KUCHING (Oct 18): Sarawak is being positioned as a premier sustainable tourism destination that celebrates its rich cultural heritage and the well-being of its indigenous communities.
Speaking at the Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 in Singapore, State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the future of tourism lies in sustainable development and responsible travel.
“Located on the island of Borneo, encompassing 12.4 million hectares of tropical rainforest, Sarawak is home to 34 ethnic groups with centuries-old cultural heritage and a rich biodiversity ecosystem,” he said at the event.
“It is a ‘hidden gem’ waiting to be explored with respect and responsibility.
“Sustainability is the foundation of Sarawak’s economy and society,” he said during the launch of the fair, themed ‘Sustainable Tourism in Sarawak: Balancing Growth and Conservation’ at the Suntec Exhibition and Conference Centre in the island republic on Friday.
Abdul Karim highlighted that Sarawak’s indigenous communities have long lived in harmony with nature, guided by ancestral traditions long before sustainability became a global agenda.
He noted that Sarawak’s tourism sector has also shown strong recovery, with visitor arrivals reaching 4.83 million — surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
“This influx generated RM12.45 billion in revenue, a significant increase of RM2.47 billion from the previous year.
“Up to August this year, as many as 3.2 million tourists visited Sarawak, translating into a revenue of RM8.2 billion,” he said.
The Sarawak Mega Fair 2025, which concludes today, features over 50 exhibitors.
The event serves as a platform for government agencies, investors and industry stakeholders to forge partnerships, promote sustainable development, and explore Sarawak’s vast tourism potential. Credit: Borneo Post Online