It seems that the prevailing hazy situation in Sarawak is not affecting tourism in the state.

According to Matthew Chen, chairperson of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agencies (Matta) Sarawak chapter, many companies are experiencing manpower shortage due to the drastic increase in tourist arrivals although the haze had recurred.

The air quality in many parts of the state has improved, except for Sri Aman, due to torrential rain over the last few days. Chen hoped it would last until the end of the year.

Chen revealed that all its 150 members in the state have not received any cancellation of flights, room bookings or tour arrangements.

He said business so far for this year had matched its 2002 performance, after a dismal show in 2003 due to SARS.

Though not having any official figure to substantiate the growth, Chen said most of the visitors came from Australia, Brunei, Europe, Indonesia, Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia.

More flights help

Last year, more than three million visitors visited the state, and Sarawak is aiming five million visitors to generate RM1.5 billion to its economy by 2005.

The growth in the tourism sector was further boosted with the provision of extra flights by budget airline AirAsia and national carrier Malaysia Airlines to Sarawak's domestic and international routes.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that major players in the aviation industry in Pontianak are also enjoying brisk business despite the haze.

Pontianak Post reported that most of the airlines are not facing any flight cancellations as the ethnic Chinese are returning to Kalimantan for the 'Hungry Ghost Festival'.

Early morning flights, however, were delayed due to poor visibility.