KUCHING, Sarawak, 23 September 2024: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), in collaboration with Business Events Sarawak, Tourism Malaysia Brunei, Royal Brunei Airlines, and the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), successfully hosted the Brunei, Singapore, and Sarawak Travel Connect Business Networking Session at the Sheraton Hotel Kuching last week.
The event followed a successful halal familiarisation trip and marked a pivotal moment in strengthening regional tourism partnerships and creating new business opportunities between Sarawak and its neighbouring markets.
Both Singapore and Brunei rank among Sarawak’s top five countries of visitor arrivals, underscoring their significance in driving the state’s tourism growth. From January to July 2024, visitor arrivals from Brunei surged by 58%, while Singapore recorded a 32% increase compared to 2019 – both surpassing pre-pandemic years. Travellers from both countries strongly prefer authentic local cuisine, reflecting a growing appetite for genuine cultural experiences.
With many travellers from these markets, Sarawak is positioning itself as an accessible and inclusive halal destination. Hotels in Kuching, particularly in the city’s ‘golden triangle’ — such as Pullman Kuching, Hilton Kuching, The Waterfront Hotel Kuching, and Riverside
Majestic Hotel are halal-certified. This certification reflects Sarawak’s commitment to hygiene and ethical practices that appeal to many travellers.
With halal dining options available throughout the state, these efforts ensure that travellers can confidently explore Sarawak’s rich culinary and cultural diversity, knowing their needs are prioritised with care and integrity. By emphasising inclusivity and accessibility, Sarawak reinforces its reputation as a welcoming and diverse destination that caters to all.
Kuching, Malaysia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, epitomises Sarawak’s blend of cultural heritage and diverse cuisine. Shaped by 34 ethnic groups, the city offers a unique gastronomic journey that mirrors its multicultural essence. Halal-certified hotels and restaurants further enhance this inclusivity, allowing travellers to enjoy Sarawak’s celebrated cuisine fully.
Beyond its culinary appeal, Kuching is also a World Craft City, recognised by the World Crafts Council (WCC) for its intricate beadwork, woodcarving, rattan weaving, and traditional fabric weaving — crafts that tell the story of the land and its people. Visitors can immerse themselves in these authentic cultural experiences, deepening their appreciation of Sarawak’s vibrant heritage.
Sarawak is equally distinguished by its natural wonders, boasting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Niah National Park and Mulu National Park — making it the first state in Malaysia to achieve this recognition. Complementing these globally acclaimed sites is the Sarawak Delta Geopark, recognised as Malaysia’s sixth national geopark, underscoring the region’s diverse geological and ecological significance.
For more information on Sarawak visit https://sarawaktourism.com/
