KUCHING, Sept 24: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts will soon come up with a Responsible Tourism Blueprint and Roadmap as guidance for Sarawak’s tourism moving forward.
Its minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this was in line with Sarawak’s commitment to position itself at the forefront of responsible tourism.
“Earlier this month, I had the privilege to officiate the International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) on behalf of our Premier with the participation of many national and international tourism institutions.
“This is one of the many events which lays the foundation in creating awareness on the importance of having to rethink tourism and harnessing effective partnership,” he said.
Abdul Karim said the Covid-19 pandemic had triggered reflection on Sarawak’s approaches in tourism, focusing on a better tourism for all through the lens of responsible tourism.
“We have come a long way in the journey of tourism development and sustainability.
“We must learn from our lessons and steer a new way forward, with the end in mind of achieving Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs by 2030,” he said during the World Tourism Day 2022 opening ceremony at a local hotel here today.
Abdul Karim’s speech was read by his deputy Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.
Among those also present were Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer (CEO) Sharzede Salleh Askor, and Sarawak Research Society (SRS) chairman Hiram Ting. — DayakDaily
