Travel agents from Johor pose onboard an express boat before starting their riverine journey from Kuching to Sibu.
KUCHING: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) on Monday conducted a business networking session for travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers and tourist attraction owners at a hotel here.
A press release said the session was attended by 15 Matta Johor travel agents and 20 Sarawak-based tourism-related players in conjunction with a familiarisation tour by the travel agents to Kuching and Sibu from Oct 8 to 11 soon after the business session wrapped up.
STB chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor when speaking at the opening ceremony called on travel agents from Johor to take note of the unique tourism attractions in Sarawak, especially its varied cultures, nature and culinary delights.
“While experiencing the tours first hand provides these agents with an intimate understanding and insight of the packages Sarawak has to offer, this session also gives them opportunities to establish rapport with local tour agents and hoteliers for future marketing ventures.
“The session also seeks to bridge the gap between Peninsular Malaysian and East Malaysian tourism, provide business opportunities for mutual benefit and bring more visitors to the state,” the STB press release said.
It added the agents will get to experience Kuching City Tour, Iban longhouse in Sarikei, Mukah’s Kampung Tellian and Lamin Dana as well as Sibu’s highlights such as the Heritage Centre, Night Market, Central Market, Town Square and the Rajang Esplanade.
The group will also get to feast on the many local delicacies from the different ethnic groups in Sarawak throughout the trip such as Kuching’s Top Spot, Sibu’s longevity noodles and the sago snacks produced only in the Mukah area.
“Sarawak has the potential to be the destination of choice for many Johor travellers looking for a holiday with AirAsia flying directly from Johor Bahru to Sibu twice daily and to Kuching four to five times daily.
“The state also offers a look into a part of Malaysia most Johor travellers would likely have never seen before, particularly in terms of culture and food which differs greatly from any other parts of Malaysia,” said the press release.
Participants from Johor comprise agents of Matta Johor Chapter, YH Tours and Transport Sdn Bhd, Sitty Travel Sdn Bhd, Hongyi Holidays Sdn Bhd, Ezz Travel Sdn Bhd, Winflower Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, Nepline Travel Sdn Bhd, Prides Tour Sdn Bhd, Binkhaled Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, Z.B.T & Tours Limousine Sdn Bhd and Volume Holidays (M) Sdn Bhd.
Meanwhile, the secretary of Matta Johor Andy Goh said that the agents are looking forward to their Sibu trip as the highlight of their visit as it is seen as a new product to be promoted.