DISTINGUISHED GUEST: Dr Ng (centre) being welcomed at the Sarawak booth by Rashid (second right) and STB personnel.
KUCHING: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) showcased the ‘Padawan Experience’ at the just concluded Matta fair in Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
It said in a press release the ‘Padawan Experience’ highlights the adventure that can be found in the Padawan area near Kuching as STB bids to boost the arrivals of domestic tourists to the state.
“The domestic market is an important market for Sarawak and as at July 31, visitors from the Peninsular grew at seven per cent when compared to the same period last year.
“This positive growth resulted in a nine per cent increase in total visitor arrivals and as at July 31, a total of 2.3 million visitors came,” said STB.
Among the attractions in Padawan area are its flora and fauna, the Orang Utans at the Semenggoh Wildlife Cente, and the Bidayuh culture notably the longhouses and the ring ladies of Kampung Semban, it explained.
It added apart from the culture and nature activities that can be found here, there is also golfing at the Borneo Highlands resort and kayaking along the Padawan River.
Meanwhile, STB was joined by the state’s local inbound tour operators and hoteliers during the three-day Matta Fair which ended yesterday.
Among the visitors to the Sarawak booth was Minister of Tourism Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen. On hand to welcome her was STB’s chief executive officer Dato’ Rashid Khan.