Abdul Karim (third left) and the diplomats pose for a photo call.
KUCHING (Nov 29): There is potential for tourism between Latin American countries and Malaysia, said Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
In this regard, he suggested that travel agencies and airlines consider and promote Latin American countries as tourist destinations, as these countries hold untapped potential for Malaysian travellers.
“Malaysians love to travel, but I have noticed they rarely visit Latin America. This is likely because travel agencies have not placed enough effort into promoting that region.
“I believe there are lots of beautiful things (to do) in those countries,” he said during the launch of the 22nd Latin American Festival here Thursday night.
Those present at the launch included Ambassador of Cuba to Malaysia Florentino Batista Gonzalez, Ambassador of Mexico to Malaysia Luis Javier Campuzano, Ambassador of Peru Ricardo Morote Canales, Ambassador of Colombia to Malaysia Alejandro Rosselli Londoño, and Chargée d’Affaires of Uruguay Lourdes Mariela Machado Gonzalez.
Despite long-haul flights posing a challenge for travel between these two parts of the world – possibly exceeding more than 24 hours in some cases – Abdul Karim said the experiences in countries like Uruguay, Peru, and Colombia make the journey worthwhile.
“When it comes to Sarawakians, most of them will go to Europe, China, Korea, Japan, Turkey, or Australia. I have not seen many that go to Latin American countries. I think both sides have to make the effort.”
On the Latin American Film Festival, Abdul Karim said this was the first time it was being held in Sarawak and East Malaysia, having been organised in Peninsular Malaysia for the past 22 years.
“I am very happy that Latin American countries have considered Kuching for this event. This is an opportunity for us to foster cultural exchange, and I hope this won’t be the first and last time,” he said.
He believed the festival could attract a local audience eager to learn more about Latin American culture through films.
The 22nd Latin American Film Festival runs until tomorrow (Dec 1), featuring films from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.
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