Abang Johari showing a trophy for the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards 2015. Also seen are Talib (second left) and Ik Pahon (right). — Photo by Mohd Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Tourism players are urged to keep on improving their services to fulfil the needs of visitors who come here as holiday, business or medical tourists.
Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that there has been an increase in medical tourists especially from Potianak, Jakarta, and Brunei.
“In fact, Sarawak will play host for the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2016 which will highlight the State.
“This is why I want industry players from hotels, restaurants to tour guides to improve their services and skills,” he told a press conference yesterday.
The convention will be held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from Nov 12-16 next year.
In this connection, he said he will be going to the 54th ICCA Congress 2015 in Buenos Aires in Argentina which will be held from Oct 30 – Nov 4 for the handing over ceremony as the 2016 host.
Earlier, Abang Johari announced that the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards 2015 will be held at BCCK on Nov 15 in which Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem will be present to give out the awards.
He said that the awards are to recognise individuals and organisations for their great contribution to tourism development in the state.
The recognition is also to promote a culture of excellence, creativity, quality services, and best practices.
There are nine main categories with 41 sub-categories. The main categories are Outstanding Hotel and Accommodation Providers, Outstanding Destination Management Company, Outstanding Tourist Guides, Outstanding Food Outlet, Outstanding Cottage Industry Contribution to the Tourism Industry, Outstanding Transport Contribution to the Tourism Industry, Outstanding Media Contribution to the Local Industry, Outstanding Tourism Attractions and Events, and Hornbill Special Award/Minister’s Award.
Each winner will get a trophy, certificate, RM5,000 cash and Promotion and Marketing incentives worth RM3,000. Special Award winner will get trophy, certificate and RM10,000 cash.
Two hundred nominees have been received for the various categories.
Also present at the press conference were Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip and permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik.