KUCHING: Sarawak expects to attract a record five million visitors this year, exceeding its target of four million arrivals, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the number of visitors stood at 2.8 million as of July this year, a growth of 25% compared to 2.3 million in the same period last year.

As such, he said the four million target could be achieved by September or October.

"I'm very excited about what is happening. We might even hit five million arrivals.

"This year will be the highest number of visitors, looking at the trend from January to July. We have not hit this kind of numbers in the years before this," he told reporters after closing his ministry's innovative and creative circle convention here on Monday (Aug 12).

The highest number of visitors recorded by Sarawak was 4.6 million in 2019.

Abdul Karim also said the state received 425,453 visitors last month, up by 36% from 312,197 in July last year.

He said tourism receipts stood at RM1.099bil last month compared to RM793.7mil in July last year.

From January to July, Sarawak recorded tourism receipts of RM7.3bil, a growth of 27% from RM5.8bil in the same period last year.

Abdul Karim said Sarawak's cultural diversity was one of its attractions, along with many events bringing in visitors.

"We will continue to plan for events to be held every month, from music and sports to food and culture events.

"Sarawak has diverse cultures and cuisine, which makes it unique and attractive to visitors," he said.

Link: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/12/sarawak-could-hit-record-5-million-visitors-this-year-says-abdul-karim