KUCHING: Sarawak is anticipating 1.2 million visitor arrivals this year with the easing of border controls, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (pic).

       The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the visitors are expected to generate RM3.2bil in tourism receipts.

       "While international tourism slowly bounces back, domestic tourism will continue to drive the recovery of the state's tourism industry," he told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly when winding up matters related to his ministry on Wednesday (May 25).

       Karim said visitor arrivals increased by 574% to 310,064 in the first four months this year, compared to the same period last year.

       He said there was also an increase in visitors to national parks from January to April this year following the reopening of the tourism sector.

       Semenggoh Nature Reserve received 11,453 visitors this year, up by 84% from 1,813 in the same period last year, while Bako National Park recorded an increase of 71% in visitors from 1,023 last year to 3,569 this year.

       Karim also said more focus would be given to develop ecotourism and community-based tourism this year.

       He said initiatives included registering more homestays and building the capacity of local communities by adding value to their products and services.

       "The enhanced skills and knowledge will prepare our tourism industry operators and frontliners for the return of the visitors," he said.