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| Abdul Karim signs the board that bears the SHTA 2019 logo to mark the launch. Seen behind him is Lee, while Hii stands at right. In the background are (from right) Abdul Aziz and Audry. |
KUCHING: The hosting of the Eighth Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (SHTA) is regarded as being the most relevant to the Visit Sarawak 2019 campaign, when it comes to further establishing Sarawak on the world’s tourism map.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the organisation of the awards programme would serve not only to motivate the winners, but also to motivate others in the local tourism industry.
“This is the eighth time that we are organising this bi-annual event and I am pleased to announce that this year’s theme is ‘On Fire for Sarawak’.
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| Visit Sarawak Campaign |
“We have chosen the theme to reflect the significance of having a strong, burning passion for the Sarawak tourism industry in order for us to advance in a dynamic and competitive manner so as to be on par with our peers.
“With this fiery passion, the industry attains the creative drive to push forward, ensuring that the industry players are able to keep up with the trends of the touristic interests that are constantly evolving,” he said at the launch of SHTA 2019 at the Old Court House here on Thursday night.
“I get very passionate when talking about our local tourism industry. It is one of the industries which are important to our local economy and to our local people.
“In many countries, the tourism dollar is proven to be a money-spinner for the local folk – this is where the livelihood of the people can be alleviated. In this respect, the hosting of the Visit Sarawak 2019 campaign is imperative because it’s about time we step up our game in order to achieve something better.
“I think the awards (programme) would serve its purpose well and it will bring a host of benefits to Sarawak, especially to those whose lives are depending on it (tourism),” he spoke further.
According to Abdul Karim, SHTA 2019 sets its focus on the progress and achievements of the local tourism industry between 2017 and 2018.
It is learnt that there are nine main award categories, including two new divisions – namely ‘Outstanding Shopping Malls’ and ‘Outstanding Sports Tourism Events’ categories.
“Within these main categories, there are 31 other sub-categories will also be looked into,” said the minister.
It is understood that every winner of the main awards will receive Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award trophy and certificate, cash incentive of RM5,000, and also a marketing incentive worth RM3,000.
Awards will also be given to individuals and organisations regarded as being outstanding in their respective contributions to Sarawak tourism.
For the winners of the ‘Hornbill’s Special Awards’, each will be presented with the trophy and certificate, and a cash incentive of RM10,000.
Adding on, Abdul Karim also hoped that there would be a significant increase of entries for the SHTA this year versus the 182 entries received for the seventh edition in 2017.
“It is our hope for the awards to further inspire the winners to go further in their endeavours and at the same time, we hope to motivate others to follow suit.
“The job of promoting Sarawak as a popular tourist destination does not rest on the state government or the ministry alone – each and every Sarawakian must also play their part,” he said.
The SHTA 2019 ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on a date that is yet to be announced.
The organiser is now accepting entries until the end of March.
The entry forms can be downloaded via www.mtacys.sarawak.gov.my.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Kalaka assemblyman Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz who is also Sarawak Tourism Board chairman, permanent secretary to Abdul Karim’s ministry Hii Chang Kee and Sarawak Tourism Federation president Audry Wan Ullok were among those witnessing the launch. -TheBorneoPost
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