Sarawak tourist numbers up 131.34 per cent in 2023

The figures of tourist arrivals in Sarawak have jumped 131.34 per cent as compared to last year’s figure (2022).

According to Youth, Sports And Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in his speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), the figures represent tourist arrivals until October 2023, which are compared to the same period last year.

Karim was quoted by Borneo Post as saying that Sarawak had received 3.18 million visitors until October 2023, earning Sarawak RM8.07 billion in tourist receipts.

He explained that this figures in turn contributed to 5.75 per cent of Sarawak’s GDP for this year.

The ministry had projected 3 million tourist arrivals for 2023, expecting some RM7.6 billion in revenue.

National parks gain popularity

National parks in Sarawak had also seen a surge in tourist visits this year with these parks gaining a 34 per cent increase in tourist.

Karim explained that 426,925 visitors were recorded at 25 national parks and nature reserves within Sarawak until the third quarter of 2023, with 319,931 of the arrivals being domestic visitors and the rest being foreign visitors.

Karim also noted that Sarawak has 67 gazetted Totally Protected Areas, with 47 of them being national parks, 15 being nature reserves, and five being wildlife sanctuaries.

However, only 25 are open to the public and visitors.

The increase of tourist arrivals in Kuching particularly has been rather noticeable with the tourism industry picking up quite favourably once the Covid-19 pandemic receeded and confidence in public health improved.

The many events lined up throughout the year had also helped boost arrivals in Sarawak, making it a key destination for many this year.

• BOOK tours to jalan-jalan in Kuching
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• READ more about National Parks in Kuching