MUMBAI: Sarawak has bolstered its profile as one of Malaysia’s premier nature destinations for Indian tourists through its participation in the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026.
One of India’s major travel trade shows, the event provided a platform for Sarawak to promote its diverse tourism offerings and strengthen partnerships in support of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Sarawak’s tourism promotion highlights its distinctive mix of culture, adventure, nature, food and colourful festivals. These elements remain central to its appeal, positioning the state as a destination that offers authentic experiences while enhancing Malaysia’s overall tourism value proposition.
The Sarawak delegation was led by The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
He was accompanied by The Honourable Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; Tuan Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; The Honourable Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of the Sarawak Tourism Board; and Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Tourism Board.
The delegation’s presence at OTM 2026 reflects Sarawak’s focused efforts to expand its reach in India, a key inbound tourism market. India’s growing middle-class travellers and increasing interest in nature-based and cultural holidays make it a strategic priority for Sarawak’s international promotion initiatives.
Through business matching sessions, trade networking and promotional activities, Sarawak sought to strengthen cooperation with Indian travel agents, tour operators and other industry stakeholders.
The delegation showcased Sarawak’s ecotourism attractions, heritage crafts, culinary diversity and vibrant festivals as key selling points for Indian travellers seeking immersive and meaningful experiences.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasised that Sarawak’s participation in OTM 2026 forms part of a broader strategy to position the state as a premier destination in Asia.
He noted that building strong partnerships in India will not only help increase visitor arrivals but also foster cultural exchange and generate wider economic opportunities.
The initiative aligns with Malaysia’s national tourism agenda, particularly the goals of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which aims to attract international visitors through diverse and sustainable tourism offerings.
Sarawak’s active engagement in India demonstrates its readiness to contribute to the success of this campaign while promoting its identity as Malaysia’s nature-led gateway to Borneo.
With its presence at OTM 2026, Sarawak has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international market strategies and ensuring the sustainable growth of its tourism sector, while offering enriching experiences to travellers from India and beyond.
