Sarawak is anticipated to get more visitors this year than the record 4.6 million in 2019, according to Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
 
He made this statement after revealing that Sarawak saw over 2.4 million tourist arrivals between January and June of this year, up 23.26 per cent from 1.96 million during the same time in 2023.
 
Additionally, he stated that almost 1.5 million of the 2.4 million tourists that arrived during the first half of this year were from outside the country, representing a 39.59% increase over the same period last year. 

Abdul Karim expressed confidence that the numbers will rise once more, given that Sarawak is hosting numerous international events from July through December of this year.
 
"As you can see, we should have no trouble reaching our goal of four million visitor arrivals by September at the latest. And I predict that this year will see the most visitors, fingers crossed.
 
In Sarawak, the most we have ever reached was 4.6 million in 2019. However, I am optimistic that we will exceed that this year," he said Tuesday at a press conference regarding the Padawan Raft Safari 2024.
 
Additionally, he disclosed that the tourist industry generated over RM6.23 billion in revenue in the first half of this year, which is 25.29% higher than the RM4.98 billion achieved during the same time in 2023.
 
"Everyone benefits from the increase in tourists, especially those who run budget hotels, homestays, hotels, crafts, transportation companies, and of course, restaurants," he stated. He also mentioned that he had met Singaporean tourists who told him they had come to Sarawak for the weekend specifically to sample the local cuisine.
 
According to Abdul Karim, the Padawan Raft Safari 2024 will take place on October 20 and is anticipated to draw 150 teams comprising both domestic and foreign competitors. 

He also mentioned that the event, which is currently in its 21st edition and is hosted yearly by the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), is a component of the Sarawak Delta Geopark Initiative and is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).
 
In addition to the current 40 km kayak category, 32 km raft open category, and 22 km raft for government agencies, hotel tour, and NGO categories, he announced the addition of a new category: the 15 km women's raft open.
 
Kampung Git will serve as the finish line, and Kampung Annah Rais, Temurang, Danu, and Semadang will serve as the starting places.
 
Participants are vying for a total of RM19,000 in cash prizes. This noteworthy award highlights the Padawan Raft Safari's competitive spirit of excellent recognition. 

However, I can see that the participants simply want to have fun from the years I went over. Meeting up with old acquaintances is a great way to network, according to Abdul Karim, who had taken part in canoeing at Kampung Semadang.