KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak aims to pursue responsible tourism in its endeavours to drive the industry in a sustainable way, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to him, Sarawak as a proponent of the Cape Town Declaration recognises that responsible tourism takes a variety of forms.
“Responsible tourism makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage,” said Abang Johari during his speech at the welcome dinner of the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2019 at The Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.
He added that it involves the locals in decisions that affect their lives and life changes, while generating greater economic benefits for them and enhancing their wellbeing.
“It provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social, and environmental issues,” he stated.
Furthermore, Abang Johari said that responsible tourism provides access for people with disabilities and the disadvantaged.
Despite Sarawak entering the tourism industry late and having a lot to catch up on, he emphasised the state’s ambition and his confidence that it would be able to “stand up to the big boys in the region”.
“We hope to hit a target of five million visitors by the end of this year,” he stated.
Illustrating the captivating essence of Sarawak, Abang Johari mentioned that 19th century British explorer, geographer, anthropologist, and biologist Alfred Russel Wallace who began his early writings based on his exploration of Sarawak’s natural beauty.
“Leaving behind his legend in Sarawak, his name carved some of the earliest expeditionary interest which is still being pursued by many until today,” he said.
Abang Johari highlighted that there is a place for everyone in Sarawak, be they explorers, adventurers or just ordinary tourists.
He believed that Sarawakians being known for their friendliness and welcoming attitude is the state’s strongest asset.
The WTC 2019 welcome dinner distinctly showcased key elements of Sarawak — Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals — in line with the “Sarawak — More to Discover” campaign theme.
WTC 2019 began yesterday and will close today at the Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
Also in attendance at the welcome dinner were Malaysia Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz; STB chief executive officer (CEO) Sharzede Salleh Askor; and World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) executive director Zhu Shanzhong.
