Sarawak is gearing up to welcome an estimated four million visitors, targeting RM9.76 billion in tourism revenue in 2024. The optimistic outlook follows a promising trend in tourist arrivals this year.
Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, initially projected three million visitor arrivals and RM7.6 billion in revenue for 2023. However, as of October this year, Sarawak has already received 3.18 million visitors, contributing approximately 5.75% to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) with tourism receipts amounting to RM8.07 billion.
Abdul Karim expressed confidence in the post-Covid-19 tourism industry’s exponential growth, aligning with positive global tourism trends. The state expects tourist arrivals to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025. With new developments on the horizon, including the acquisition of MASwings, Sarawak anticipates further tourism attractions’ completion, making tourism a key driver of GDP growth and maintaining its high-income status.
In addition to overall tourism growth, Sarawak’s national parks and nature reserves continue to be popular destinations for both domestic and foreign tourists. As of October 2023, these parks welcomed a total of 426,925 visitors, comprising 319,931 domestic and 106,994 foreign visitors.
Sarawak’s tourism sector remains optimistic about its future, with positive trends and plans for expansion set to bolster the state’s economy and tourism industry.
