KUCHING: The sizeable allocations for tourism in Budget 2022 gives local industry players hope of faster recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

       The state Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said the RM600mil allocated under the Penjana Tourism Financing and BPBM Rehabilitation Scheme was much welcomed by industry players.

       He also welcomed the RM60mil allocation for the promotion of domestic tourism.

       "This will boost the recovery rate to the desired level.

       "The waiver of tax for those in tourism-related events and activities will encourage more visibility at the international level," Abdul Karim said in a statement on Friday (Oct 29).

       He described Budget 2022 as a people-centric one that covered the major aspects of recovery from the pandemic.

       "The Federal Government has allocated a good sum of funds towards rejuvenating our local economy, including tourism which was a main contributor prior to the outbreak of the pandemic," he added.

       Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz had announced a total allocation of RM1.6bil for the tourism industry when tabling Budget 2022 on Friday.

       He noted that tourism was one of the sectors severely affected by the pandemic.