TOURISM CALENDAR: Abang Johari (left) launching the 2012 calendar of tourism events at the DUN complex yesterday. With him are (from second left) his assistant ministers Datuk Gramong Juna and Datuk Talib Zulpilip, permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik and state Tourism Malaysia director Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali.
KUCHING: Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed that tourism programmes in the state be broadcasted by satellite for transmission to the world.
He said this was a way to allow cultural products and tourist attractions to be promoted and, at the same time, enhance the potential of the industry.
“For instance, the Wakeboard Championship recently, had a very large audience via satellite communication that was set up at the waterfront where the organiser took photos and videos for transmission to the world.
“It is cheaper compared to conventional media and therefore it is our hope to use satellite media communication for other tourism programmes,” he said at the launch of the 2012 calendar of tourism events at the DUN complex yesterday.
He reminded tour agencies to be more active in promoting tourism products.
“All tour agencies need to know their role,” he said.
Abang Johari pointed out three types of visitors namely backpackers, normal tourists and professional visitors.
“We have the strength over other destinations; over here we have river cruises and national parks. We have something different which appeals to professionals. In one visit they can experience different events besides conferences,” he noted.
He added that the ministry was targetting to increase overall tourist arrivals by 2013, when the state celebrates its 50th anniversary through the formation of Malaysia, and there will be various activities to mark the event.
A total of 40 tourism events have been registered in the 2012 tourism calendar of events including nine destination events, four festive events, 11 cultural events, 18 sports events and eight exhibitions.
Also present at the launch were assistant ministers Datuk Talib Zulpilip and Datuk Gramong Juna, permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Dato Rashid Khan and other tourism industry players.