BUDAPEST: Lessons from Hungary’s successful heritage conservation and tourism management model could help shape the development of Sarawak’s northern border region, particularly through the Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035.
A Sarawak delegation led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan visited the iconic Fisherman’s Bastion on Tuesday (Jun 16) as part of the Border Cities Collaborative Exchange Programme, an official study mission to Hungary and Austria aimed at exploring international best practices in city planning, heritage management and sustainable tourism development.
According to a statement from Awang Tengah’s office, the insights gained from the visit would be valuable in supporting Sarawak’s ongoing planning initiatives, especially the Limbang-Lawas Local Plan 2035, which seeks to harness the northern region’s cultural, historical and natural assets to drive sustainable economic growth and tourism development.
The delegation was hosted by the Mayor’s Office of District I (Budavár) and welcomed by Budapest District I Deputy Mayor Fodor Artur.
Also present were Dominik Liszkai from the Mayor’s Office Cabinet and Levente Kalmár, an intern with the office.
During a briefing, delegates were given an overview of the district’s heritage conservation framework, tourism initiatives and urban management practices within the historic Buda Castle District.
The delegation learned how Budapest has preserved its cultural and architectural heritage while integrating these assets into broader tourism and economic development strategies.
Discussions highlighted the importance of effective governance, stakeholder collaboration and public space management in maintaining the historical significance and attractiveness of heritage areas for residents and visitors.
The delegation also observed how heritage landmarks contribute to city branding, placemaking and cultural tourism.
