STB, Scoot, Statos sign agreement to boost Singapore-Sarawak flights

KUCHING (Oct 23): The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) signed a Tripartite Campaign Agreement with Singapore’s airline Scoot and Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (Statos) Singapore during the Sarawak Bleisure Networking Session on Tuesday

A statement from STB said the event was to maintain the momentum from the ‘Gateway to Borneo’ campaign at ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismusborse Berlin) earlier this year and marked a pivotal step in promoting Sarawak’s diverse offerings, further enhancing its visibility across the global tourism landscape.

“This strategic partnership aims to strengthen inbound travel from Singapore to Sarawak with 14 weekly flights operated by Scoot, an increase from 10 weekly flights in 2022.

“This would promote the region’s cultural and adventure tourism attractions while driving greater traffic to these key destinations from Singapore.

“The collaboration highlights STB’s ongoing commitment to create opportunities for cultural exchanges, business collaborations and knowledge sharing, further cementing Sarawak’s role as a leading gateway to Borneo,” it said.

The statememnt also said that the Sarawak Bleisure Networking Session, hosted by STB, was to highlight Sarawak as an ideal ‘bleisure’ destination on the world map, especially in Singapore.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak and Singapore share a long-standing relationship, one built on mutual respect, cultural exchanges and economic collaboration.

“This partnership is about harnessing Singapore’s global influence and its role as a crossroads for international travel and business, allowing us to amplify Sarawak’s unique offerings to the world.

“Through meaningful partnerships like this, we strengthen our position as one of the rising destinations in Southeast Asia, along with reaffirming our commitment to sustainability, responsible tourism and stronger regional ties,” he said in the statement.

STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor also expressed her optimism about the partnership, stating that this Tripartite Agreement reflects the shared vision of enhancing Sarawak’s accessibility.

She said that this would also provide travellers with seamless opportunities to experience the state’s diverse culture and adventure offerings.

“Together with Scoot and Statos, we are making it easier for visitors to explore the best of Sarawak.”

Scoot chief commercial officer Calvin Chan said the airline is pleased to enter into this Tripartite Agreement with STB and Statos, as this reaffirms Scoot’s commitment to enhancing connectivity between Sarawak, Singapore and the rest of the airline’s extensive network.

He added this would provide a seamless travel experience at great value, giving travellers convenient access to experience the diverse attractions that Sarawak is known for.