KUCHING: The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sarawak chapter head John Teo anticipates that the Niah National Park Caves Complex’s nomination as a Unesco World Heritage site will accelerate the expansion of Miri’s tourism industry.
He made a note of the fact that the Niah Caves archaeological site was first nominated in 2019 and received recognition five years later.
Because people first settled in Niah Great Caves National Park in Miri at least 40 millennia ago, the area is teeming with unwritten history. Some of the oldest human remains can be found in the caves, the guy stated in a statement.
Teo thought that the designation would enable the placement of Miri and the entirety of Sarawak on the global tourism map, in addition to drawing in tourists from other countries to explore the intriguing cave complex.
“Since it represents the highest worldwide recognition for heritage sites, inclusion on the Unesco World Heritage list is highly sought after by nations worldwide.”
Teo stated that to accommodate the expected increase in tourist arrivals, well-planned infrastructure, including suitable roads, waste management systems, and visitor centres, would also be built in the vicinity of the Niah Caves complex for the benefit of the local population.
Furthermore, Teo celebrated Niah National Park’s coveted designation, saying it “underscored Sarawak government’s commitment to protect local heritage sites.”
Furthermore, he added that the country currently has five Unesco World Heritage Sites: the ancient cities of Melaka and George Town (Penang); the Lenggong Valley archaeological site in Perak; the Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak; and Kinabalu Park in Sabah.
