Among the planned stops on the route are the Kuching International Airport, old Kuching Heritage Trail, major hotels, private medical centres, education institutions, shopping malls and Kuching Sentral Express Bus Terminal. File Photo
KUCHING: The Sarawak Cabinet has approved four more units of electric buses (e-buses) to cover an extended route next year for tourism, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said in his winding up speech in the State Legislative Assembly today that the route would cover 54 stops on a loop between the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Building and the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.
“This offers convenience to visitors and they will also be able to utilise the service to reach various attractions and facilities along the extended bus routes,” he said.
Among the stops on the route are the Kuching International Airport, old Kuching Heritage Trail, major hotels, private medical centres, education institutions, shopping malls and Kuching Sentral Express Bus Terminal.
The first Sarawak e-Bus Service began its trial operation on March 1 this year.The free service covers some of the important stops in Kuching City, offering 26 bus stops on a loop between the Old Court House and ICOM Square in Pending.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said the ‘Visit Sarawak Campaign’ will be extended into the long-haul markets next year with more attention given to destination branding.
“Digital promotion will still be the way forward leveraging more on social media platforms, maintaining participation in international tourism fairs and road shows, and developing effective familiarisation trips.
“The destination branding exercise in 2020 will focus on the major markets of the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia,” he said in his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly today .
Abdul Karim said these markets will leverage more on media and public relations exercise with stronger brand appeal through digital, broadcasting and printed advertisings.
He said the Sarawak Tourism Board would also venture into the India market with focus on the southern cities as they have more flight accessibility into Malaysia.
Abdul Karim said the market has shown a continuous steady increase in arrivals over the years and the board would be looking into the possibility of partnerships with local Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia tour operators specialising in India market.