SIBU: Sarawak is ramping up its promotion of Sibu as a travel destination in its preparations for the reopening of borders on April 1.

       "This city is at the hub of Sarawak with a vast hinterland that is rich in culture and heritage.

       "It is the gateway to the (state's) best kept secrets and should be promoted internationally," Deputy State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan (pic) said Monday (March 14) at the opening of the Starlink Hotel here.

       In fact, he said, Sibu was one of the focus cities under the state's Post Covid Development Development Strategy 2030 that will be implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

       "The ministry will collaborate with tourism industry players to strengthen Sibu's destination profile," he added, citing the annual Borneo Cultural Festival organised by Sibu Municipal Council as a potentially big draw for international visitors.

       He noted that expanding the city's cultural event agenda would give it a solid presence on the international tourism map.

       He added that the state was currently drafting the necessary standard operating procedures (SOP) in preparation for the border reopening and the country's transition to the endemic phase of Covid-19.

       Lawan said the border reopening was very important as two years of the pandemic had greatly affected local businesses.

       He said the opening of the hotel was also a good sign for the tourism industry.

       "The decision to invest in this hotel was made during the movement control order (MCO) period.

       "Many industry players had to make tough decisions because of the pandemic but I hope the hotel will inspire other players and potential investors that (the situation is) now stabilising.

       "The more players we have, the stronger Sarawak's economic recovery," he added.