KUCHING: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) continues to get recognition for its efforts to enhance tourism through its internationally renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), this time bagging the Malaysia Iconic Event Award.
This recognition was received at the Malaysia Business Events Awards (MBEA) Night 2019 held in Kuala Lumpur last Wednesday night. The Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers (Maceos) hosted the event.
STB’s chief executive officer Sharzede Datuk Salleh Askor, who represented the board that night, said the award validated 15-year-old RWMF as an iconic event catering to a specific industry.
The success of the event and brand was also recognised for its contribution to a highly invaluable industry at both national and regional levels, creating significant economic impact.
Sharzede said, “Our Sarawak More to Discover Campaign’ launched last year focused on culture, adventure, nature, fascinating food, and festivals of Sarawak (CANFF).
“Festivals have been key tourist attractions that have enabled us to showcase various aspects of Sarawak and its unique offerings to the world.”
She said the RWMF had been a “headliner” tourism attraction which had proven to be more than just a music festival.
“It provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to listen to sounds from all corners of the world and learn about different and unique musical instruments,” she said.
This year, she said, the three-day festival attracted a capacity crowd of 23,650 foreign visitors.
“The popularity of the festival included the evening concerts, afternoon interactive and educational workshops as well as various jamming sessions and mini concerts, held at the Iban longhouse, Bidayuh Terraces and Dewan Lagenda.
“These traditionally designed venues added to the diverse mix of musicians, to create a unique experience of jam sessions for the audience.”
