MIRI: For one evening, the skies above Miri became more than a backdrop to an international conference.
They became a place where children battling illness, patients receiving palliative care and their families were given the chance to experience something many had never imagined, a hot air balloon ride.
The initiative, held in conjunction with the International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) 2026, welcomed beneficiaries from the MRC Sunflower Centre, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society and the Palliative Care Association of Miri to Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club on Wednesday (Jul 8) evening.
While delegates from around the world gathered in Miri to discuss the future of responsible tourism, the organisers sought to demonstrate that the industry’s greatest impact is often measured not in visitor arrivals or economic returns, but in the lives it touches within the host community.
For many of the children and patients taking part, the tethered hot air balloon ride marked their first aerial tourism experience.
Accompanied by parents, caregivers and volunteers, participants were able to rise gently above the landscape, offering a fresh perspective of Miri and, for a brief moment, a welcome escape from the challenges of daily life.
The experience was designed not simply as a recreational activity but as an expression of the conference’s central philosophy that tourism should generate meaningful social value alongside economic and environmental benefits.
By extending the experience beyond conference delegates to members of the local community, the organisers hoped to demonstrate that responsible tourism begins with inclusivity and compassion, ensuring opportunities are shared with those who might otherwise never have access to such experiences.
The event also highlighted the often-overlooked role of tourism in fostering human connection.
For families caring for seriously ill children or loved ones, the evening offered more than a ride into the sky. It created an opportunity to share moments of joy, strengthen family bonds and build memories that will endure long after the conference concludes.
The organising committee expressed its appreciation to the MRC Sunflower Centre, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society and the Palliative Care Association of Miri for partnering in the initiative.
