The Success Of The Tourism Industry Relies On Private Sector Collaboration

The success of the tourism industry relies strongly on private sector’s support said Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Haji Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg.

He said that, the government can provide that much but most delivery supply chain should be ideally the contribution from private sectors.

“2015 is a challenging year for Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) and members of the tourism stakeholders having to face the implementation and impact of GST and the minimum wage coupled with the ringgit depreciation,”

Johari said, the create awareness among members on current policies, issues and market trend, Malaysia Agencies of Tour and Travel Association (MATTA) Sarawak Chapter and Malaysia Association of Hotel (MAH) Sarawak Chapter have successfully organized seminars and meetings especially on the implementation of GST for members.

He said this in his winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly Sitting at Petra Jaya, Kuching here today.

“Hence, a special known platform, known as “The Sarawak Tourism” was set up early this year by my Ministry and the tourism industry players through STF,”

He disclosed that, the Sarawak Tourism Forum acts as a venue to discuss policies, issues and current affecting the tourism sector while at the same time provides input for future improvement and 8 Working Groups to execute the plan,”

“Among the priority areas area; establish a heritage body or council to regulate heritage conversation, preservation and future development of known heritage site; a review and audit of National Parks including the upgrading of facilities at Bako National Park; addressing the branding of Sarawak by setting up a Marketing Task Force; licensing of accommodation providers; review of tour guide licensing and syllabus; setting up of An Event and Festival Committee; a ”Gen Y” project (e.g street art, work opportunities, youth,” - Sarawakiana