KUCHING: The Sarawak authorities are going all out to promote the state as Visit Sarawak Year 2019 draws closer. The latest effort by the Sarawak Tourism Board and its partners are to adorn promotional livery on commercial aircaft that ply throughout the region.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Adkor said livery depicting the majestic bird hornbill, which is regarded as sacred by many native Sarawak communities will be seen on selected AirAsia aircraft for the next two years.
"The hornbill has become part the state’s name as Sarawak is also known as the Land of the Hornbills.
“The use of this image, along with the eye catching colours in the new Sarawak livery design is instrumental in promoting the state as a destination full of life, vibrancy and excitement. It has many attractions and products in the areas of culture, adventure, nature, festivals and food," she said after the signing of an agreement between STB and its strategic partner, Laduni Services Sdn Bhd in conjunction with the Visit Sarawak Campaign here today.
She said that in the coming year, STB and other state authorities were intending to bring Sarawak to the world, while also inviting the world to visit Sarawak.
“Our visitor arrivals’ goal for 2019 has been set at 5 million, and in pursuit of these goals, we know that visibility on Sarawak is key," she said.
The board, she said will be working closely with Laduni Services and AirAsia in ensuring that the branding of Sarawak is seen far and wide on aircrafts operating in the region.
She hoped when passengers see the majestic hornbill emblazoned on the side of their airplane, they will be intrigued to know just what there is to discover in Sarawak.
“We look forward to showcase Sarawak’s uniqueness to the world. As a Sarawakian, I truly believe that visitors will be amazed that we still maintain the authenticity of our local tourist products while providing modern comfort," she said.
Also present were STB Chairman Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz and AirAsia’s Board of Directors non-independent non-executive director, Datuk Abdul Aziz Abu Bakar.