Sarawak welcomed 1.24 million visitors in Q1 2026, a 4.5% rise year-on-year, driven by ASEAN and domestic tourism with RM3.15 billion in receipts
KUCHING: Sarawak recorded 1.24 million visitor arrivals in the first quarter of this year, marking a 4.5 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
State Minister for Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said Asia remains the state’s primary source of visitors, contributing 52.6 per cent of total arrivals.
“Of this figure, 48.8 per cent are from ASEAN countries. Domestic tourism continues to drive our tourism industry forward, contributing 45 per cent during the same period.
“Meanwhile, from January to March this year, Sarawak generated a remarkable RM3.15 billion in tourism receipts,” he said while winding up the debate for his ministry on the motion of thanks for the Governor’s Address at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
Abdul Karim said that despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in the Middle East, Sarawak’s overall tourism performance remained stable.
“We have set our bold target to receive 5 million visitors this year and generate approximately RM12.73 billion in tourism receipts.
“In this respect, Sarawak continues to undertake strategic initiatives, including diversifying our product offerings and target markets, besides working closely with stakeholders and industry players to mitigate the impacts of rising costs and supply chain instability caused by the Middle East crisis,” he said.
Abdul Karim also said that StarDream Cruise, an international cruise operator, has shown an interest in its plans to launch a Sarawak cruise package and include Sarawak’s ports in its Southeast Asia cruise itineraries.
“For this purpose, the Ministry, in collaboration with Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) are pursuing the matter with Singapore Tourism Board and Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore,” he added.
