‘Gateway to Borneo’ to attract more tourists from Penang to Sarawak

GEORGE TOWN (Oct 11): The ‘Gateway to Borneo’ campaign being held in Penang for the first time is aimed at introducing a tourism market segment and attracting more tourists from the Pearl of the Orient to Borneo, particularly Sarawak.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau said the campaign which is being held at a shopping complex in Bayan Lepas near here, began yesterday and will end on Oct 13, will promote the unique culture of the ‘Land of the Hornbills’ directly to Penang residents.

“I am confident that with Penang’s population of over one million residents and as a state with high-income residents, the campaign will serve as a getaway for those from Penang to Sarawak to get new experiences,” he told reporters after officiating the launch of the campaign here today.

“Based on survey and research that we conducted, Penang is a top target and Sarawak is a destination rich in cultural diversity, adventure, nature, food and festivals, along with authentic experiences.”

Dennis represented Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the launch. Also present at the event was STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor.

The campaign, organised by the Sarawak government, through the STB, offers various authentic Sarawak crafts, food and beverages such as Sarawak batik, Sarawak layered cake and Borneo rice wine, as well as live demonstrations of traditional crafts from the state, including batik making, basket weaving and temporary tattoos.

Cultural performances such as music and dance presentations featuring the mesmerising sape flute and nose flute from the indigenous communities of Sarawak, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and Melanau, are also organised daily to enliven the campaign.

Dennis, who is also the Telang Usan assemblyman, said the residents of Penang also have the opportunity to explore exclusive Sarawak tourism packages promoted by tourism operators based in the state, with options that cater to eco-tourism, culture and adventure.

He also said the campaign is important in boosting domestic tourism, in line with Sarawak’s target to achieve four million tourists by the end of this year, including two million domestic visitors.

As of August, Sarawak had recorded 3.3 million tourists. – Bernama