Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg
KUCHING: Tourists from China have recently discovered Miri’s attractions, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture.
He said as such the government is currently negotiating for a direct flight between Miri and Shenzen in China.
During his Aidilfitri open house on Wednesday, Abang Johari was interviewed by a crew from China CCTV 4, who were here to document how Sarawakians celebrate the occasion.
According to Abang Johari, the team was fascinated by the way Sarawakians of various races and religions celebrated together.
“With more than 200 million viewers, I believe that the state will be greatly promoted,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is currently negotiating with an airline from Taiwan for a direct flight between Taipei and Kuching.
“At the moment, STB is still negotiating with an airline from Taiwan for the possibility of a direct flight between Taipei and Kuching, which I don’t want to reveal now,” he said.
He added that Hong Kong Airlines was also looking into the possibility of increasing the number of its direct flights to Kuching.
Abang Johari pointed out that the weekly direct flight has received a positive response from Hong Kong group bookings.
“Apparently the direct flight between Kuching and Hong Kong has received good response, which shows that our promotion is successful,” he added.