Sarawak Tourism hail Malaysia, Brunei VTL initiative

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) welcomes Malaysia and Brunei's recommendation to implement an air and land vaccinated travel lane (VTL) initiative for cross-border movement between the two countries.

STB sees this update as a positive development for the state tourism sector and is optimistic about the industry's recovery in 2022.

Chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor said STB is encouraged by the announcement made by the Malaysian and Brunei governments and that this decision will aid in boosting the country's economic recovery, in tandem with the growth of the tourism sector.

"We are confident that the reopening of Brunei borders will bode well for us, as Miri, Limbang and Lawas borders are the closest to Brunei, and Sarawak has always been a state that attracts travellers, from Brunei and around the world.

"In ensuring the safety of all, Sarawak through the Sarawak Disaster Management

Committee has in place intelligent risk management within borders, as well as

a stringent standard operating procedure," she said in a recent statement.

In addition to the border reopening, STB is also encouraged by the decision made by

Malaysia's transport ministry on the sale of bus and airline tickets under the VTL between Malaysia and Singapore, which has resumed to a full seating capacity.

Additionally, STB is also heartened by Scoot Tigerair's expansion of its route into Sarawak, following news that it will commence its direct flights from Singapore into Miri starting 23 February 2022.

This is in addition to its existing flights from Singapore to Kuching three times weekly.

"The opening of this new route between Singapore and Miri reinforces the confidence the airline has in Sarawak as an investment destination, given the stability and growth potential of the state.

"It is very timely for the airline to operate from Singapore to Miri and vice-versa as Miri is designated as the northern gateway to Sarawak.

"STB is optimistic that these recent developments will contribute towards realising the state's tourism targets for the year," Sharzede said.

She said 2022 is a chapter of resilience, resurgence and growth for the travel industry, and STB will continue focusing on building and creating new ways of doing business beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Our unique blend of culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals (CANFF) will

remain our driving force, and we remain committed to creating a meaningful experience for our travellers whilst spearheading responsible tourism initiatives," Sharzede said.