| Winning visitors with a smile For as long as city dwellers are friendly, Kuching will continue to attract visitors: Sim KUCHING: Kuching City will continue to be an irresistible destination for as long as the people are friendly and hospitable, said Alan Sim, a political secretary to the Chief Minister, yesterday. He said because of the city’s slower pace – as compared to many cities in the region – Kuching had been known to attract those looking for a peaceful and quite life in their retirement days. Sim said what city dwellers could do to make Kuching the choice destination for pensioners and retirees would be to make friendliness its significant feature. “Friendly city dwellers will help to make the city an ideal place for retirement,” he said when welcoming a group of 77 Peninsular tourists, here under the ‘Romancing Sarawak’ event on Sunday. The leisurely pace of life here and its beautiful scenery and fresh air had been known to impress visitors, Sim said, adding these were factors that players in the tourism industry should exploit to the full. Unicatay Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd and Anda Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd jointly introduced the ‘Romancing Sarawak’ - a special package for couples to have a second honeymoon and singles to have a pleasant trip. Tan Sor Ching from Muar, Johore told reporters that she enjoyed her trip with her friend here. “Thumbs up for the peacefulness here, I like it very much,” she said. Poh Ngiong Thiam, 66, also from Muar shared the same view, saying: “The city itself is very beautiful and well-maintained. Even the drivers are polite and willing to give way to other road users. “My wife and I had a great time here and are looking forward to a second visit,” he added. According to UniCatay Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd managing director Henry Houn, “Romancing Sarawak”, sponsored by Sarawak Tourism Board, is different from other packages in that it offers very attractive itinerary. Huon said “Romancing Sarawak” was designed to attract visitors who would have preferred to visit neighbouring countries on probably even lower cost. But because “Romancing Sarawak” was irresistible, selling the package was a great experience, Huon said. “Many would have preferred to visit neighbouring countries, but instead they are here and enjoying every moment of their stay even though they may be paying a little bit more,” he pointed out. He felt that it was their responsibility as dedicated organisers to introduce different packages to suit the needs of different individuals and groups. “That’s why we came up with the idea of welcoming our Peninsular visitors with three antique cars and two decorated coaches from Merdeka Palace to Harbour View Hotel as part of their three-day, two-night trip,” Houn said. Anda Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd managing director Chia Tey Hwa said they brought “Romancing Sarawak” to Sibu last April with 85 visitors and in July with 108 visitors. “We are encouraged by the good response, expect more similar trips in the months ahead,” he added. Published by:
The Borneo Post
7th August 2007 | 
