Northstar

Destination Sarawak 40 JUL-AUG 2018 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM With a population of 2.77 million, the east Malaysian state of Sarawak is attracting greater attention from the industry that belies its size. While nature, adventure and culture are clear strongholds of the state's appeal, Sarawak has proven it has the capacity to compete on the international stage when it hosted bigwigs such as the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in 2016. Continuing on its momentum, the state rang in a busy year last year, hosting 47 events such as the 13th World Islamic Economic Forum and the International Summit on Peace. The state also won 89 new events which injected a further RM107 million (US$27.2 million). "We are aggressively looking to close 60 bid wins this year, much like our previous targets. While numbers are a powerful motivator, experience has shown the benets are beyond just direct tourism spend," said Amelia Roziman, COO, Sarawak Convention Bureau. It is Sarawak, located in front of Kuching International Airport, is expected to open on September 10, adding 237 guestrooms, a 1090-seat convention hall and nine meeting rooms. Land connectivity is getting a boost with the state's rst light rail transit line (LRT). The RM10.8-billion (US$2.68 billion) project, expected to complete in 2024, will cover over 155km in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian. Another key link: a 900-km coastal road project connecting 60% of Sarawak's population in coastal towns and villages is expected to complete in 10 years' time. In next ve years, tourist attractions such as a water show at the Kuching Waterfront, an English tea house and a cascading waterfall at Fort Margherita in Petra Jaya are expected to open. TH Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching, Sarawak. eyeing business opportunities primarily from associations, as well as corporate meetings and other areas of business events. This year, the state will be hosting at least 27 events. In June, it hosted the 5th International Marine Conservation Congress, which saw more than 700 marine conservation professionals and students in attendance. New arrivals Kuching, its capital city, continues to be spurred on with new hotels entering the scene. Rising up next to the city's key convention venue, Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, is the 209-key UCSI Hotel Kuching. Along the Kuching Waterfront, the Riverside Majestic Hotel Astana Wing has opened, adding 272 rooms and suites adjacent to its older Riverside Majestic Hotel Putri Wing. The city has also welcomed more variety in its convention spaces. The TH Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching, New MICE infrastructure in Kuching will elevate the city's world-class standards WORDS NAOMI NEOH Sarawak thinks global "We are aggressively "We are aggressively looking to close 60 bid wins... While numbers are a powerful motivator, experience has shown the benefits are beyond just direct tourism spend." AMELIA ROZIMAN, COO, SARAWAK CONVENTION BUREAU SARAWAK CONVENTION BUREAU

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