Introduction:

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and rich culture of Sarawak as the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) hosts an exclusive awards night themed “The Soul of Sarawak” Media Night 2024. This event brought together over 150 media representatives from both local and international origins to celebrate the uniqueness and outstanding achievements of Sarawak throughout the year. Held at the Imperial Hotel, Kuching, the event served as a stage to honor the vital role of media in showcasing Sarawak’s beauty to the world.

Full Review:

The evening was not just an awards ceremony but also a showcase of Sarawak’s cultural heritage, traditional cuisine, and rich artistic performances. The theme “The Soul of Sarawak” encompassed elements of Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF) – the main pillars of Sarawak tourism.

STB’s CEO, Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, expressed deep appreciation for the media’s efforts, emphasizing their role as the guardians of Sarawak’s soul. She highlighted how every report and article produced by the media played a significant role in promoting Sarawak’s uniqueness, from the iconic Niah Caves, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the legendary music festivals.

The year 2024 has been exceptional for Sarawak tourism, with over 4 million visitors by November, surpassing annual targets. The tourism revenue also exceeded RM10 billion, reflecting the success of STB’s promotional efforts and media partnerships.

Furthermore, Sarawak’s recognition by UNESCO for Niah Caves as the second World Heritage Site in the state has enhanced its appeal among eco-tourists and history enthusiasts. STB’s achievements, including winning prestigious awards and launching successful campaigns, underscore its dedication to showcasing Sarawak as a world-class destination.

The media’s contributions have been significant, with a notable increase in viewership, impressions, and PR value. This success was attributed to the effective promotional campaigns and close collaboration between STB and the media.

The evening of “The Soul of Sarawak” Media Night 2024 was not just an awards night but a symbol of the strong partnership between STB and the media. From remarkable achievements to global recognition, it showcased Sarawak’s uniqueness and immense potential for the future.

Looking ahead to 2025, STB has set a target of attracting 5 million visitors, with continued support from the media to explore new narratives and expand international reach. The role of the media will remain pivotal in achieving this goal and bringing Sarawak’s dreams to a larger reality.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, “The Soul of Sarawak” Media Night 2024 was a night filled with warmth, recognition, and unexpected blessings. The event not only celebrated Sarawak’s cultural richness but also highlighted the collaborative efforts between STB and the media in promoting the beauty of Sarawak to the world. As Sarawak continues on its path to becoming a premier tourist destination, the support and storytelling shared by the media will play a crucial role in shaping its future success.

FAQs:

1. What was the theme of “The Soul of Sarawak” Media Night 2024?

The theme was centered around showcasing Sarawak’s cultural heritage, adventure, nature, food, and festivals.

2. What were some of the achievements highlighted during the event?

The event celebrated Sarawak’s tourism success in surpassing visitor targets, earning UNESCO recognition for Niah Caves, and winning prestigious awards.

3. How did the media contribute to Sarawak’s tourism promotion?

The media played a significant role in increasing viewership, impressions, and PR value through effective storytelling and promotional campaigns.

4. What are STB’s goals for 2025?

STB aims to attract 5 million visitors in 2025, with continued support from the media to expand international reach and narrative exploration.

5. What unexpected blessing did Budiey Channel receive during the event?

Budiey Channel won a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 in a lucky draw, adding to their creative video production capabilities.

6. How did the evening of “The Soul of Sarawak” Media Night reflect Sarawak’s culture?

The evening showcased traditional Sarawakian cuisine, cultural performances, and music, reflecting the richness of Sarawak’s heritage.

7. What was the significance of STB’s Gateway to Borneo campaign?

The campaign positioned Sarawak as the primary gateway to Borneo, enhancing its appeal as a unique tourism destination.

8. What role did UNESCO recognition play in boosting Sarawak’s tourism appeal?

UNESCO recognition for Niah Caves elevated Sarawak’s profile among eco-tourists and history enthusiasts, attracting more visitors.

9. How did media collaboration contribute to Sarawak’s tourism success in 2024?

Close collaboration with the media led to increased promotional effectiveness, higher viewership, and a significant PR value boost.

10. What message did Puan Sharzede convey about the media’s role in Sarawak’s success?

Puan Sharzede emphasized the media’s vital role as the guardians of Sarawak’s soul, conveying its stories and uniqueness to a global audience.