KUCHING, Sept 7 — The Sarawak Regatta, which was started by the State's first white rajah, James Brooke, more than a century ago can boost the state's position as an international tourism destination, said his descendant Jason Brooke.

He said that he was overwhelmed to find the event had been made prominent by the present state government.

"Its nice to see that they are keeping up with the tradition which has been around for quite sometime," he said when met on the sidelines of the Sarawak Regatta 2013 held at the Kuching Waterfront here today.

The three-day regatta came to its conclusion today where the closing ceremony was performed by Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Barieng.

According to Brooke, the event could make Sarawak to be better known internationally as it had a long established relationship with the United Kingdom.

Brooke said that he had the first experience witnessing the regatta in 2008 when he was invited as a guest of the state back then.

"Surely I have been promoting Sarawak back in England as I have always felt that it is important for us to know and understand the history that links us with Sarawak," he said.

He said that he was glad that the state government had also introduced an international dragon race as among the attractions for this year.

For his trip this year, he had brought along his grandmother, Gita, the wife of Anthony Brooke, who was the last Rajah Muda during the Brooke reign.

"We had a wonderful time... (witnessing) a very well put together event (and) a lot of enthusiasm shown by the people here," Brooke added. — Bernama