KUCHING (Nov 5): The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), in collaboration with Royal Brunei Taiwan, presented Sarawak’s distinct travel attractions to Taiwanese audiences at the Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF) 2024 at Nangang Exhibition Hall 1 in Taipei, recently.

Hosting nearly 350,000 attendees, the four-day event, which concluded on Monday, highlighted Sarawak’s diverse tourism pillars, aligning with the Taiwanese preference for authentic cultural experiences and nature-focused holidays.

STB, in a press release, said Sarawak’s Unesco World Heritage Sites, namely the Mulu and Niah National Parks, stood out as primary attractions, alongside popular wildlife tours and cultural heritage sites, such as the Sarawak Cultural Village and longhouse stays.

Moreover, Taiwanese visitors visibly showed keen interest in Sarawak’s culinary offerings, including the ‘Sarawak Laksa’ and ‘Kolo Mee’.

STB’s booth emphasised Sarawak’s ‘Culture, Adventure, Nature, Festivals and Food’ (CANFF) pillars, offering a well-rounded representation of its natural and cultural riches.

“These experiences continue to draw Taiwanese tourists who seek immersive travel options, providing a vibrant introduction to Sarawak’s heritage and landscapes.

“Moreover, three Taiwanese travel companies introduced exclusive Sarawak travel packages, garnering significant interest,” said STB.

Meanwhile, Royal Brunei Taiwan further enhanced Sarawak’s appeal by promoting a dual-destination package, allowing Taiwanese tourists to explore both Kuching and Brunei, offering them an enriched travel experience.

STB marketing director (North Asia and new markets) Dylan Redas Noel said STB was thrilled with the positive response from Taiwanese travellers at ITF 2024.

“Sarawak’s offerings align seamlessly with Taiwan’s market preferences, and we are confident that the enthusiasm generated will increase Taiwanese visitor arrivals,” he said.

Earlier this year, a successful business-to-business (B2B) session in Taipei and Taichung had increased Taiwanese visitor interest, positioning Taiwan as one of Sarawak’s Top 10 markets.

STB remarked: “With Taiwan’s outbound travel rising, we are committed to enhancing our regional presence and providing Taiwanese travellers unforgettable Sarawak experiences.”

The Taipei ITF, which showcased 1,500 booths representing 111 countries alongside prominent Taiwanese travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and attractions, remains a premier platform for global travel.

STB’s participation demonstrated its commitment to engaging to this growing market and positioning Sarawak as a top holiday destination.