Terengganu welcomes strategic tourism partnership with Sarawak as visitor numbers soar

Traditional dancers from Terengganu captivate the audience with a vibrant performance during the Terengganu-Sarawak Cultural Exchange Programme dinner ceremony held at a hotel in Kuching on Aug 20, 2024.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Aug 21: Sarawak is on track to surpass its record of 4.6 million visitors set in 2019, as the State continues to capitalise on its rich cultural diversity and unique tourism offerings, according to Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Abdul Karim, who is Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, emphasised that the State’s unique blend of cultures, traditions, and cuisines offers unparalleled experiences for both domestic and international tourists.

Abdul Karim delivers his speech during the Terengganu-Sarawak Cultural Exchange Programme dinner ceremony held at a hotel in Kuching on Aug 20, 2024.

He also highlighted the State’s ability to attract tourists with its varied offerings, ranging from cultural experiences in longhouses to the distinctive cuisines of its many ethnic communities.

“Sarawak tourism’s five key themes, ‘culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals (CANFF)’, captures the essence of what Sarawak has to offer,” he said.

The minister made these remarks during his speech at the Terengganu-Sarawak Cultural Exchange Programme dinner ceremony, which took place last night (Aug 20) at a local hotel here.

Abdul Karim, who is also Sarawak’s Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, pointed out that each ethnic group contributes to the State’s vibrant tourism landscape, with their unique traditions and culinary specialties serving as major attractions.

The Terengganu state government, through its committee on Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change, organised the dinner ceremony with the tourism stakeholders of Sarawak as part of the Cross-Cultural Exchange Programme between Terengganu and Sarawak.

The evening also marked an essential step towards expanding the strategic tourism partnership between Terengganu and Sarawak.

Speaking at the event, Terengganu’s Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change Committee chairman, Datuk Razali Idris, expressed his gratitude for Sarawak’s warm welcome and commended the State on its remarkable achievements in international tourism.

Razali also highlighted Sarawak’s accolades, such as the Global Communications Campaign Award from the DAVOS World Communications Forum Award 2023 and the Rainforest World Music Festival’s multiple awards for sustainability and brand development.

Razali delivers his speech during the Terengganu-Sarawak Cultural Exchange Programme dinner ceremony held at a hotel in Kuching on Aug 20, 2024.

“This cross-cultural programme presents an invaluable opportunity to share ideas and learn from Sarawak’s success in tourism, which we hope to implement back in Terengganu,” he said, acknowledging the growth of Sarawak’s tourism sector, which saw over two million visitors in the first five months of 2024 alone.

Furthermore, he underscored Terengganu’s rich cultural heritage, with special attention given to its community-based tourism (CBT) products.

He further took the opportunity to invite Sarawakians to explore Terengganu’s offerings, including the picturesque beaches, pristine islands, and vibrant cultural sites.

Moreover, Razali highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote Terengganu’s tourism products, noting that the state had already welcomed over five million visitors by June 2024.

In addition, he unveiled Terengganu’s Tourism and Culture Events Calendar for 2024, featuring 74 events throughout the year, such as the Kapas Marang Swimathon and the Terengganu International Bike Week.

He additionally gave special recognition to the Terengganu bikers’ group, Permotoran Cekal Setia Terengganu, who are currently on a 4,690-kilometre Borneo expedition, symbolising the adventurous spirit that unites both states.

The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Abdul Karim’s wife, Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar; Terengganu’s Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change Committee deputy chairman, Sulaiman Sulong; Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan; and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer (CEO) Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor. — DayakDaily