By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 18: The Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 highlights the Land of the Hornbills as a ‘hidden gem’ in sustainable tourism, celebrating its cultural heritage and the well-being of its indigenous communities.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) report, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the future of tourism must be built upon sustainable development that not only drives economic growth but also preserves the environment and empowers local communities.
“Located on the island of Borneo, Sarawak encompasses 12.4 million hectares of tropical rainforest and is home to 34 ethnic groups with centuries-old cultural heritage, coexisting harmoniously within a rich biodiversity ecosystem.
“It is a ‘hidden gem’ waiting to be discovered by the world—with respect and responsibility. For Sarawak, sustainability is not merely an option, but the foundation of our economy and society,” he said in his opening address at the Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 Business Conference themed ‘Sustainable Tourism in Sarawak: Balancing Growth and Conservation’ held at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore on Friday (Oct 17).
In the same speech, Abdul Karim also shared how Sarawak’s indigenous communities have long practised harmonious living with nature through traditional knowledge and ancestral wisdom—long before sustainability became a global agenda.
According to him, such practices have made Sarawak an authentic and responsible tourism destination, particularly for travellers seeking meaningful and holistic experiences.
He further noted that Sarawak demonstrated a strong post-pandemic recovery in 2024, recording 4.83 million tourist arrivals—surpassing pre-pandemic levels—and generating RM12.45 billion in tourism revenue, an increase of RM2.47 billion compared to the previous year.
“As of August, this year alone, Sarawak has welcomed 3.2 million tourists, generating RM8.2 billion in revenue,” he added.
Abdul Karim went on to say that Sarawak’s approach is not focused merely on the number of tourists, but rather on attracting visitors who create a positive impact and appreciate the uniqueness of its natural environment and local culture.
“We welcome tourists who seek immersive experiences, stay longer, and directly contribute to the well-being of rural and indigenous communities,” he said.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee; chairman of the Board of Directors of Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani; chief executive officer of STATOS, Chew Chang Guan; permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datu Sherrina Hussaini; as well as other dignitaries.
The Sarawak Mega Fair 2025, which combines conventions, carnivals, and Sarawak gastronomy from Oct 16 to 19, brings together government officials, investors, and industry stakeholders to forge new partnerships, promote sustainable development, and explore Sarawak’s untapped potential.
More than 50 exhibitors—including travel agents, local product entrepreneurs, handicraft makers, and traditional culinary enthusiasts—are showcasing the uniqueness of eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and authentic experiences found only in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
