KUCHING: The final day of the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia roadshow here has drawn the largest crowd over three days, with many visitors applauding the effort to promote Malaysia's diversity and vibrant culture to life.
Co-organised by Tourism Malaysia and Star Media Group (SMG), the carnival held at Plaza Merdeka here celebrated the vibrancy of Malaysia's domestic tourism, culture, food and lifestyle, ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Sarawakian Anding Indrawani Zaini, 35, said that it is important to support local products and travel destinations, adding he was unaware that Malaysia had so much to offer.
"I did not know about Bengoh Dam and Kampung Sapit, which are beautiful destinations.
"Malaysians should explore our own country first before holidaying abroad," he said on Sunday (Oct 19).
He said this carnival should be held more regularly to promote Malaysia to international visitors and to locals as well.
Saibi Gi, 41, from Mukah, said he was at the carnival to gather information for a domestic holiday next year.
"I came here to see the tourism products and services and find out what's available across Malaysia.
"There are so many interesting options here and I think more people should come and experience it too," he said.
Yap Chee Keong from Kuala Lumpur, who was in Kuching for a holiday, said the carnival was an opportunity to buy local delicacies and snacks.
"I'm staying near the carnival venue and saw this opportunity to visit," he said, adding that Kuching had plenty of good food to offer.
The carnival was also a great platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products and tourism packages.
Aaira Humaira Lai, 28, from Aira Humaira Enterprise was there to display her range of snacks from both the peninsular and the Borneo States.
She said she put a modern twist to traditional snacks, which were more colourful and had better flavour.
She thanked Star Media Group for organising the carnival, saying it allowed her to showcase her local delights for both international and local visitors.
Meanwhile, Zamar Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd managing director Muhamad Shahrulezam Hasan said this was his fifth time participating in the Cuti-Cuti Malaysia Carnival.
He said this event was his most fruitful yet.
"We've been getting more feedback and enquiries (this time)," he said, adding he hoped to see more events like this in future.
Matthew Samson from Hayyat Travel said that this was a golden opportunity to promote their exclusive packages and connect directly with customers.
"Events like this help us to explain our packages and introduce new travel deals," he said.
The event in Kuching is the third instalment of the nationwide roadshow, aimed at boosting domestic travel and offering vibrant, family-friendly experiences to the community.
