KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s marine tourism sector have continued to bear fruit as the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) secured third place in the Best Booth Creative Award at the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) 2026, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from June 5 to 7.

The recognition reflects STB’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Sarawak’s regional presence through creative and interactive approaches in promoting marine tourism products and scuba diving experiences.

In a media statement issued on Monday, STB Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor said participation in MIDE 2026 provided a strategic platform to strengthen industry networking and showcase Sarawak’s unique underwater experiences to international markets.

Themed “Forged by the Ocean – Two Decades of Passion, Purpose and Protection”, MIDE 2026 brought together dive industry players, marine tourism stakeholders and trade partners in efforts to further advance the development of the sector across the region.

Throughout the three-day expo, the Sarawak Pavilion, presented under the identity “Sarawak – More to Discover”, attracted strong visitor engagement through interactive visual displays, destination video screenings and promotional activities highlighting the state’s rich underwater landscapes.

Key attractions promoted included the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park, the waters of Kuching and Sematan, the Satang Islands, as well as World War II-era shipwreck dive sites, all of which form key marine tourism products under Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

STB’s participation also facilitated business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) engagements, enabling local dive operators to connect with international buyers, travel agents and diving enthusiasts.

These efforts are expected to generate new collaboration opportunities, including joint promotions and familiarisation (FAM) trips, while further strengthening Sarawak’s position as a leading dive destination in Southeast Asia.

At the same time, STB continues to emphasise the importance of sustainable tourism development by balancing destination promotion with marine ecosystem conservation efforts, ensuring the long-term preservation of the state’s underwater heritage for future generations.

The achievement at MIDE 2026 further reinforces Sarawak’s brand as a competitive tourism destination rich in natural beauty, cultural diversity and varied travel experiences. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng