KUCHING, March 12 – A total of 88 exciting events will be featured in Sarawak’s tourism calendar this year, according to Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said these events include iconic ones such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race, Kuching Marathon, and the Borneo Jazz Festival.
“In addition to the tourism calendar, we (the ministry) have also approved over 200 events,” he told reporters after the launch of the Fast Facts Book 2023, Calendar of Events 2024, and the Sarawak Tourism Awards ceremony on Monday.
Speaking at the event, Karim said his ministry, in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Federation, will organise the ninth Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards on Sept 27 at the Hikmah Exchange Building here, expected to be attended by Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“The Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards have always been a platform to recognise excellence and innovation in tourism.
“Inaugurated in 2003 to honour the efforts and contributions of individuals and organisations toward the advancement of the tourism sector in Sarawak, this award ceremony has become a cornerstone event in celebrating excellence within Sarawak’s tourism landscape,” he said.
Expounding further, Karim said a total of eight main award categories with 28 subcategories will be contested in the tourism awards.
“The selection committee will judge these award categories, with a panel of 45 judges representing a combination of the private and public sectors. The winner will receive prize money, a trophy, media recognition and an awards certificate,” katanya.
At the event, he also officiated the launch of the Sarawak Tourism Quick Facts book which compiles all the facts, figures, and performance indicators of Sarawak throughout the year 2023.
