KUCHING, June 1 — Kuching International Airport came alive with festive colours and cultural performances today as Tourism Malaysia organised a special Hari Gawai welcoming ceremony for arriving visitors in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
The event transformed the airport arrival hall into a vibrant showcase of Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, offering both domestic and international travellers a memorable first experience upon arriving in the state.
The celebration was attended by Tourism Malaysia officials, representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Batik Air, tourism industry stakeholders, and hospitality associations. Among those present were Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia’s Domestic and Events Division, Mohd Roslan Abdullah, Tourism Malaysia Sarawak Director Rubiah Tul’Adwiyah Md. Yusof, and Kuching International Airport Senior Airport Manager Jun Iskandar Murshidi.
Held as part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 cultural engagement programme, the event highlighted the significance of Hari Gawai, one of Sarawak’s most important annual celebrations. The harvest festival, celebrated by the Dayak community, symbolises gratitude, unity, and harmony among the people of Sarawak.
Visitors arriving at Kuching International Airport were warmly welcomed with traditional cultural performances, festive decorations, and interactive cultural activities. The arrival hall was filled with the sounds of traditional music and the festive atmosphere associated with the Gawai season.
Guests were also presented with special souvenirs and given the opportunity to sample traditional Hari Gawai delicacies. The programme reflected Sarawak’s reputation for hospitality and demonstrated the multicultural identity that continues to attract visitors from around the world.
The welcoming event was made possible through collaboration between Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Kraftangan Malaysia, and Batik Air. The initiative aimed to create a positive arrival experience while introducing visitors to the unique traditions and customs of Sarawak.
The celebration also coincided with Tourism Malaysia’s efforts to promote Sarawak and Sabah through a Mega Familiarisation (Mega Fam) programme involving 15 media representatives and influencers from several Asian countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, China, South Korea, and India. The participants are experiencing the Kaamatan and Gawai festivals firsthand and sharing their experiences with audiences in their respective countries.
According to Tourism Malaysia, cultural events such as the Gawai celebration at Kuching International Airport play an important role in strengthening Malaysia’s tourism industry and promoting authentic travel experiences.
Malaysia’s tourism sector continues to record encouraging growth, with 10.6 million international visitor arrivals recorded as of March 2026, representing a 5.4 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
As the state celebrates Hari Gawai, the welcoming programme at Kuching International Airport serves as a reminder of Sarawak’s unique cultural identity and its important role in supporting Malaysia’s tourism ambitions under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
The event also demonstrated how cultural heritage can become a powerful attraction for visitors seeking meaningful and memorable experiences in Malaysia.
