KUCHING: Tourism players have to see the essence of the whole chain of services if they want to seek further achievements in their industry, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan.
The Minister of Tourism and Heritage noted that most tourists preferred full-scale products and services for one particular need.
“Tourists nowadays do not look at a particular service but a whole chain of services like whether the immigration officer is nice, the standard of airport services, hospitality of taxi drivers and hotels, as well as other things.
“Until and unless our tourism players recognise the importance of this chain, the state’s tourism will remain as it is,” he said when witnessing an agreement signing between Tune Group and Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd at a leading hotel here yesterday.
Dr Chan, who is also Industrial Development Minister, stressed that the whole chain of services must run smoothly with every link strongly connected in order to deliver quality tourism packages.
He was glad that Tune Group would start operating another budget hotel in Bintulu next year. The first Tune Hotels became operational here last year.
The state might need more budget hotels to offer five-star services at one-star rate, he said, adding that some well-to-do travellers did not mind average accommodation.
“Some rich tourists may need only budget hotel as they want to spend money on other things.”
Budget hotels or bed and breakfast (B&B) should prepare to serve wealthy tourists instead of only backpackers, he said.
Dr Chan said Bintulu represented a pivotal point in the tourism industry particularly for worker tourists as the state looked forward to heightening high-end tourism.
He also lauded AirAsia for reinstating the Singapore-Miri direct flight. Mirians can be flown to Singapore via the budget airlines beginning next year.
Earlier, Tune Group chief executive officer Mark Lankester said Tune Hotels under the corporation promised fantastic experience and great prices that most travellers could afford.
Following the new agreement with Biaramas, he said the group aimed at providing more connectivity on the ground for passengers brought into the state through AirAsia.
“Biaramas will be our local partner and with its coach services, we can offer to those who want to visit all the towns in Sarawak.”
Lankester said the group might arrange to see more flights coming in the state.
“We hope to bring in more people to this great state,” he said, without disclosing details of any future plan.