Dragon Boat Race good for tourism: Masidi

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race can have a positive impact on the State’s tourism-related industries.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said, looking at the participation by international teams, it can bring a great number of visitors from overseas which leads to an increase in demand for accommodation, tour packages, food and dining outlets, among others.

“The visitors will bring life to the tourism sector with their affordable spending power and their stay will increase the hotel occupancy rate.

“They also can spend their day by visiting islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park after the Dragon Boat Race to enjoy adventurous tours to seek the proboscis monkeys as well as fireflies in the wetlands,” he said during a courtesy call by FCAS president Datuk Seri TC Goh.

Also present were the organising chairwoman Datuk Susan Wong and the committee members.

Masidi also agreed to be the guest of honour for the race’s sunset beach welcoming party at Likas Bay, on May 7.

Among the activities planned for the party are the torch lighting ceremony and exciting performances, including a dragon dance, singing and dancing.

Meanwhile, Goh disclosed that he is still waiting to get more participants aged below 20 to join the race this year.

“The existing participants are growing in age and it is important to get more young and energised teenagers to be involved and inherit the traditional sport event – the dragon boat race, after all it is a healthy sporting event,” he said.

Source: Daily Express

Share this post