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Ting (seated centre), Hii (seated third right) and Hwang (seated second left) in a group photo with the 18th UN Tourism Asia/Pacific ETP delegates. – Photo by Kong Jun Liung
KUCHING (Oct 28): The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts has strengthened its partnership with United Nations (UN) Tourism through engagements that have fostered long-term collaboration, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the relationship has also significantly evolved, especially following the ministry’s official visit to the UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid, Spain last year.
“That visit afforded us to explore collaborative opportunities related to responsible tourism initiatives, sustainable tourism policies and practices, tourism marketing intelligence, tourism data management, and capacity building for Sarawak’s tourism industry,” he said in his welcoming speech at the 18th UN Tourism Asia/Pacific Executive Training Programme (ETP) on Tourism Policy and Strategy held at a leading hotel here today.
His speech was read by Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sebastian Ting.
Abdul Karim said the partnership between his ministry and UN Tourism has been instrumental in accelerating the recovery and further development of Sarawak’s tourism as a key economic sector.
“This is very much in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 led by our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Moreover, Responsible Borneo (REBORN) and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) are proud affiliate members of UN Tourism.
“Being part of this network opens doors for collaborations and innovations as well as enhances our collective efforts in implementing best practices beyond the economic aspect, positioning Sarawak as a leader in the region’s responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives,” he said.
He said the ministry’s decision to host the 18th ETP here highlighted the region’s growing influence in tourism strategy and policy development, making it an ideal location for such a prestigious international event.
“Sarawak is making great strides towards becoming a promising luxury tourism destination, with impressive infrastructure advancements and sustainability-focused initiatives.
“Infrastructure for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) is currently under construction to enhance Kuching City mobility, and soon, Sarawak’s own airline will improve regional and international connectivity and increase accessibility to different parts of Sarawak, including our world-renowned Unesco sites, Gunung Mulu and Niah National Parks,” he said.
He also said that international visitors will soon experience a seamless travel experience inspired by global standards with the upcoming expansion of Kuching International Airport, a facility designed to handle up to 15 million passengers annually, and that Sarawak is also investing in an expanded Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) or BCCK 2, which will enable the state to host up to 10,000 delegates indoor by 2027.
“Through these efforts and our commitment to future-proofing tourism development, Sarawak is ready to welcome luxury or quality travellers and international conferences alike, all while maintaining the natural beauty and cultural richness that define us.”
On ETP, Abdul Karim said the programme has become an iconic activity within UN Tourism in the Asia/Pacific region, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea.
“This programme offers invaluable opportunities for tourism policymakers, professionals, managers and scholars to enhance our strategic planning and build a network of regional contacts that will support our ongoing development.
“The theme of ‘Revisiting and Redefining Luxury Tourism’ is particularly relevant today as the industry adapts to evolving consumer expectations and emerging market trends.
“For many emerging markets like Sarawak, it presents an opportunity to showcase our unique offerings, blending cultural and natural richness with sustainable practices, ensuring that our local communities are benefitted, and visitors experience quality tourism that transcends mere physical products,” he said.
Also present were Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee and UN Tourism Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific director Harry Hwang.
English (US) ·