Budget 2023 to push Sarawak tourism initiatives ahead

KUCHING: The initiative of "Sia Sitok" which will continue to be implemented by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) will get a boost following the incentives to encourage Keluarga Malaysia to visit selected domestic destinations under Budget 2023.

Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the allocation of RM25 million in the form of discounts, vouchers and rebates for accommodation, tour packages, handicrafts and artwork will enhance domestic tourism activities.

"The provision of Tourism Malaysia Matching Grant (GAMELAN) which involve promotional and marketing campaign with the industry will be a catalyst and incentive to organise large-scale programme including international sports events," he was commenting on Budget 2023 which was tabled yesterday.

According to him, state health tourism could also benefit from tax incentives for private healthcare services which will be extended until 2025.

"The allocation to the "Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council" amounting to RM20 million can also further strengthen Malaysia's position as a preferred destination for health tourists," he added.

BUDGET-REACTION (SARAWAK TOURISM) 2 (LAST) KUCHING

Meanwhile, Melanau culture tour operator, Diana Rose described next year's national budget as aiming to help tourism which was the first industry to be affected by COVID-19 and the last to recover.

"This is a tourism-friendly budget with various incentives to help this industry to return to being a contributor to national revenue by taking into account the needs of various entrepreneurs of handicrafts, accommodation and so on," she said.

She hopes that the government, at the federal or state level, will take follow-up steps to draw up a strategic development plan for tourism in Sarawak which is capable of developing the industry further.

"That's what I want, but it was not given special attention in the budget this time," she added.

-- BERNAMA