MIRI: Sarawak is like a “lost world” to first-time tourists from Russia.
These Russians are fascinated by Sarawak, not only because of the natural attractions, but more so because many first-time visitors do not even know Sarawak exists.
Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Gracie Geikie said she was informed by Russian tourists here on a pioneer visit that they had never read anything about Sarawak in their country.
“There is no information about Sarawak or places like Miri at all in Russia, not in print form or their Internet websites.
“The Russians who came told us they were fascinated by what they saw even though they had never learned about us.
“There is apparently a lot of tourism potential to be tapped in Russia. However, it seems there is a communication barrier that needs to be overcome.
“We in Sarawak do not speak Russian. We do not have any tour agencies or guides who can speak their language and they have no information on us,” she said after welcoming a group of Russian divers visiting Miri and northern Sarawak for the first time.
Geikie said the board was trying to arrange networking with travel agents in Russia to translate tourism websites concerning Sarawak into Russian languages and post them on websites in the huge country.
Though the language barrier may pose difficulties in terms of communication and marketing, there is no doubt that Russians who have seen Sarawak are thoroughly impressed.
The group of 10 Russians visited various places of interest and went diving offshore.
From various provinces in Russia, they even brought along an interpreter.
Oleg Butakor, the tour leader, said they were stunned by the marine life offshore in the northern Sarawak coastline.
“We have been to many places in the world to dive. We are surprised to find that this region has the richest marine eco-system in terms of diversity.
“This state is very beautiful and green. Our people will love it very much,” he said.
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