Winner Lim Kian Hock receiving his award under the Hornbill Special Awards category from Adenan (third from left). Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Datu Ik Pahon Joyik is on the left, Abang Johari on second left and partly hidden is Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zupilip. — Photo by Muhamad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Thirty-three awards were given out during the 6th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards 2013/2014 at Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday.
The awards were for the following categories: Outstanding Hotel and Accommodation Provider (six sub categories), Outstanding Destination Management Company (four sub categories), Outstanding Tourist Guides (three sub categories), Outstanding Food Outlets (four sub categories), Outstanding Cottage Industry (three sub categories), Outstanding Transport Contribution (One sub category), Outstanding Media Contribution (six sub categories), Outstanding Tourism Attraction and Events (four sub categories), and Hornbill Special Awards (two sub categories).
The winners each received a trophy, certificate, RM5,000 cash and marketing incentives valued at RM3,000.
For those under Hornbill Special Awards, the winners each received RM10,000, trophy and certificate.
Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said there were about 200 nominations for this year’s awards, and the cash rewards for the winners were increased from RM3,000 previously to RM5,000. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who officiated at the event, commended the award nominees and winners for doing a good job in wooing tourists to the state.
“I hope all of you will continue your good job in contributing to the state’s tourism sector, and I hope these awards will motivate more industry players,” he said.
Apart from the awards presentation, guests were entertained by, among others, renowned Sarawak-born Noh (front man of the award-winning band Hujan) and Dayang Nurfaizah.