2023 Service Trade Fair | Interview: Looking forward to attracting more Chinese tourists through the Service Trade Fair - Visit Abdul Kalin, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts of Sarawak, Malaysia Tourism | China | Creative
Kuala Lumpur, September 5th (Xinhua) - Interview: Looking forward to attracting more Chinese tourists through the Service Trade Fair - Visit Abdul Kalin, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts of Sarawak, Malaysia
Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Yi and Mao Pengfei
Abdulkarin, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts of Sarawak, Malaysia, recently stated in an interview with Xinhua News Agency that he looks forward to the 2023 China International Trade in Services Fair helping Sarawak attract more Chinese tourists.
This visit to China to attend the service trade fair is the first time that Adukalim has visited China since the COVID-19, and he said he has been looking forward to it for a long time. "We hope to use the Service Trade Fair platform to promote Sarawak and attract more Chinese tourists."
According to Abdulkarin, Sarawak was committed to increasing its visibility among Chinese tourists before the pandemic. In 2019, Sarawak received nearly 40000 Chinese tourists; As of July this year, we have received over 20000 Chinese tourists.
Abdulkarin stated that during the Trade in Services Fair, the Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts Department will meet with Chinese tourism industry professionals to promote Sarawak's tourism products. In addition, they will strengthen communication with relevant departments and enterprises in China, deepen exchanges between Sarawak and China in cultural, tourism, art and other fields.
When it comes to Sarawak's tourism resources, Abdulkarin said that Sarawak has a diverse ecosystem, rich natural and cultural landscapes, diverse culinary cultures, and cultural activities such as the Tropical Rainforest World Music Festival.
"China and Sarawak have a long history of communication and interaction. Nowadays, Chinese people are one of the three major ethnic groups in Sarawak, accounting for about 20% of the population. Many Chinese people have been passed down in Sarawak for several generations, but still retain the culture and traditions of their ancestors. Interestingly, these traditions and cultures have evolved under the influence of the lifestyle of Sarawak people, giving birth to unique but still familiar Chinese customs. I believe Chinese tourists can experience and resonate with them.".
"Sarawak is discussing opening direct flights with China, hoping to further attract Chinese tourists," said Abdulkarin.