KUCHING, Saturday – Three hundred and fifty 
Germans sailed into Bintulu, Sarawak recently on the MS Europa, part of the Hapag LLoyd Cruises. The cruise ship was on its 17 Days “Hong Kong to Singapore” journey commencing in Hong Kong and cruising through the Philippines, Sabah, Brunei, Bintulu in Sarawak and ending in Singapore. This is the 2nd cruise ship arrival for 2013.
On arrival the visitors were welcomed in typical Sarawakian style courtesy of Sarawak Tourism Board. They also had the opportunity to go on a city tour and paid a visit to the historic Niah Caves.
Total visitor arrivals to the state have increased 7.2% for the first time reaching the 4 million mark at 4.07 million tourist arrivals as of 31 December 2012. This was compared to the same period in the previous year. German arrivals alone have increased steadily at 21% during the same period.
Maurice Balang, Sarawak Tourism Board’s Regional Manager for UK & Europe who was on hand to welcome the visitors said, “The Germans have always found Sarawak an interesting place and we will continue our efforts in promoting Sarawak as a place where adventure lives to them.” He reiterated that cruise tourism into Sarawak is steadily on the increase despite the lack of proper cruise terminals in the State.
Issued by:
Corporate Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD
Date: March 30, 2013