TO highlight the state as a preferred travel destination, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) with local partners will take part in the first-ever virtual World Travel Market, the annual global travel market held in London.
“The pandemic will not be a hindrance on our tourism efforts,” said STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor. While STB is not able to be there physically because of the travel restrictions, it will strive to make Sarawak’s presence felt.
“I am honoured to be with Sarawak delegates to virtually be a part of the WTM London, where we hope to learn, share our voice and thoughts with industry peers on reviving the tourism industry and its road map to recovery.”
World Travel Market (WTM) aims to help resuscitate the industry in the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic. It will focus on restoring and rebuilding business connections, growing networks, branding and making a comeback.
This will be the first time in its 40-year history that WTM will be hosted virtually.
According to Sharzede: “We are continuously strategising and re-strategising to prepare and ensure comprehensive tourism recovery plans, to improve and rebuild destinations, to encourage innovation, and rethink our tourism sector, as we weather the unprecedented challenges faced by this pandemic.”
Joining STB at the virtual Sarawak stand are Greatown Travel, Borneo Adventure, Amogha Tours and Travel, One Wayang Tours, Ecogreen Holidays, CPH Travel Agencies, Brighton Travel and Tour, Transworld Travel Services, and Authentic Borneo Tours.
WTM London 2020 is hosted on November 9 until tomorrow, from 7am to 10pm London time (3pm to 6am Malaysian time). The virtual Sarawak stand is housed at the Pullman Kuching Hotel conference hall, where STB and its industry partners are present.
Last year, about 51,000 visitors attended the three-day fair, with more than 5,000 travel trade exhibitors from around the globe. – The Vibes, November 10, 2020