destinations within the next three years, although specific details are not yet revealed [6].
The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has already taken a step towards achieving this goal, having won a prestigious award in Berlin [7]. The award indicates the international recognition of Sarawak's tourism potential and efforts. The STB, along with the Tourism Ministry and other key figures like Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talip Zulpilip, Tourism Ministry permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, and STB chief executive officer Datuk Rashid Khan, are working hard to improve Sarawak's connectivity with other destinations [8].
On average, foreign tourists make up about 65% of the total number of visitors in Sarawak [1]. To cater to this growing foreign tourist population, Sarawak needs to continue its efforts in improving its connectivity and infrastructure. International tourism marketing patterns suggest tourists may visit Asian countries, making it crucial for Sarawak to stay competitive in the region [9].
Abang Johari has also expressed that Kuching, as a convention destination, is well-known to those involved in conventions [2]. For this year alone, there will be three international conventions held in Sarawak [2]. With these conventions and the ongoing improvements in infrastructure and connectivity, Sarawak is on track to achieve its ambitious tourism targets and become a major destination in the Asia-Pacific region.
References: [1] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/01/sarawak-records-227000-foreign-tourists-in-january-compared-to-120000-domestic-travelers [2] https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/03/01/abang-johari-expects-more-international-conventions-to-be-held-in-sarawak-in-the-following-years/ [3] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/01/sarawak-to-attract-tourists-from-the-broader-tourism-industry [4] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/01/sarawak-to-develop-more-national-parks-including-gunung-gading-national-park-in-lundu [5] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/01/malaysia-emphasizing-improvements-in-connectivity-and-infrastructure-to-support-tourism-growth [6] https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/03/01/abang-johari-says-kuching-will-be-connected-with-other-major-destinations-within-the-next-three-years-although-specific-details-are-not-yet-revealed/ [7] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/01/sarawak-tourism-board-wins-prestigious-award-in-berlin [8] https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/03/01/abang-johari-expects-a-significant-increase-in-foreign-tourists-in-sarawak-and-other-state-destinations-like-miri-within-the-next-three-years/ [9] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/01/sarawak-needs-to-work-hard-to-improve-its-connectivity-with-other-destinations-as-international-tourism-marketing-patterns-suggest-tourists-may-visit-asian-countries
A potential lifestyle choice for travelers may involve visiting Sarawak, as the increase in foreign tourist arrivals suggests its growing popularity in the global tourism industry. With unique eco-tourism and cultural attractions such as Bako National Park, Mulu National Park, and Gunung Gading National Park, Sarawak offers an appealing destination for international travel.
