KUCHING: Sarawakians must take on the role of tourism ambassadors to promote Sarawak as a preferred tourism destination.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said promoting Sarawak will not go far if it only relies on government or related agencies.
“Only when every Sarawakians participate would we be able to see a significant difference being made.
“Imagine if every Sarawakian becomes an ambassador for Sarawak, how powerful and influential will the publicity be.
“It is not arduous or backbreaking to be an ambassador for Sarawak. In fact, it will be a piece of cake for all Sarawakians, especially the young people,” he said.
Snowdan said this when officiating at the ‘Magnificent Sarawak: An Unforgettable Trip’ writing competition prize-giving organised by DayakDaily and supported by the ministry at a hotel here, Sunday (Nov 12).
On the writing competition, he said it will encourage domestic tourism as the articles written are testimonies and statements from the public, which carry much weight in influencing others.
Snowdan said by writing pieces highlighting the beauty of places and sharing it on social media platforms, it indirectly promotes tourism.
“By taking pictures or videos of food and sharing it, they are helping those businesses who offer good food at reasonable prices and at the same time, help visitors who don’t know where to go for good and reasonably priced food.
“And for those who happen to come from a village or longhouse with a beautiful waterfall surrounded by pristine jungle in their vicinity, they can always share the destinations on social media.
“Be an ambassador for your longhouse or village. Publicise it so that there may be visitors or travellers stopping by, giving businesses to the tuckshops, home-stays or local eateries in your village.
“When you are doing this, you are not only contributing to your village, but also local tourism. You may think your contribution is insignificant but if everyone were to do it, the impact will be immense,” he added.
Meanwhile, Alynsa Eryn Musa, who hails from Song emerged victorious in the Adult Category and brought home RM3,000 as well as a 3-days 2-nights voucher stay at Imperial Hotel, Kuching alongside a trophy and certificate.
Nur Hidayah Muhammad, who was placed second took home RM2,000 while third placed Azia Farzana Badduwie received RM1,000 as well as trophies and certificates, respectively.
In the Youth Category, Darren Wong Qin Hon from Chung Hua Middle School No 1 took first place and received RM2,000 as well as a 3D2N stay at Imperial Hotel, Kuching alongside trophy and certificate.
Second placed Alana Jane Wong received RM1,000 while third placed Howard Tiong received RM500. They also brought home trophies and certificates respectively.
