BY NURIN PATRA & NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS
KUCHING: A total of 72 finalists have been chosen for the top honours across various categories at the 9th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (SHTA) 2024.
To be held at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre, Kuching on Sept 27, the awards mark a significant event in Sarawak’s tourism calendar after an extensive judging process that concluded on July 31.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, along with the Sarawak Tourism Federation, this biennial event seeks to honour those who have excelled in promoting Sarawak as a top tourist destination. It was last held in 2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the awards received a notable 241 nominations by the May 10 deadline, highlighting the exceptional talent and commitment within Sarawak’s tourism industry.
“The finalists are assessed by a selection committee of 45 judges from both the private and public sectors, guaranteeing a thorough and impartial evaluation process,” he said at a press conference for the upcoming SHTA at Baitul Makmur II, Kuching on Monday.
He said the SHTA 2024 will feature a total of eight main categories including the prestigious Special Hornbill Awards.
“In the Best Tour Operator, Tours & Tourist Guide category, there will be 13 finalists while the Best Accommodation category will have 12 finalists,” he said.
The Best Dining, Retail and Recreational Experiences will see 13 finalists, Best Special Interest Tourism category – nine finalists while Best Attractions as well as Best Promotion and Social Media Contribution to the Tourism Industry category have six finalists respectively.
“The 9th SHTA, in line with this year’s theme, will include two special awards which are the Special Recognition Award for contributions during the COVID-19 era and the Special Hornbill Award for Responsible Tourism.
“These honours celebrate the resilience and innovation that have shaped Sarawak’s tourism sector,” he said.
He added that the judging involved both in-person and virtual interviews, as well as site visits to the nominees’ locations, including those in Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.
“These finalists exemplify not only outstanding service but also the resilience and spirit embodied by this year’s theme, “Wind of Resilience”
The event will be graced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who will present the Special Hornbill Awards and deliver a keynote speech on the importance of tourism to Sarawak’s economy and cultural preservation.
“As Sarawak continues to rise as a premier tourist destination, the 9th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards serves as a testament to the resilience and dedication of those who contribute to the growth and sustainability of the industry,” Abdul Karim said.
He also said that this year’s event not only honours the achievements of the past but also looks forward to a future where responsible and innovative tourism practices lead the way.
