Ik Pahon (left) preparing to cut the ribbon and launch the SBS transit bus wrap advertising campaign. Also seen is Lim (centre).
SINGAPORE: The Sarawak marketing campaign in Singapore kicked-off yesterday at the Travel Malaysia Fair (TMF) 2016, held at Changi Expo and Convention Centre.
The highlight of the launch included three daily stage shows featuring a Sarawak cultural presentation and the launching of the public bus wrap advertisement on SBS transit buses.
Twenty-one travel agents, hoteliers and homestay owners are participating in the three-day travel fair. The launching of the campaign will also feature Sarawak artisans and crafters demonstrating traditional weaving, basketry and bead making besides making their products available for sale directly to Singaporeans.
The travel fair will also feature destination and product seminars and business-to-business sessions over the weekend for Singaporean travel agents, tourism-related business agencies and visitors.
The campaign was officiated at yesterday afternoon by state tourism ministry permanent secretary Dato Ik Pahon Joyik, who is also the chief executive officer of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).
Ik Pahon was representing former tourism minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg at the campaign, which was also held to launch Travel Malaysia Fair (TMF) 2016.
Also present at the launching were president of Express and Excursion Bus Association (EEBA) Joe Lim, organising chairman of the TMF 2016 Sebastian Yap, director of Sarawak Tourism Malaysia (Singapore) Noor Aine Ismail, and the chairman of the Sarawak Tourism Federation Philip Yong.
“We are pleased to bring Sarawak closer to Singaporeans and being able to share our rich colourful cultures and a broad array of unique tourism products at a very affordable price,” said Ik Pahon at the opening ceremony.
“All these have been our secrets but now we want to share them with our neighbours in Singapore. For that reason, we are making a strong presence in this fair, in the hope that you will find your holiday and business excitement just next door.”
Stressing on adding value to tourism packages, Ik Pahon said Sarawak travel operators were able to give competitive pricing.
“We have so much to offer to Singaporeans,” he said, adding that the warm Sarawak hospitality and a rural setting combined with world-class supporting infrastructure would cater well for visitors from Singapore.
Meanwhile, five ‘Sarawak-wrapped’ SBS Transit buses have started plying the central business district routes since April 15 and will be on the road for the next three months. As part of the campaign, STB will also organise a 10-day consumer show at Orchard Road starting May 13.
Sarawak cultural performances, mini exhibitions, handicraft demonstrations and traditional games will be part of the show organised to share what Sarawak has to offer to Singaporeans.
The travel fair will end on Sunday and is organised by the EEBA and supported by Tourism Malaysia.