KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak expects a 20% growth rate in sales from the European market, following dozens of possible businesses to be established this year, said the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).
In a statement, the agency said it managed to obtain 52 potential ventures set to commence business this year during the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin, an international tourism trade fair.
As such, it projected the potential of the new businesses to generate 20% sales growth from the European market, while the expected total sales are estimated to be worth RM10.5 million for 2023 onwards.
At ITB Berlin, STB also signed a memorandum of understanding with Tischler Reisen AG, to create a joint venture to boost Sarawak as a destination of choice amongst Germans and in other areas of Europe.
The joint venture will involve about 600 of the best agencies in Germany.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state was targeting the arrival of three million visitors as international tourism continues to recover from the pandemic.
He also said tourism had made a big comeback to Sarawak, with eight times more growth in tourism income in 2022, which was almost RM4 billion – compared to RM500 million for 2021.
During the trade fair, STB said visitors were able to enjoy a taste of Sarawak’s unique culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals, which creates positive perceptions towards the state.
At the same time, it also succeeded in showcasing numerous aspects of Sarawak’s multi-ethnic community and natural ecosystem, as well as the myriad of flora and fauna in keeping with the “Discovery of Sarawak” slogan. – The Vibes, March 10, 2023
