KUCHING: The travel industry in Sarawak has not been affected by the novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) because of different market segments.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Sarawak chapter chairman
Lina Tsen Pei Tsin pointed out Sarawak receives fewer tourists from China .
"Tourists coming to Sarawak are mostly Canadians, Europeans, and Americans,
including cruise liner and not so much from China. These market segmentations are inclined to Borneo island as a whole and they are also into culture and arts.
"We hoped we are able to tap the Chinese market but what we have is only a handful unlike Sabah where the Chinese market is booming, " Tsen told reporters at the launching of Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) stickers for tourist coaches yesterday.
She added China is not considered a big market segment
due to the lack of direct flights.
"Actually, for inbound , we do not have direct flights to and from China . We used to have from Shenzhen to Kuching but it has stopped already in view of poor passenger load," she said.
Tsen said MATTA Sarawak supports the state government's stand on banning Chinese tourist at present.
"We support the stategovernment banning Chinese tourists into the state for safety reasons. It is not just us being affected but it's a global thing.
"We hope that this virus will be contained so that people are safe to go anywhere they want and we welcome tourists to Sarawak," she said .
MATTA Sarawak Chapter has some 180 members.
On the VM2020 campaign in Sarawak, Tsen said MATTA Sarawak chapter will help to increase promotion of events and festivals to Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, neighbouring countries, as well as locals.
"With this, more overland coaches, services are encouraged in Sarawak to boost inbound activity .
"With the campaign rolled out, there has never been a better time to experience this beautiful and exotic destination that is home to 37 national parks, 14 nature reserves, five wildlife sanctuaries, including dozens of attractions and activities, along with a rich history of culture and heritage," she said.
Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng officiated at the event on behalf of Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.