S’wak eyes culinary tourism boost as Miri prepares for 3,000 visitors at int’l tapas event

Miri will host the third edition of the World National & World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival and Seminar from June 18 to 21. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 14: More than 3,000 participants and visitors are expected in Miri from June 18-21 as Sarawak hosts the World National & World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival and Seminar (WATCEFS) 2026, an international culinary event the State is leveraging to strengthen its position as a regional gastronomy and tourism destination.

According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said the event would not only showcase Sarawak’s culinary heritage but also create opportunities for trade, investment, talent development and international collaboration.

Speaking at a press conference on the event today, Ting said Sarawak’s recognition as the “Asia Capital of Tapas” reflects the State’s culinary creativity and multicultural identity, which organisers hope to highlight through the four-day gathering.

“More than 100 local and international exhibitors are expected to take part, alongside delegates, chefs and industry representatives from 12 countries, including Spain, China, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Jordan and Abu Dhabi.

“The event provides an important platform for industry players to exchange ideas, build professional networks and explore new opportunities in the food, tourism and hospitality sectors,” he said.

Among the highlights is the “Asia on a Plate” programme, which will bring together chefs from across the region to present their signature tapas creations while promoting cultural exchange and culinary innovation.

He said the event forms part of broader efforts to position Sarawak as a destination for gastronomy tourism by leveraging its diverse food culture and growing international profile.

Meanwhile, Miri Mayor and Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang said the city was a fitting venue for the third edition of the event due to its strategic location as the gateway to northern Sarawak and its proximity to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park.

He said hosting an international event of this scale would help raise Miri’s profile as a tourism destination while generating spillover benefits for local businesses, accommodation providers and the hospitality industry.

The competition’s winners will earn the opportunity to represent their respective countries at the World Tapas Championship in Valladolid, Spain, further strengthening international links forged through the event. — DayakDaily