KUCHING: Villagers of the rural areas are urged to participate in ‘Community Based Tourism’ by operating Homestay to supplement their income.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk James Dawos said that foreign tourists were generally attracted to the green rural surroundings of Sarawak.

“Taking this prospect into account, it will give opportunities to the locals to venture into tourism businesses. They can start by becoming tour guides because they are familiar with what products to offer to their guests,” Dawos suggested when met at his office here yesterday.

According to Dawos, foreign tourists who are planning to visit Sarawak do not want to go shopping but are eager to see and experience the lifestyle of the rural people.

“Foreign tourists come here to see and experience the uniqueness of the life in the rural areas. The Chinese tourists for instance, will not come here to shop because goods sold in China are cheaper than here,” Dawos explained.

He cited the Bidayuh’s cultural dance ‘Rejang’ and food as examples of assets for the community based tourism industry.

“Tourists who stay in ‘Homestay’ accommodation provided by the locals would like to see the unique culture and taste the local food. Therefore, ‘Homestay’ operators have to arrange activities to meet the needs of their guests and to make their stay here memorable that makes them want to come back,” enthused Dawos.

Dawos further suggested that local cooking could be introduced into the mainstream menu.

“But of course, the nutritional values of local cooking which are unknown to them needs to be explained to them,” he said.

Dawos also reminded ‘Homestay’ operators to register with the Ministry of Tourism for assistance.

“If ‘Homestay’ ventures register with the Ministry of Tourism, we will advise them on what best to be done to their businesses,” he stressed.

(Source: Borneo Post Online, 30 March 2012)