State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (centre) announcing the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards in Kuching on Monday (Aug 26). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Outstanding tourism contributors in Sarawak will be honoured at an awards ceremony next month, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister said the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards celebrated achievements in sectors such as hospitality, ecotourism, and cultural preservation and served as a platform for innovation and excellence in tourism.
"The awards were last held in 2018, before the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This year, the awards received 241 nominations across eight main categories and 27 sub-categories, a testament to the resilience of Sarawak's tourism sector," he told a press conference here on Monday (Aug 26).
Abdul Karim said 72 finalists had been selected to compete for the top honors, which will be presented by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg at the ceremony on Sept 27.
He said two special awards would be presented this year: the Special Recognition Award for Contributions during Covid-19 and the Special Hornbill Award for Responsible Tourism.
"Additionally, the Premier will present a Special Hornbill Lifetime Achievement Award to an individual who has made significant contributions to Sarawak's tourism industry," he said.
All finalists will receive an appreciation certificate, while the winners in each category will receive a cash incentive of RM5,000, a marketing incentive of RM3,000 and a trophy.
