KUCHING: The 9th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (2019 – 2023) will be held on Sept 24 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre, Jalan Haji Taha here.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the award is set to acknowledge and honour outstanding achievements and contributions within the Sarawak tourism sector throughout the last five years, from 2019 to 2023.
He added that it is to recognise the resilience exhibited by industry stakeholders amid unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic; this event is meticulously crafted to express gratitude for recovery efforts and highlight exceptional industry revival.
Themed “Winds of Resilience”, the event is expected to be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
This year’s awards will feature eight main awards categories with 28 sub-categories, including several new categories to better reflect the commitment to recognising and celebrating excellence across all aspects of the tourism industry.
Examples of the new categories include Spa and Wellness, Education and Medical Tourism, Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H), as well as featuring Best Community Based Tourism Initiative and Special Award for Sustainability et cetera.
The selection committee will judge these award categories, with a panel of 45 judges representing a combination of private and public sectors. The winner of the 9th SHTA received prize money, a trophy, media recognition, and an awards certificate.
Abdul Karim was speaking at the launch of Quick Fact Book 2023, Calendar of Events (CoE 2024), and the 9th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (2019 – 2023) held here on Monday (March 11).
He also launched the 9th SHTA official website, which will provide comprehensive information and resources, and serve as a valuable hub for industry professionals, potential nominees, and stakeholders to engage with the awards program.
This dedicated website will showcase the background & history of SHTA as well as the past winner’s information. The latest awards information which includes the nomination process, criteria, and nomination form can be accessed online via https://shta.com.my/
He encouraged individuals and organisations from all corners of the tourism industry to nominate themselves or others, for the present and new categories and help us shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done to shape the future of tourism in Sarawak.
The nomination period will run from March 25 to April 30; and nomination forms can be submitted online or offline.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Tourism Quick Facts book is produced as a yearly compilation of all facts, figures, and information that shows the performance of Sarawak throughout the year 2023.
All information compiled is from various sources such as Economic Planning Unit, Ministry of Transport Sarawak, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry, Immigration Department Malaysia Sarawak, Museum Department Sarawak, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Sarawak Craft Council, Sarawak Arts Council, Handicraft Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Sarawak Cultural Village, Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara, Malaysian Association of Hotels Sarawak Chapter, and Malaysia HealthCare Travel Council.
As for the CoE2024, it features 88 events across Sarawak, including iconic events such as Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race, Kuching Marathon and Borneo Jazz Festival.
Tourism Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor, Business Events Sarawak chief executive officer Amelia Roziman were among those present at the event.
