By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 28: Sarawak has played host to 21 United Nations (UN) tourism member states for the 18th UN Tourism Asia/Pacific Executive Training Programme (ETP) on Tourism Policy and Strategy, highlighting the region’s growing influence in tourism strategy and policy development, making it an ideal location for such a prestigious international event.
Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the programme offers invaluable opportunities for tourism policymakers, professionals, managers, and scholars to enhance strategic planning and build a network of regional contacts that will support ongoing development.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the theme of ‘Revisiting and Redefining Luxury Tourism’ is particularly relevant today as the industry adapts to evolving consumer expectations and emerging market trends.
“For many emerging markets like Sarawak, it presents an opportunity to showcase our unique offerings, blending cultural and natural richness with sustainable practices, ensuring our local communities are benefited and visitors experience quality tourism that transcends mere physical products,” said Abdul Karim whose text speech was read by his deputy Datuk Sebastian Ting at the opening ceremony held at Sheraton Hotel today.
The four-day programme (Oct 28-31) was also attended by international observers from the Tourism Promotion Organisation for Global Cities (or TPO in short), Sanya Tourism Board and Tourism, and the Community Wellbeing Department from Kota Kinabalu City Hall.
Abdul Karim said that Sarawak is also making great strides towards becoming a promising luxury tourism destination, with impressive infrastructure advancements and sustainability-focused initiatives such as the construction of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, Sarawak’s own airline, and the expansion of Kuching International Airport.
He also said that in the realm of business events, Sarawak is investing in an expanded Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, or BCCK 2, which can host up to 10,000 delegates indoors, by 2027.
“Through these efforts and our commitment to future-proofing tourism development, Sarawak is ready to welcome luxury or quality travellers and international conferences alike, all while maintaining the natural beauty and cultural richness that define us.
“Despite having 34 ethnic groups with diverse languages and traditions, Sarawak is a living testament to unity and harmony,” he said. — DayakDaily
