Sarawak Tourism Board win awards and kudos
Sarawak Tourism Board marked a triumphant moment at Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, clinching the coveted Best Destination Marketing Campaign award and reinforcing its growing stature in the international travel landscape. This recognition is not merely a trophy moment but a validation of Sarawak’s sharply focused strategy to position itself as a culture- and nature-led gateway to Borneo. TheGlitz reports…
Sarawak Tourism Board – A Strategic Presence at India’s Premier Travel Mart
Held from 5–7 February at the iconic Jio World Convention Centre, OTM 2026 served as a high-impact platform for Sarawak’s second consecutive participation. The Board’s presence was meticulously curated to appeal to the evolving Indian traveller—one who seeks authenticity, immersive experiences, and destinations that go beyond surface-level sightseeing.
Winning the ‘Best Destination Marketing Campaign’ Award
The prestigious award underscores the success of Sarawak’s nature-led destination narrative and its ability to translate vision into measurable impact. At a time when destinations are competing fiercely for mindshare, Sarawak’s storytelling… rooted in biodiversity, indigenous culture, and responsible tourism, stood out for its clarity and consistency, earning accolades from industry stakeholders and peers alike.
Deepening Engagement with the Indian Travel Trade
OTM 2026 offered Sarawak far more than visibility. It became a powerful conduit for meaningful engagement with travel agents, tour operators, and media professionals across India. The Board leveraged the platform to strengthen partnerships, initiate new conversations, and deepen its footprint in one of its most promising source markets. Participating Sarawakian exhibitors reported robust business discussions, strong enquiries, and a notable surge in qualified sales leads over the three-day event.
Showcasing a Destination of Depth and Diversity
From UNESCO-listed heritage sites to eco-adventure trails and intimate cultural exchanges with indigenous communities, Sarawak presented a destination portfolio that resonated deeply with Indian travellers seeking experiential journeys. The emphasis on sustainability, living cultures, and immersive storytelling reflected a strategic alignment with global travel trends and India’s growing appetite for meaningful, transformative travel.
India’s Growing Love Affair with This Gorgeous Destination
The timing of participation could not have been more strategic. Visitor arrivals from India have been on a steady rise, recording an impressive 7.83% year-on-year growth as of November 2025. This upward trajectory signals not just curiosity, but intent… positioning India as a high-potential market for Sarawak’s long-term tourism growth strategy.
Leadership Speaks: Culture as Greatest Asset
Commenting on the enthusiastic response, Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Tourism Board, noted that Indian travellers are increasingly drawn to destinations with authentic cultural depth. She highlighted signature events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival as powerful platforms that encapsulate the place’s cultural soul and project it confidently onto the world stage.
Reinforcing Global Positioning
OTM 2026 ultimately served as a strategic milestone for Sarawak Tourism Board… one that amplified brand visibility, strengthened trade relationships, and reinforced their identity as a destination where culture and nature coexist in rare harmony. As global travellers seek journeys that are richer, slower, and more meaningful, this award-winning campaign positions it not just as a place to visit, but as a place to truly experience.
TheGlitz Verdict
Sarawak’s win at OTM 2026 is more than an industry accolade… it is a clear signal that destinations rooted in authenticity, cultural intelligence, and ecological respect are defining the future of global travel. In an era of overexposed itineraries and copy-paste tourism campaigns, their storytelling stands apart for its depth, restraint, and purpose.
By placing indigenous heritage, living cultures, and pristine nature at the heart of its narrative, Sarawak has not only captured industry attention but also earned traveller trust. At TheGlitz, we see this victory as a benchmark moment… proof that when a destination leads with soul, substance, and strategic clarity, global recognition inevitably follows.
