Sarawak Tourism Board clinches three TripZilla Excellence Awards 2025

MIRI (Dec 14): The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) celebrated a series of prestigious wins at the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2025, securing three major accolades: ‘Best Adventure Destination’, ‘Best Nature Destination’, and ‘Best Music Event Destination’ for the renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).

These awards underscored Sarawak’s growing international recognition as a top destination for immersive travel experiences.

The honours were presented by TripZilla general manager Benjamin Phey during the STB’s ‘Media Appreciation Night’ at the Pullman Miri Waterfront on Friday.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, and over 60 media representatives from 21 local organisations.

In her address, STB chief executive officer Dr Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor expressed heartfelt appreciation for the awards, and more importantly, for the media’s vital role.

“Sarawak’s story would not travel as far, or touch as many lives, without you,” she told the members of the media.

“Your work gives Sarawak relevance and reach. It shapes how audiences perceive our State and inspires travellers to discover what makes Sarawak truly special.”

She emphasised that the media had been instrumental in elevating Sarawak’s visibility, acting as the ‘architects of perception’ who allowed potential visitors to ‘feel Sarawak long before their arrival’.

She highlighted impressive results from this partnership, stating that media efforts generated over 465 million digital impressions and RM138 million in public relations (PR) value between January and September this year, significantly boosting the state’s profile.

“Every article, every interview, every photo, every broadcast creates a bridge between Sarawak and the wider world,” she said, acknowledging the tireless work of journalists, photographers, digital creators, and broadcasters in showcasing Sarawak’s unique culture, natural beauty, and vibrant festivals.

“These connections open doors, change perceptions, spark interest, and lead travellers to discover this place for themselves,” she pointed out.

As the event celebrated the milestones of 2025, the evening also looked ahead to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026), where Malaysia would be eyeing to welcome 47 million visitors.

“We have the culture. We have the nature. We have the warmth.

“And most importantly – we have you,” said Sharzede, while stressing the need for continued media support.

She added that deepening media partnerships in the lead-up to VMY 2026 would be a central theme.

“As we move into 2026, we look forward to deepening our collaboration with all of you. Together, we will continue to shape how the world discovers Sarawak.”