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By Chris Bishop & Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 28: Landowners must have commitment in farming first before the area is identified as an agrotourism destination, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He pointed out that Sarawak, with its bountiful agricultural treasures, has the potential to cater to high-quality visitors, offering them an unparalleled agrotourism experience.
“By ensuring that the majority of income comes directly from farming revenue, we can then establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth before we expedite and promote tourism,” he said in a speech text read out by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the opening ceremony of Sarawak Agrotourism Conference & Expo (SAtCE) 2023 held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
He also said venturing into agrotourism would give rise to hospitality ventures such as homestays, tourist guides and downstream agricultural products.
Under the Sarawak government’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 initiative, agrotourism has a significant role in assisting farmers to diversify income streams and explore downstream business opportunities which would increase their income and alleviate poverty.
“While agrotourism may not be entirely new, its potential in this region remains at an infancy stage. Sarawak boasts existing farms, infrastructure, and facilities that can be strategically promoted to place our State at the forefront of agrotourism.
“By offering a distinct and unique tourism product, we elevate Sarawak’s recognition beyond the regular and common offerings in tourism promotions,” he added.
Abang Johari further hoped that the SAtCE event would promote investment within the agrotourism ecosystem, encouraging the development of new infrastructure, accommodation, downstream food production, tourism services, and more.
Organised by Derrisen Sdn Bhd and Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (M-FICORD), together with Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), SAtCE 2023 is being held at BCCK from Aug 28 to 30.
This inaugural agrotourism conference and expo is expected to gather 350 delegates and 150 exhibitors from the agriculture and tourism sectors, and agrotourism stakeholders in the hopes of creating awareness of the potential of agrotourism in Sarawak and Malaysia.
Themed ‘Promoting Agrotourism Sustainably’, about 20 industry experts from Malaysia, Australia, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines and Thailand have been confirmed to speak and share their knowledge and experience on specialised topics.
Also present at the opening ceremony was M-FICORD Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. — DayakDaily
