Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Call for review of international tourism products in Sarawak


MIRI: There is a need to review some of the so-called international tourism based events in the State because the contents of such events were deemed not ready for the world market, according to Minister of Urban Development & Tourism, Datuk Michael Manyin ak Jawong.

He said the organizer of such event should make sure the products have the right quality before using the international tagline to sell to foreign tourists.

The minister was giving the remarks during an interview recently.

He cited the Baram International Regatta (BIR) 2008 as an event “not ready yet to cater for the international market”.

“Although BIR has great tourism potential for the world market, the event at this moment is not ready yet for the foreign market because of the lack of supporting facilities such as accommodation, proper roads, air services as well as proper eating outlets,” he explained.

Manyin said he had already discussed with the Assistant Minister of Water Supply Sylvester Entri and Telang Usan Assemblyman Lihan Jok and told them that BIR was not ready to be included in the tourism calendar of events.

He added that the supporting facilities should be in place first or otherwise, it would be difficult for his ministry to sell the product to foreign markets.

“At this moment, the regatta cannot be included in the tourism calendar of events. They (foreigners) would be disappointed,” he remarked.

Continue reading at: Call for review of international tourism products in Sarawak

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