KUCHING: Sarawak returned with a strong showing to ITB Berlin 2023 from March 7 to 9, 2023 with its own inaugural stand-alone pavilion to strengthen Sarawak’s presence in the European market and to position the state as a leading and preferred eco-tourism destination in the ASEAN region.
In its press statement here yesterday, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) said visitors to ITB Berlin could learn more on Sarawak’s tourism offerings at the Sarawak Pavilion in Hall A, Stand 220A and experience a destination blessed with a plethora of Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals unlike anywhere else.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Sarawak Pavilion was reflective of the state’s passion to drive tourism as one of the key contributors to the region.
“We are proud that our strategic partners stand with us in making Sarawak stand out in the world at this year’s ITB Berlin.
“We are very fortunate to have the support of Authentic Borneo Tours, Borneo Adventure, Business Events Sarawak (Sarawak Convention Bureau), CPH Travel Agencies (Sarawak), Greatown Travel, Happy Trails Borneo Tours, Hemisphere Hospitality, Paradesa Borneo, Smart Leisure & Travels and Tropical Adventure to work together to enhance Sarawak’s visibility on the global pedestal”, he added.
Highlights of Sarawak’s Day 1 participation in the fair was the unveiling of its new destination video, “Sarawak…Now More Than Ever” and video presentations on Sarawak’s adventure products such as cycling, trekking and caving activities and promotion of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2023.
Another significant agenda on Day 1 was the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Tischler Reisen AG as a collaborative effort to boost Sarawak’s visibility towards becoming a preferred destination among the people of Germany and surrounding European markets both offline and online with the best travel agencies, involving some 600 agencies in Germany.
STB added that as the biggest state in Malaysia with a low-density population of 2.9 million people (as of 2020), Sarawak was very proud of its natural inheritance of pristine rainforests, endemic flora and fauna, and its diverse peoples.
Located in Borneo, the third largest island in the world, the rich land of Sarawak is host to a kaleidoscope of cultures made up of 31 ethnic groups, with a rich and diverse ecosystem for adventurers to explore.
STB said many tourist destinations had adopted the principles of responsible tourism in their management and tourism practices, and Sarawak was no exception.
It said STB took environmental issues seriously and Sarawak tourism players incorporate elements of sustainable waste management, energy conservation and environmental education into their tours to ensure travellers not only were sight-seeing but also contributing to the conservation of Sarawak’s attractions for generations to come.
“Visitors to Sarawak can have the choice of experiencing local authentic Sarawak lifestyle by staying in community-based homestays or enjoy the modern and scenic landscapes of its cities.
“Sarawak tourism players adapt eco-friendly practices in their tourism products, such as encouraging bicycle-rides in rural areas or enjoy bird-watching in Sarawak’s lush rainforests.
“The tourism players promote homestays, encourage consumption of local food, and highlight local handicrafts and arts in their effort of sustaining the local way of life for generations to come,” STB added.
It said such community-based tourism could be found in areas such as Nanga Sumpa in Batang Ai where travellers could gain an insight into the lifestyle of the various tribes of Sarawak.
“These efforts can generate economy for its residents, especially those from lower-income groups.
“Sarawak’s renowned orangutan rehabilitation centre, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre which is only 20 km from Kuching City, is by far the biggest orangutan rehabilitation centre in Sarawak.
“It was established as a sanctuary for orangutans who were injured, orphaned, or being held captive as illegal pets,” STB said.
It added that, currently, the centre served as a habitat for the orangutans and also a place for visitors to learn about this endangered rare species.
This wildlife centre has a thriving population of healthy adolescent and young adult semi-wild orangutans.
