The 8th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards receives 388 nominations

Abdul Karim (centre) with the 8th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards organising committee at a press conference.

KUCHING, Nov 27: Winners of the 8th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards 2017/2018 can look forward to receive RM5,000 cash incentive, RM3,000 worth of marketing incentive, trophy and certificate in each category.

Organised by the state Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, a total of 388 nominations were received in various categories from across the country

There will be nine main categories of awards to be presented with 30 subcategories at the gala dinner on Dec 7, at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

The nine main category of awards are Outstanding Hotel & Accommodation Provider, Outstanding Destination Management Company (DMC), Outstanding Tourist Guide, Outstanding Food Outlet, Outstanding Cottage Industry Contribution to the Tourism Industry, Outstanding Shopping Mall, Outstanding Media Contribution to the Tourism Industry, Outstanding Tourism Attraction & Event and Outstanding Sports Tourism Event.

The Outstanding Shopping Mall and Outstanding Sports Tourism Event are the two new categories added to this year’s Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards.

“With the theme ‘On Fire For Sarawak’, we hope that this year’s award will reflect the strong burning passion for Sarawak tourism industry, as we continue to work together and make Sarawak the preferred destination for tourists,” Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told a press conference here today.

He added: “We will also present the Hornbill’s Special Awards, which is the highest awards to be conferred to deserving and distinguished individuals and organisations.

“The award winners will be presented with RM10,000 cash incentives, Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award trophy and certificate.”

Meanwhile, for the first time ever, trophies and certificates will also be awarded to second and third places of each sub category to recognise their efforts and contribution, Abdul Karim said.

“This is to motivate the winners and to inspire others in the local tourism industry to be more creative, innovative, competitive and productive in their contributions toward the development to tourism industry in the state.

“It is also our hope that the awards would give due recognition on the milestones, achievements and contribution by the Sarawak tourism industry players, stakeholders and the media fraternity,” he continued.

He added that the job of promoting Sarawak as a popular tourist destination does not rest with the state government or the ministry alone, as each and every Sarawakian must also play their part in doing so. — DayakDaily