KUCHING: The Sarawak government has introduced new tourism incentives to revive the industry that has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the incentives for local and hybrid events would encourage homegrown planners and corporate organisations to plan business events in Sarawak before the borders reopen.
“National and international in-person events will not take place anytime soon, which is why we need to put our current emphasis on hybrid and local business events first.
“Tribe Homegrown incentive will be able to provide support for local-based event organisers before the borders reopen, hopefully by the end of this year or early next year,” he said when launching the packages at BESarawak (Business Events Sarawak) Tribal Gathering @ Kuching 2021 here on Wednesday (March 3).
Noting the importance of local event organisers, he believed the wide range of subsidies would provide a platform for organisers to get back on their feet.
He urged Sarawak-based associations and corporate organisations as well as industry partners to apply for the incentives.
Meanwhile, Business Events Sarawak acting chief executive Amelia Roziman said the incentives came in two categories – one for conventions and one for corporate meetings.
She said in the convention category, successful applicants would receive a matching grant for their event while the corporate meetings and incentives category offered subsidies starting from RM5,000 and RM3,000 respectively.
“With a wide range of subsidised items, the Tribe Homegrown package will encourage more planners to come forward and hold events in Sarawak.
“Sarawak-based industry partners also are encouraged to apply for a one-off grant of up to RM5,000 for their advertising, marketing and promotional efforts under the Tribe Collaborate package.”
She also called on all local event industry and partners to make use of the incentives provided by Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and BESarawak to gear up efforts for their promotional activities.
“Solid marketing and promotion will make a positive impact on Sarawak’s efforts to generate business leads.”
