MIRI: Sarawak's strongest selling point in the tourism industry is its people, said the deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri George Chan Hong Nam.
“We like others, have exciting tourist destinations to offer to the world, but nothing beats the friendliness and outstanding hospitality of Sarawakians. Sarawakians have generous smiles to give to visitors to Sarawak. We are by nature,friendly people and this is our biggest asset as far as tourism is concerned,” said Chan, who is also the minister of tourism and heritage.
He said this when officiating the opening ceremony of the international conference: Linking Culture, Nature and Community Through Ecotourism yesterday.
Also present were the assistant minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who is also the assistant minister of Social Development and Urbanisation; Pujut assemblyman Andy Chia, the Pro Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Ian Kerr, the director-general of Islamic Tourism Centre Zainuddin Abdul Wahab.
The inaugural international conference on the subject was jointly organised by the Curtin University of Technology Sarawak campus and the Islamic Tourism Centre.
Chan said the state government view ecotourism as very important for its relationship with conservation, sustainability and biological diversity.
“I agree wholeheartedly that local and indigenous community involvement is essential in ecotourism, as such communities-as inhabitants of the land and heirs to the local cultural heritage-should indeed have a stake and a major role to play,” said Chan.
“There are many examples of forward-thinking rural communities here in Sarawak that have embarked on ecotourism exploits on their won initiatives or with state support, established homestay programmes and building homestay dwellings so that tourists can experience life in their communities or learn more about their lifestyles and cultures,” added Chan.
More than 60 participants from 18 countries took part in the conference.
The keynote address was delivered by the deputy tourism minister Datuk Dr James Dawot Mamit.ENDS.
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Caption: ECOTOURISM THE LINK: Chan beating the gong to officially open the conference.Also seen from left are Chia, Lee, Kerr and Zainuddin.
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