Abdul Karim: Tourism can play vital role as catalyst for peace and understanding

KUCHING (Aug 7) Tourism can play a vital role as a catalyst for fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister stressed that tourism not only drives economic growth but also provides a platform for interactions that can strengthen the foundations of peace, including social justice, human rights, economic equality, and sustainable development.

“The pursuit of peace is a continuing endeavour. Progress through tourism is more relevant than ever,” he said when officiating the International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) 2024 at a hotel here today.

Abdul Karim pointed out that tourism’s potential to contribute to peace is significant, requiring thorough exploration and integration into broader societal transformations.

“Tourism sensitive to peace considers economic and social dynamics, supporting democracy through strategic alliances and social responsibility,” he added.

Additionally, Abdul Karim said tourism stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship, offering opportunities for young innovators.

“Supporting entrepreneurial projects in tourism fosters sustainable development and innovative peacebuilding strategies. Engaging youth through education leverages their potential for social transformation and peace promotion,” he added.

Abdul Karim said Sarawak’s commitment to responsible tourism is reflected in its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS2030) led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The PCDS2030 aims to transform the region into a leading eco-tourism and business event destination with the empowered communities through responsible actions, he explained.

“This strategy includes initiatives in six key economic sectors, with tourism playing a vital role in driving economic growth, enhancing social inclusivity, and ensuring environmental sustainability,” he added.

Abdul Karim noted that one of the most recent achievements in Sarawak’s tourism landscape is the inscription of Niah Cave as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Site.

“This recognition underscores the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage and its commitment to preserving these treasures for future generations. The inscription highlights Sarawak’s dedication to responsible tourism, which fosters peace and understanding by showcasing our shared human history,” he said.

“This ‘tourism product’ will not only attract more visitors to Sarawak which is good for our economy, it will accelerate the implementation of our strategy to conserve our environment, preserve our cultural heritage and build an inclusive society with mutual appreciation,” he stressed.

On the conference themed “Tourism and Peace: Promoting Peaceful and Inclusive Societies for Sustainable Development”, Abdul Karim said it is an important gathering of leaders, thinkers, and advocates who are committed to harnessing the transformative power of tourism for peace and sustainable development.

Among those present were Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, regional director of Tourism Malaysia in Sarawak Nurul Ain Mohd Yunus, head of the National Institute of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia Poch Voleark, UN Tourism in Asia and the Pacific regional director Harry Hwang and director of Responsible Tourism Partnership, United Kingdom Prof Dr Harold Goodwin.

Also in attendance were Sarawak Research Society chairman and chair of ICRTH2024 Prof Dr Hiram Ting, Subject Component Lead of Leisure and Events Management, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia and co-chair of ICRTH2024 Prof Dr Aaron Tham, managing director of Village Ways, India Manisha Pande, dean of the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Lyceum of the Philippines University Dr Lilibeth Aragon.

The ICRTH 2025 will be held in the Philippines.