Datuk Talib Zulpilip
SIBU: All suggestions or moves to have more flights through Kuching must be welcomed as it is good for tourism and business, says Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip.
Talib added that other parts of Sarawak, such as Sibu, Bintulu and Miri, would also benefit.
This is because from Kuching, the traffic could go to places such as Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri.
“Using Kuching as a hub initially is definitely a sensible and good start since Kuching has many facilities – a big airport, hotels, and many attractions.
“It is easy to create the critical mass. Then we move to other hubs,” he told The Borneo Post.
Talib hoped the federal Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Transport would give the necessary support.
He was commenting on Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents’ (Matta) proposal for Kuching to become the second hub for flight routes across neighbouring countries.
Matta chairman Chris Kon said the suggested routes being forwarded to the state’s Tourism Ministry were Bangkok-Kuching-Bali and Singapore-Kuching-Jakarta.
Kon said making Kuching the second hub would allow tourists to stay for a while longer.
To this Talib said, “An expanding tourism industry benefits everyone.
“It is good for the whole country. This must not be lost sight of.”