Datuk Talib Zulpilip
SIBU: The private sector is encouraged to tap into the vast potential of offering chartered flights more so with the huge volume of air travellers during major festivities.
Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip, who gave this suggestion, said having more chartered flights would further strengthen the state’s air connectivity and boost the tourism industry.
“Well, what I like to see now in the market is for more visitors from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan to come here. So, I encourage the private sector to start chartered flights where they can also tap in big festivities such as the Hari Raya celebration.
“Take for instance, there are so many Indonesians working and living here and returning to celebrate the occasion with their families. And in China, many of the people there have relations or kin here, and would want to visit the state and vice-versa.
“That alone is a huge market and this is where chartered flights can come in,” Talib, who is Jepak assemblyman, told The Borneo Post. To top it all, he opined that during peak periods, chartered flights could also provide the necessary connectivity for tourists to visit the state.
He mentioned that Sarawak had so much to offer be it history, nature, culture and just about anything tourists were looking for.
“On top of that, we have nice people offering warm hospitality and mouth-watering food,” he said.
He also suggested that those with deep pockets to start new airlines, taking cue from Air Asia and Malindo, which were both new in the aviation industry.
On another matter, he was looking forward to the private sector’s initiative to creatively come up with a new river cruise to tap into the tourism potential of the mighty Rajang River.
“We welcome private sector’s initiative whether in Sibu or anywhere in the state to get the ball rolling. Creatively coming up with the package and promotion is the key to entice tourists,” Talib said, assuring that they were willing to facilitate in this matter.
Meanwhile, the Pandaw Cruise which helped put Sibu on the world map docked at Burung Apu Wharf for the final time last March.
Back then, the final batch of 49 foreign tourists were mesmerised with the trip along the majestic river, describing it as an unforgettable experience, enlightening them with the diverse culture of the ethnic groups and unspoiled jungles.