Giving our thumbs up to the International Conference on Responsible Tourism & Hospitality (ICRTH2024)

My thanks to the organisers of this year’s International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH 2024) for having invited me to grace the opening ceremony at the Theatre hotel in Kuching and to deliver the keynote address. Kudos to the organisers for having ICRTH’s 2024 theme which is “Tourism and Peace: Promoting Peaceful and Inclusive Societies for Sustainable Development”.

I have pointed out to the participants that the tourism sector has the potential to contribute to peace is significant, requiring thorough exploration and integration into broader societal transformations. It has the vital role as a catalyst for fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures. Serving as an important driver to our nation’s economic growth, it is also a good avenue for interactions that can strengthen the foundations of peace, including social justice, human rights, economic equality, and sustainable development.

Sarawak’s commitment to responsible tourism is reflected in its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS2030) led by our Right Honourable Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg. The strategy is aiming to transform Sarawak into a leading eco-tourism and business event destination with the empowered communities through responsible actions.

During my speech, I was delighted to annouce that one of the most recent achievements in Sarawak’s tourism landscape is the inscription of Niah Cave complex in Miri as the latest in United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage sites list.

This recognition underscores the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage and its commitment to preserving these treasures for future generations. Such recognition also highlights Sarawak’s dedication to responsible tourism, which fosters peace and understanding by showcasing our shared human history. Our new tourism product will not only attract more visitors to Sarawak which is good for our economy, it will accelerate the implementation of our strategy to conserve our environment, preserve our cultural heritage and build an inclusive society with mutual appreciation.