KUCHING – Sarawak has recorded 65 registered homestay clusters under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), surpassing its original target of 60 clusters by 2030.
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Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts (MTCP), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the milestone demonstrates the growing appeal of community-based tourism among both domestic and international visitors.
In 2024, Sarawak’s homestay programme attracted 52,927 domestic tourists and 3,046 foreign tourists, generating revenue of RM6.69 million.
“Homestays are not just alternative accommodation but reflect the culture and soul of our communities. When tourists choose homestays, they are not just visiting, but living the experience,” Abdul Karim said when officiating the DayakDaily 2025 Writing Competition Awards Ceremony, themed Homestay Odyssey, at The Waterfront Hotel on Saturday.
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He noted that four Sarawak homestays have already earned ASEAN Homestay Standard recognition: Homestay Santubong in Kuching, Homestay Rumah Benjamin Angki in Sibu, Homestay Ba’Kelalan in Lawas, and Homestay Bario in Miri.
To strengthen the sector, MTCP is conducting training for homestay operators in hospitality, service quality, digital marketing, crafts, communication skills, and leadership. However, Abdul Karim highlighted challenges such as the limited involvement of younger generations, with many youths migrating to urban areas.
“To ensure sustainability, we will continue to encourage youth participation through digital training, community support programmes, and incentives for family business inheritance,” he said.
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He also thanked DayakDaily for spotlighting homestays in its annual writing competition, aligning with the ministry’s tourism promotion goals.
Also present at the event was Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
