The 2023 budget is able to move Sarawak’s tourism initiative forward
KUCHING: The “Sia Sitok” initiative which is continuously implemented by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), will enjoy a shift forward following the encouragement of Malaysian Families to travel to preferred destinations within the country, as announced in the 2023 Budget.
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries 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 artworks, will be able to encourage domestic tourism activities.
“The granting of a Tourism Promotion Matching Grant (GAMELAN) which involves a promotional and marketing campaign with the industry, can be a catalyst and incentive to organize large-scale programs including international sports events,” he said today in commenting on the 2023 Budget presented yesterday.
According to him, the state’s health tourism will also benefit from the tax incentives for the export of private health care services, which will be extended until 2025.
“Allocation to the ‘Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council’ amounting to RM20 million can further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for health tourists,” he said.
Meanwhile, tourism operator with a Melanau culture concept, Diana Rose described next year’s national budget as leaning towards helping 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 income, which takes into account the needs of various entrepreneurs such as handicrafts, accommodation and so on,” he said.
source – BERNAMA
