Sarawak targets India and new AirBorneo routes to boost tourism

Sarawak is pursuing aggressive tourism expansion through enhanced international connectivity and targeted market engagement. The Sarawak Tourism Board is prioritizing India as a top, fast-growing source market, comparable to China in potential. CEO Dr SharzedeSalleh Askor noted that the region is working to improve culinary offerings to better cater to Indian travelers and is seeking to strengthen airline partnerships and trade engagement to overcome the current lack of direct flights.

In tandem with market development, AirBorneo is evaluating new direct flight routes from Kuching. Following the scheduled launch of flights to Jakarta next month, the airline is considering Bangkok, Thailand, and Jeju Island, South Korea, as potential destinations. Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted that a link to Jeju Island could leverage shared interests in UNESCO Global Geopark status and cater to the high demand for South Korean travel among Sarawakians.