(Front, from sixth left) Lee, Rashidah and Yii with invited guests and exhibitors at the Borneo International Festival of Arts. MIRI (July 26): Sarawak’s tourism strategy centres on establishing the state as a premier eco-tourism hub, according to Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the strategy is meant to prioritise unique and responsible experiences, as well as involve sustainable infrastructure development to balance tourism growth with the region’s natural beauty and minimise environmental impact.
“The goal is to encourage tourists to participate in cultural experiences and foster a sense of responsibility and ownership of Sarawak’s natural and cultural heritage,” he said in his address at the launching of Borneo International Festival of Arts (BIFA) at Curtin University Malaysia here today. His text of speech was read by the Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry special administrative officer, Datu Dr Rashidah Bolhassan, who represented him to officiate at the function. Organised by Curtin University Malaysia, the three-day BIFA event involved various community stakeholders including Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Miri, local schools and institutions as well as businesses and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Touching on BIFA, Abdul Karim said the festival aims to attract artists, artisans, performers and art enthusiasts from across the region and internationally, which aligns perf.