By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Nov 12: Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan has urged all Sarawakians, especially the young, to be ambassadors for Sarawak’s tourism.
He said it is easy for Sarawakians who are travelling within Sarawak or visiting their longhouses during festive seasons to promote Sarawak by simply uploading photos or videos on their social media platforms.
“Imagine if every Sarawakian becomes an ambassador for Sarawak, how powerful and influential will the publicity be. It is not arduous or backbreaking to be an ambassador for Sarawak. In fact, it will be a piece of cake for all Sarawakians, especially the young people,” he said.
That way, Snowdan said, non-Sarawakians from either Peninsular Malaysia or other parts of the world can easily find posts about places around Sarawak when they search for “Sarawak” online.
Promoting hidden gems such as cheap eats or local attractions such as little-known waterfalls in rural Sarawak could also help boost local businesses and improve Sarawak’s economy.
“Be an ambassador for your longhouse or village. When you are doing this, you are not only contributing to your village, but also local tourism. You may think your contribution is insignificant but if everyone were to do it, the impact will be immense.
“Sarawak means everything to us. We all love Sarawak. For Sarawak’s tourism to take off, share your stories. Be an ambassador for Sarawak!” he said when officiating at the “Magnificent Sarawak: An Unforgettable Trip” writing competition prize-giving high tea held at Imperial Hotel here today.
Snowdan, who is also Balai Ringin assemblyman, said when the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway is completed, domestic tourism between cities, urban centres and rural settlements in Sarawak would be even more vibrant and rampant.
The writing competition was organised by DayakDaily, sponsored by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and supported by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Imperial Hotel Kuching.
Among those also present were Principal Assistant Secretary of Arts, Culture & Heritage Dr Elena Chai who represented Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini; STB communication director Margaret Apau who represented STB acting chief executive officer Yusfida Khalid; Imperial Hotel Kuching sales & marketing director Irene Tan; and DayakDaily chief editor Lian Cheng. — DayakDaily
