KUCHING: The Sri Aman Gawai Bazaar Carnival 2026 has the potential to be a major catalyst for local community economic growth in line with the state government's agenda in strengthening the tourism and rural entrepreneurship sectors.

Following the organisation of the programme, a courtesy visit was paid by the carnival organising committee to the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan at his office, on Thursday.

The delegation was led by Temenggong Leonard Libau from Sri Aman together with other organising committee members to seek support and involvement from the state leadership in making the programme a success.

During the meeting, the organisers also extended an invite to Datuk Snowdan as the guest of honour for the closing ceremony scheduled to be held in Simanggang, Sri Aman Division next May.

The Gawai Bazaar Sri Aman Carnival serves as a strategic platform that not only promotes local culture and heritage, but also acts as an economic driver through the active involvement of small and medium entrepreneurs and local creative industry activists.

The organisation of this carnival is expected to boost the local economy by opening up business opportunities, increasing community income and expanding the market for local products to visitors from within and outside the area.

Organising it in conjunction with the Gawai celebration also strengthens the cultural identity of the local community, thus contributing to the appeal of sustainable domestic tourism. -UKASnews