BOTH the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) and Borneo Jazz Festival (BJF) virtual experiences organised by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) have been conferred as the ‘One to Watch’ events by WTM Responsible Tourism Awards 2021.
The awards – open to four regions (Africa, India, Latin America and the rest of the world) – recognise excellence in responsible tourism selected by RWMF and BJF in the “Destinations Building Back Better Post-COVID” category.
“We are heartened to be acknowledged by WTM Responsible Tourism as they champion the very best work in responsible tourism across the globe,” commented Sarawak Tourism Board’s (STB) CEO Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor.
“Both RWMF and BJF are highly-anticipated annual events attended by Malaysians and international travellers. STB decided to pivot to a virtual platform so we could recreate the shows for those who are missing the iconic annual events.”
Recall that both first-of-their-kind events in the region were streamed live on multiple online platforms and on TV channels from June 18-20, providing a platform for local performers to showcase their culture and heritage.
STB also partnered with Shopee and GrabFood to provide retailers an opportunity to market and sell authentic Sarawakian food and tourism products such as handicrafts and souvenirs to local audiences.
Viewers were able to watch the performances, interviews and flashbacks and engaged in conversation with other online users throughout the 90-minute event as well as watched workshops from previous years from the virtual Bidayuh, Iban, Chinese and Malay houses at the Sarawak Cultural Village.
Upon completion of the shows, a total of 402,865 people from 79 countries had tuned in for RWMF while another 244,637 viewers from 43 different countries watched BJF.
Leveraging on this global audience to promote responsible tourism, STB launched two responsible tourism videos during the virtual experience to educate viewers on the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism.
“Responsible tourism has been a long-standing effort by STB to ensure that Sarawak’s tourism industry remains relevant, viable, and sustainable,” enthused Sharzede.
“We will continue spearheading responsible tourism initiatives in 2022 and beyond as we believe it will not only contribute to the wellbeing of our local communities and environment but also create meaningful experiences for travellers.” – Nov 19, 2021
