KUCHING: Delegates from global tourism bodies, World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will be among those participating in the second International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) 2022 at UCSI Hotel here from Sept 1 to 3.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he looks forward to the event which brings tourism and hospitality stakeholders together to share ideas and resources, as well as to network and collaborate.
“It is high time that we work together today, and use platforms like the present conference, to drive our tourism industry onwards and upwards for a sustainable tomorrow,” he said in a press conference on ICRTH 2022 at his office, Bailtulmakmur Building II yesterday.
He then said ICRTH was first organised in May last year and although the conference was held virtually, it was quite a success.
“Not only did more than 3,000 delegates from over 30 countries join the conference, it also culminated in the declaration of the Sarawak commitment to responsible tourism.
“As such, ICRTH is not a one-off event for excitement and achievement. Instead, it is our affirmative response towards sustaining and regenerating tourism through responsible tourism initiatives, and this is why ICRTH is held again this year and will continue to be an annual event,” he said.
He added that he has been informed that an institution in Indonesia has bid for this conference.
“This is a remarkable milestone, considering the fact that ICRTH is barely two years old. More importantly, this is a testament of our growing awareness and commitment to responsible tourism, and the need for us to take collective actions to future-proof tourism for generations to come,” he said.
He also said that many prominent figures in tourism will attend the conference physically as distinguished guests.
“Looking at the line-up, you can see why ICRTH2022 is a significant step forward for my ministry and tourism stakeholders in Sarawak to realise responsible tourism.
“It also demonstrates our strong intent to join the global tourism community in advocating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the local context,” he said.
In addition, he said there are approximately 150 speakers from 30 countries involved in the conference where they will cover a wide range of topics related to responsible tourism, such as ecotourism, smart tourism, gastronomic tourism, tourism education, women empowerment in tourism, youth leadership in tourism and event tourism.
“In short, this conference will feature two keynote speeches, two professional dialogues, 26 industry sessions, 20 academic presentation sessions, 10 workshops, 30 booths and exhibitions, as well as an excursion to Borneo Cultures Museum and Kuching City.
“With UNWTO and PATA attending, this goes to show that our endeavours in developing tourism in the state, including our recovery efforts to weather through the pandemic and our development strategy in the post- COVID19 era, have not gone unnoticed.
“All in all, our ‘will’ to cooperate with global tourism bodies like UNWTO, PATA, and The International Ecotourism Society, as well as local organisations and community members, must remain intact in order to emerge healthier, better and stronger,” said Abdul Karim.
ICRTH2022 is organised by Sarawak Research Society (SRS) and co-hosted by MTCP Sarawak and Business Events Sarawak.
It is also in partnership with national and international institutions, such as UCSI University Sarawak Campus and Emerald Publishing in East Asia.
Themed “Mobilising Responsible Tourism into Actions: Towards Economic Prosperity, Socio-cultural Inclusivity and Environmental Sustainability,” the conference aims to advance the knowledge and practice of responsible tourism for sustainable development.
