Image credit: Malaysiakini
KUCHING: Sarawak aims to improve the sustainability of its business events and tourism sector by participating in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI).
State Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (pic) said the initiative was part of the state's post-Covid-19 development strategy for tourism, which will position Sarawak as a leading destination for ecotourism and business events by 2030.
"The GDS Index is a measurement tool to assess how sustainable Sarawak is for business events and tourism on a global scale.
"Sarawak is the first state in Malaysia to take part in the index. We are, in fact, one of 75 destinations in the world to undertake this project," he said when launching the GDSI Partnership Programme Sarawak Region here on Wednesday (Aug 11).
Karim said Kuching city had been selected as the pilot project for the index, with other cities such as Sibu and Miri to follow in future.
He said the assessment would be based on 71 indicators across four key areas of environmental performance, social progress performance, destination supplier performance and destination management performance.
"To date, we are in the process of data consolidation and expect the performance results to be released by the end of October.
"Bi-annual check-ins will be held to compile results and recommendations and to update policies that encourage a pledge of commitment from all involved parties and stakeholders," he said.
Karim also said the index would not only support business events and tourism but also encourage every industry in Sarawak to adopt best practices of sustainability.
For business events and tourism, he said, the move towards sustainability would drive Sarawak's visibility and branding globally.
"Based on observation and trends, business events planners, delegates, and leisure tourists are placing greater importance on the destination's sustainable approaches.
"The same applies to investors, so we must take note and take action before we fall behind," he added.
The assessment for the index will be steered by 30 committee members under the partnership programme, chaired by Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee with Business Events Sarawak chief executive Amelia Roziman and Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive Sharzede Salleh Askor as task leaders.
Amelia said more business event planners were making decisions based on sustainability performance, including evaluating social inclusiveness and the return on investment of their events.
"These factors also affect international and national delegates' decision to visit Sarawak for business events," she noted.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/08/11/s039wak-aims-to-improve-business-sustainability-by-participating-in-gdsi