KUCHING: A total of 388 nominations have been received for the 8th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (SHTA).
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the number of nominations has doubled compared to 182 entries in the previous edition of the event.
The 8th SHTA gala dinner will be held on December 7 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and it will be officiated at by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Winners will receive the SHTA trophy and certificate, RM5,000 cash incentive, and RM3,000 worth of marketing incentives,” Abdul Karim said during a press conference at the Baitulmakmur Building here, yesterday.
He said that there will be nine main categories of awards to be presented, as well as 30 sub-categories.
Of the nine main categories, two are newly added to this year’s SHTA, namely the Outstanding Shopping Mall and Outstanding Sports Tourism Event categories.
“During this year’s gala dinner, we will be presenting the Hornbill Special Awards, which are the highest awards to be conferred to deserving and distinguished individuals and organisations.
“The award winners will be presented with the SHTA trophy and certificate as well as a cash incentive of RM10,000,” he said.
Besides these awards, he said that for the first time ever, trophies and certificates will also be awarded to the second and third placed winners of each sub-category as a symbol of recognition for their effort and contribution.
Abdul Karim said this was to inspire those in the local tourism industry to be more creative, innovative, competitive, and productive in contributing towards the development of Sarawak’s tourism.
“We hope that this year’s awards themed ‘On Fire for Sarawak’ will reflect the strong burning passion for Sarawak’s tourism industry as we continue to work together to make Sarawak the preferred destination for tourists,” he said.
SHTA is held every two years to appreciate those who have contributed to the tourism industry in Sarawak.
