By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 28: DayakDaily’s ‘Taste & Travel in Sarawak’ project has won the Best Social Media Contributor Award at the 9th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (SHTA) 2019-2023.
Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew presented the Award to the media outlet’s representative at the 9th SHTA gala dinner held at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here last night (Sept 27).
Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), the project involves the production of a 12-video campaign aimed at promoting Sarawak’s tourism.
The project was undertaken from October 2023 until March 2024, under the leadership of Sharon Ling Hui, the former deputy chief reporter of DayakDaily.
The gala dinner was officiated by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Also present were Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu; MTCP permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini; Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) president Audry Wan Ullok and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor.
The full list of award categories and recipients during the 9th SHTA 2019-2023 are as follows:
SPECIAL HORNBILL AWARDS
1. Special Award for Tourism Regional Leadership Excellence ‘Championing Sustainable Growth’ – Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg
2. Special Award for Lifetime Achievement – Datu Aloysius J. Dris
3. Special Award for Covid-19 – Sia Sitok Sarawak by Sarawak Tourism Board & Sarawak Tourism Federation
4. Special Award for Responsible Tourism – WormingUp: Sustainable Waste Management, Food Forest Initiative & Community Training
BEST TOUR OPERATOR, TOURS & TOURIST GUIDE
1. Best Tour Operator – EcoGreen Holidays Sdn Bhd
2. Best Overseas Travel Agent – EU Holidays Pte Ltd
3. Most Unforgettable Tour Experiences – Borneo Adventure Sdn Bhd’s “3D2N Ulu Ai Experience”
4. Most Captivating Special Interest Experience – Semadang Borneo Adventure Sdn Bhd’s “Semadang Kayak”
5. Best Tourist Guide (Regional Specific Tourist Guide/Park Guide) – Anderson Michael Gawan
BEST DINING, RETAIL & RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES
1. Most Captivating Entertainment Experiences – Jordan’s Signature by Cubic Delight PLT
2. Best Spa & Wellness Experiences – Attiya Spa And Massage by SS Metro Sdn Bhd
3. Best Tourism Shopping Experiences – Borneo Cultures Museum Gift Shop
4. Best Casual Dining Experiences – River View Café at Hilton Kuching
5. Best Fine Dining Experiences – Kantin at the Granary
BEST ACCOMMODATION
1. Best Homestay Experiences – Bala Metu Homestay, Bario Highland
2. Best Hotel Experiences for 2 star and below & Innovative Accommodations – Inn 86, Bintulu
3. Best Hotel Experiences for 4/3 stars – Imperial Palace Hotel, Miri
4. Best Hotel Experiences for 5 stars – The Waterfront Hotel
BEST SPECIAL INTEREST TOURISM
1. Best Medical Tourism Provider – Timberland Medical Centre
2. Best SMM2H Agent – Aramaz Borneo (MM2H) Sdn Bhd
3. Best International Education Provider – Curtin University, Malaysia
BEST PROMOTION & SOCIAL MEDIA CONTRIBUTION TO THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
1. Best TV/Online Program on Sarawak – “Kuching As A Creative City of Gastronomy” by Sam Wong of Filmco Sdn Bhd
2. Best Tourism Article Program on Sarawak – “Living Colours” by Ivy Pan of Borneo Talk (Vol 53)
3. Best Social Media Contributor – “Taste & Travel in Sarawak” by DayakDaily
BEST TOURISM EVENTS & FESTIVALS EXPERIENCES
1. Most Captivating Leisure, Arts & Culture Event – Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival by Sarawak Cultural Village Sdn Bhd
2. Most Captivating Sports Tourism Event – Sarawak Adventure Challenge by Draco Action Sports Sdn Bhd
BEST ATTRACTION
1. Most Captivating Visitors Attraction – Mulu National Park by Borsarmulu Park Management Sdn Bhd
2. Best Community Based Tourism Initiative – Penan Women Project by PWP Company
— DayakDaily
