events energize Sarawak's growth momentum
Jump-starting Sarawak's Tourism in 2010 with a Pulsating Calendar of Events
KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism and Heritage unveiled its Tourism Calendar for Sarawak 2010 yesterday, featuring a dozen blockbuster events to revitalize the region's tourism sector. Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, asserted that these events will be a magnet for tourists from both Malaysia and abroad.
Among the eleven featured events are the Kaul Mukah Festival (17th to 25th April in Mukah), the Miri International Jazz Festival (14th to 15th May, Miri), the Lawas Irau Aco (1st to 3rd June, Lawas), the Limbang Pesta Babulang (4th to 6th June, Limbang), the Sibu Festival of Bornean Culture (16th to 25th July, Sibu), the Kuching Rainforest World Music Festival (9th to 11th July, Kuching), the Kuching Regatta (31st July to 2nd August, Kuching), the Kuching Street Parade (2nd August, Kuching), the Kuching Mooncake Festival (17th to 22nd September, Kuching), the Bintulu International Kite Festival (30th September to 3rd October, Bintulu), and the Miri International Dragon Boat Race (4th to 9th October, Miri).
"With this calendar in hand, we hope to draw an abundance of tourists via events that will potentially leave a positive impact on Sarawak’s tourism industry. Although some travelers may be unfamiliar with these events, we must make sure they're recognized by tourists worldwide," Chan said during a press conference after the launch of the 2010 Sarawak Tourism Calendar at Wisma Bapa yesterday.
Chan, who is also the Minister of Tourism and Heritage, emphasized that when tourists have a deeper understanding of Sarawak’s offerings, it will further boost tourist arrivals in the state.
"I encourage the travel industry to craft tailored packages that involve tourists in activities we organize. By offering such experiences, they would gain meaningful memories from their visit, rather than merely spectating or attending events," he added.
The events listed in the calendar encompass diverse aspects, such as culture, religion, music, sports, and theater, which aim to captivate tourists. Additionally, these events are not only geared toward presenting a vibrant and energetic atmosphere but also offer social and economic opportunities to the local community.
The calendar is anticipated to showcase more than 200 events throughout the year, aiming to strengthen Sarawak's tourism sector[5].
Andra Talib Zulpilip and Mong Dagang, Deputy Ministers of Tourism and Heritage, Ik Pahon Joyik, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, Wee Hong Seng, President of the Sarawak Tourism Association, and other travel industry professionals were also present at the occasion.
Sarawak News
- Enrichment Data:
- The Sarawak Tourism Calendar 2010 highlights a dozen major events to reinvigorate the region's tourism industry, with the following key events being its focus:
- Rainforest World Music Festival (20th to 22nd June)
- Samarahan Bike Challenge (22nd June)
- Siol International Mountain Bike Challenge (22nd to 24th August)
- Sarawak International Choral Festival (13th to 15th June)
- WAK Festival (What About Kuching Festival) held in Kuching (1st to 31st October)
- 11th Edition of Sarawak International Dragon Boat (24th to 26th October)
- Sarawak Regatta – Kuching Waterfront Festival (31st October to 2nd November)
- Miri Marathon (13th May)
Additional events, totaling over 200 events, are expected to play a part in the calendar during the year, allowing Sarawak’s cultural diversity and adventurous activities to take center stage[5]. While the listing above includes 8 specific events from the 2010 calendar as mentioned in official records, the full 11 main events count is acknowledged in the sources, yet the complete names for all events have not been thoroughly detailed.
Drawing tourists from both Malaysia and abroad, the highlighted events in the Sarawak Tourism Calendar 2010, such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, have the potential to leave a positive impact on the tourism industry. Other events like the Sarawak International Choral Festival and the WAK Festival aim to captivate visitors by showcasing the cultural diversity and adventurous activities in the region.
