By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 18: Sarawak is taking its tourism pitch directly to the international travel trade this week as Kuching hosts Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart for the first time, bringing more than 1,100 tourism delegates from 48 countries and destinations to the state.
In a statement, the three-day event puts Sarawak in direct contact with 221 buyers representing 215 companies from 29 source markets, alongside more than 365 sellers from over 200 tourism organisations and destinations.
More than 4,000 scheduled business appointments are taking place, giving tourism operators opportunities to develop partnerships, enter new markets and generate future business.
Hosted at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from Aug 18 to 20, the event is organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, hosted by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and supported by Business Events Sarawak.
PATA chief executive officer Noor Ahmad Hamid said bringing the event to Sarawak was part of efforts to open international markets to destinations beyond the region’s traditional tourism gateways.
“By taking PTM beyond the region’s traditional gateways, we are deliberately opening international markets to smaller and emerging destinations,” he said.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event would strengthen Sarawak’s engagement with the international tourism community while creating wider economic opportunities.
“As we grow the sector, our focus remains on creating meaningful economic opportunities, strengthening our tourism industry and ensuring that development continues to benefit our communities while safeguarding the cultural and natural assets that make Sarawak distinctive,” he said.
International delegates are also being introduced to Sarawak through destination experiences featuring its culture, communities, gastronomy, nature and adventure offerings.
STB chief executive officer Dr Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor said the aim was for delegates to take their understanding of Sarawak back to their respective markets.
“We want delegates to gain a deeper understanding of what Sarawak offers and take that knowledge back to their respective markets, creating greater opportunities for Sarawak to be included in future travel programmes and itineraries,” she said.
The event runs until Aug 20 and also features the PATA Knowledge Forum, Youth Symposium and PATA Executive Board and Board meetings. — DayakDaily
