SIBU: Sarawak will host two major international tourism events next year, namely the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2014 and the ASEAN/East Asia Tourism Ministers Conference, both in Kuching.
State Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg disclosed this when officiating at the opening ceremony of the Second Sibu International Dance Festival, here last night.
Fourteen troupes including those from countries such as Singapore, China, India, Taiwan, Lithuania and Thailand, besides Malaysia, would take part in the four-day event.
The event is hosted by the Sibu Hornland Dance Academy and supported by the Sibu Municipal Council as part of the town’s new tourism products.
Abang Johari also said the year-long Visit Sarawak Year 2013 would be launched on Sept 16 in Kuching to coincide with the state’s 50th Merdeka Anniversary celebration.
Meanwhile, on the festival, he said it was a noble effort in the sharing of culture through dances between Malaysia and the different participating countries.
“The dances can be regarded as a bridge toward better understanding of the different cultures to promote greater international peace and goodwill.
“For its next festival, I hope the organisers can work with my ministry in order to host an even bigger one with more foreign participation especially from Asean member countries,” he said. — BERNAMA