SIBU: The effort to promote the mighty Rejang River as a tourism product should be augmented with the safari element to better entice foreign tourists.

Such is the view of the chairman of Sarawak Central Region Hotels Association, Johnny Wong Sie Lee.

“While the Rejang River offers tourists a panoramic view, those from overseas love safari. They crave for adventure,” commented Wong yesterday.

“Foreigners for instance, prefer eco-tourism like jungle trekking, longhouse visit and so on,” he said from experience.

Having escaped from the hustle and bustle of the city, Wong reckons that Safari is something that foreign tourists yearn for.

“These people love nature and are very curious about the local way of life.

“The local customs and traditions intrigue them as they have never seen something so unique before,” he said.

Citing an example, he said the fishing villages along the lower Rejang River may attract tourists, adding that the preparations of Sarawak Prawns there may entice many to come.

On handicraft, he believed that tourists are more attracted to how they are made rather than merely looking at finished products.

“Foreigners are always curious about how the locals make their handicrafts.

“The availability of such activities will motivate this group of tourists to buy them as souvenir items to show to their friends and relatives back home,” he enthused.