JAKARTA (Bernama): Indonesian and Sarawak tourism industry players are exploring joint travel packages, promotions and improved connectivity to boost tourism between the Malaysian state and Indonesia.
In a statement, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) said the Sarawak: Gateway to Borneo Business Networking Session (B2B) Indonesia 2026 brought together Sarawak tourism representatives and Indonesian travel trade partners in Surabaya on Sept 28 and Jakarta on Sept 30.
STB Director of Marketing (ASEAN and Domestic) Gustino Basuan said Indonesia remained an important tourism market and close regional partner for Sarawak, with the sessions forming part of efforts to strengthen longstanding ties.
"We share longstanding cultural, historical and geographical connections, particularly through Borneo, and there is an opportunity for our tourism industries to build on those strengths together,” he said in the statement.
The programme featured destination and airline updates, Sarawak tourism product presentations and one-to-one business matching, giving participants greater insight into the Indonesian market and the interests of potential partners.
Gustino said the cooperation could also support Sarawak’s positioning as the "Gateway to Borneo”, an accessible starting point for exploring the island and promoting the wider region.
"Through continued engagement, we hope to explore opportunities that can benefit businesses on both sides while giving travellers more reasons to discover the wider region,” he said.
STB said it would build on the connections established during the sessions and thanked Tourism Malaysia for helping to bring together Indonesian travel trade partners. -- BERNAMA
