MIRI: Miri has strong potential to become a key tourism hub in northern Sarawak, says Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak secretary Alan Ling.
He said the city, which was declared a city in 2005 and branded as a resort city, has long been seen by residents and industry players as a driver of sustainable growth and economic spillover for the local community.
Ling said coordinated efforts among government agencies, industry stakeholders and local players were crucial to unlocking Miri’s full tourism potential.
“With more aggressive promotional strategies and greater emphasis on the uniqueness of our natural attractions and the cultural diversity of our communities, Miri can record significant growth in tourist arrivals,” he said.
He added that the city was well-positioned to attract not only foreign visitors but also domestic travellers from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
Ling was speaking at a Chinese New Year open house hosted by Miri MP Chiew Choon Man at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club on Saturday (Feb 22).
He described Chiew’s appointment as Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister as timely and strategic, saying it would usher in a new chapter for Miri’s tourism industry and strengthen its position as a leading destination in the region.
“I am confident his leadership at the federal level will bring renewed focus and direction to Miri’s tourism development. The city needs a fresh boost in the tourism industry, and I believe our MP has well-structured plans to realise this,” he added.
