SIBU: The health and tourism sectors can complement each other to boost Sarawak’s appeal as a destination, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said while his portfolio may appear far removed from the medical field, the two were in fact closely interconnected.
“The health and safety of a destination are paramount to a thriving tourism industry. When visitors choose to come to Sarawak, they do so with the confidence that they are travelling to a place with a strong and reliable healthcare system,” he said at an appreciation dinner for nurses at a hotel here.
The Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman said the dedication of nurses was the bedrock of tourist confidence, adding that there were opportunities for closer collaboration between the two sectors in the future.
Tiong also pointed out that Sarawak’s cultural traditions and natural landscapes were not only a visual feast but also a balm for the soul.
“We can work together to promote wellness tourism, where visitors can come to rejuvenate their minds and bodies. With the high standard of medical expertise we have in Sibu, we can also develop medical tourism to attract those seeking specialised treatment in a serene environment,” he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of nurses and healthcare personnel from hospitals, clinics, dental services and pharmacies, noting that each played a vital role in safeguarding the health and well-being of the community.
“From the frontliners who work tirelessly to the administrative staff who provide crucial support, your contributions do not go unnoticed,” he added – The Star
