Middle East war may spur domestic tourism, says Karim

 Sarawak’s tourism minister says global uncertainties often encourage people to travel within the country rather than overseas.

The government has set a target of 47 million international arrivals and RM329 billion in tourism receipts under its Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

PETALING JAYA:

 A senior Sarawak minister says the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could help boost domestic tourism.

Sarawak tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said global uncertainties often encourage people to travel within the country rather than overseas, Bernama reported.

“Based on past experiences, such as during the Covid-19 pandemic, even though borders were closed and flights were limited, Sarawak’s tourism industry remained resilient through various initiatives,” he said during an Aidilfitri programme in Kuching.

Karim highlighted past programmes like the Sia Sitok campaign, which he said was successful because it got more locals to explore destinations within Sarawak.

He said the state is prepared to respond to any prolonged crisis, with contingency plans such as the post-Covid-19 development strategy 2030 already in place.

“If the situation worsens, both the Sarawak and federal governments have plans to ease the burden on the people.

“There is no need to panic. We should take a positive approach in facing any challenge,” he said.

Earlier this month, a research house said the government’s Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign may take a hit from the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a shift in global sentiment.

In a research note, TA Research said the campaign’s ambitious target of 47 million international arrivals and RM329 billion in tourism receipts may be impacted by headwinds from the conflict in the Middle East.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since Feb 28 after Israel and the US struck Iran, which responded with retaliatory strikes against Israel and US interests in Gulf countries. - FMT