KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak strengthened its reputation as an emerging marine tourism destination after securing third place in the Best Booth Creative Award at the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2026.
The achievement was announced following the three-day expo held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from June 5 to 7, which gathered industry professionals and tourism stakeholders.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Dr Sharzede Salleh Askor said the event provided an important platform to promote the state’s underwater attractions and strengthen industry collaboration.
“Marine and dive tourism remain an important niche segment for Sarawak as we continue to diversify our tourism offerings and strengthen our presence in key international markets,” she said.
She added that participation in MIDE 2026 enabled STB to reconnect with industry stakeholders, reinforce strategic partnerships and introduce Sarawak’s unique diving experiences to trade partners and enthusiasts.
Operating under the destination brand “Sarawak More to Discover”, the Sarawak Pavilion at Booth A010-A012 attracted strong visitor interest through immersive videos, visual displays and promotional activities.
Among the key attractions highlighted were the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park, the waters surrounding Kuching and Sematan, the Satang Islands, and several historic World War II shipwreck dive sites.
According to Sharzede, the award reflected STB’s continued efforts to enhance Sarawak’s visibility within the regional marine tourism market through creative destination storytelling and engaging visitor experiences.
She noted that the pavilion also served as a valuable platform for business-to-business and business-to-consumer engagements, connecting Sarawak-based dive operators with international buyers, travel agents and diving enthusiasts.
‘The expo generated new business opportunities while opening discussions on future collaborations, including joint promotional campaigns and familiarisation trips aimed at expanding Sarawak’s tourism reach.
“STB also conducted networking sessions with dive operators and tourism stakeholders, further strengthening strategic relationships within the marine tourism sector while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.”
The successful participation at MIDE 2026 reinforced Sarawak’s position as a premier diving destination in Southeast Asia while supporting efforts to preserve the state’s rich underwater heritage for future generations.
