Sunday, July 08, 2012

Folk dance tourism boost for Sibu


Ministry putting Sibu on tourism map through International Folk Dance Festival

SIBU: The government will hold an annual International Folk Dance Festival starting next year here.

Folk dance troupes from around the world will be invited to perform with local folk dancers at the festival.

Tourism and Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Abdul Rahman Johari Abang Haji Openg said this at the opening ceremony of the 10th Borneo Cultural Festival at Sibu Town Square.

“Such efforts will promote Sibu of Sarawak, and not Cebu of the Philippines, as the centre for folk dances,” he said in jest at the opening ceremony of the festival yesterday.

Among those present were Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, SMC chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee and Jemoreng assemblyman Abu Seman.

Abang Johari said his ministry would work together with Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) to promote various airlines and improve air connectivity to draw more tourists from around the world to the event.

STB had hosted the Borneo Rain Forest Musical Festival in Kuching and International Jazz Festival in Miri.

“The International Folk Dance Festival will put Sibu on the tourism map and go a long way to help boost Sibu as a tourism destination,” he added.

Abang Johari commended Wong for taking steps to bring change to Sibu.

“He is a hard working and dedicated minister who wants not only to bring change to Sibu but the whole of Sarawak.”

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