Lee presents a prize to a lucky draw winner.
MIRI: More measures will be carried out to promote local tourism this year, including the introduction of tourism products to foreign markets such as China.
Assistant Minister for Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin said many tourists from China were interested to visit Malaysia, particularly this city due to its natural attractions such as the seaside and beaches.
“They (Chinese tourists) loves the beaches that we have in Miri – they are even producing a movie here, taking advantage of the ‘Blue Tears’ phenomenon at Tusan beach,” he told reporters at the ‘New Year Countdown’ in Permymall.
Lee, who is Senadin assemblyman, said that some Chinese tourists would go to Australia just to enjoy the beautiful Gold Coast of Queensland.
“We also have beautiful beaches as good as the Gold Coast in Australia, and with the right and regular promotions through both electronic and digital media, we can expect a large number of tourists from China flocking into Miri.”
Towards this end, he stressed that all tourism operators must work together with the government in scouting for new market in China, including through the introduction of local tourism products.
“At the same time, we will also carry out digital or electronic promotions via social media from China, to further boost the market of Malaysian tourism products there,” he said.
According to Lee, apart from the beautiful natural environment, the Chinese tourists are also drawn to the unique culture and tradition of the multiracial communities in Sarawak, including good food.
“We are targeting to receive at least five million tourists coming to Miri this year. With the existence of the new market from China, this is not impossible,” he said.
Apart from China, Lee said another entry point into this division was via Brunei – another gateway for international tourists.
“We are making efforts to allow more tourists to enter via Brunei, by operating more immigration counters at the border (posts), apart from organising more international events.”
On another development, Lee hoped that Sarawakians could continue maintaining the current peace and stability which had been enjoyed in the state for generations.
This would include pushing away extremist’s ideology which could lead to disunity among Sarawakians.
“This is why Sarawak has the autonomy to prevent (the entry of) extremist individuals and groups, which may cause chaos and disrupt harmony (in Sarawak),” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, more than 500 people turned up at the countdown party, which was hosted by the Senadin branch of Sarawak United National Youths Organisation (Saberkas) and had various activities such as a lucky draw offering attractive prizes, dance performances, singing presentation as well as a fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.