Latest news with #C.A.MRoadTour2025
Borneo Post
14 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak tourism booms as monthly receipts top RM1 bln
Abdul Karim (front, second left) flagging off the C.A.M Road Tour 2025. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 25): Sarawak's tourism sector has shown robust growth in the first half of 2025, with monthly tourism receipts exceeding RM1 billion up to May, said State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He said this reflects a steady rise in tourist arrivals and spending, with Sarawak well on track to meet its five million visitor target for the year, where the state recorded 1.6 million tourist arrivals as of May. 'Tourism receipts, calculated based on spending by both domestic and international tourists, have surpassed RM1 billion monthly. 'This includes expenditures on accommodation, food, transport, shopping and other tourism-related services,' he said during the flag-off ceremony of the C.A.M Road Tour 2025 at Roxy Hotel here today. Abdul Karim attributed Sarawak's growing appeal to its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, noting that tourists are drawn not to shopping malls, but to jungles, caves, national parks, and vibrant festivals. He cited the recently concluded Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) as one of Sarawak's key tourism drivers, alongside the Kuching Jazz Festival, Borneo Jazz Festival in Miri, and numerous food festivals held throughout the year. 'RWMF for example is a principal event of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, effectively creating a unique identity for Sarawak on the global tourism stage. 'It serves as a significant attraction, drawing thousands of concert-goers and promoting the state's cultural heritage,' he said. Last year alone, the ministry supported 294 events, contributing to a vibrant calendar that continues to attract both domestic and international tourists, he said. Abdul Karim also highlighted the role of medical tourism, particularly from neighbouring Indonesia, where many seek treatment at private hospitals in Kuching. 'Many of these visitors travel with family and stay for extended periods, contributing significantly to tourism spending,' he said. He stressed the importance of local transport providers, such as C.A.M, in connecting tourists to attractions outside city centres. 'Many know that most of our nature-based tourism spots are not in the city centre. We need reliable and comfortable transport to reach them,' he said. With continued efforts to promote major events, improve access to natural sites, and support local industry players, Abdul Karim said Sarawak is well-positioned to sustain its tourism momentum in the coming months. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah tourism receipts
Borneo Post
15 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak eyes caravan parks along Pan Borneo Highway to boost rural tourism
KUCHING (June 25): Sarawak is exploring the development of caravan parks along the Pan Borneo Highway in an effort to promote flexible travel experiences and attract nature-loving tourists, said State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the C.A.M Road Tour 2025 at Roxy Hotel here today, Abdul Karim said the ministry is working with local councils to identify and equip suitable sites along the highway with essential amenities for motorhome and caravan travellers, noting that the caravan tourism is already popular in countries like New Zealand. 'It used to be very difficult for us to travel from Kuching to Miri, but now with the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, we are looking at how to create new interest,' he said. Among the initiatives being considered, he said, is to identify and equip suitable sites outside city centres such as Sebangkoi near Sarikei with electricity, clean water, lighting, shower facilities, and security, making them suitable for overnight parking and rest stops for motorhome travellers. 'If we can develop such facilities all the way to Limbang, this new tourism product will be much easier to promote,' he said. He said the idea would allow tourists to explore rural areas, national parks, and cultural attractions at their own pace, with Kapit and its traditional longhouses among the destinations being considered. He noted that locations like Niah, which is now recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site, offer great potential for this type of travel while unlike more costly destinations like Mulu that require flights and high-end accommodations, Niah is easily accessible by road and suitable for those travelling in motorhomes. 'This is a product we will be promoting. It's not just for tourists, but also a chance for local businesses in transport, hospitality, and craft industries to benefit. 'It is an initiative that reflects the ministry's broader aim to diversify Sarawak's tourism offerings, especially in eco and rural tourism, while supporting the growing interest in flexible, self-driven travel,' he said. He expressed confidence that with the right support from government agencies and the private sector, caravan tourism could become a significant part of Sarawak's travel landscape in the years to come.
