BIMP-EAGA Tourism Exchange 2026 launched in Kuching
- BT
- 38 minutes ago
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 24 June 2026 — Sarawak this week plays host to the inaugural BIMP-EAGA Tourism Exchange 2026 (BETX 2026), held in conjunction with the 22nd BIMP-EAGA Tourism Cluster Meeting here. Co-organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and the BIMP-EAGA Sarawak Association (BESA), the two-day conference draws tourism officials, industry leaders, investors and policymakers from all four BIMP-EAGA member countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
When officiating the launch, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, called for a collective ambition.
"This significant occasion represents far more than a scheduled gathering. It stands as a powerful symbol of our shared vision, our collective resolve, and our steadfast belief that tourism can evolve into a dynamic force for innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability," he said.
Themed "Transforming BIMP-EAGA Tourism for Tomorrow", the Exchange was designed as platform for shaping policy, attracting investment and developing cross-border tourism products across sectors, including cruise and medical tourism, halal and green travel, and the creative industries.
Karim was keen to frame tourism in human rather than purely economic terms, particularly for a subregion of 435 million people blessed with some of the world's richest natural and cultural landscapes.
"Tourism, at its core, is not merely about economic growth or statistics on visitor arrivals. It is about people. It is about unity, empowerment, and the preservation of our heritage. Tourism connects communities across borders, strengthens cultural bonds, and empowers local economies," he said.
The Minister pointed to the region's extraordinary natural assets such as the Heart of Borneo rainforests shared by Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan, and the marine biodiversity of the Coral Triangle encompassing Sabah, Papua and Sulawesi as the foundation upon which a globally competitive, multi-destination tourism offer could be built. Technology, he said, would be central to that effort.
"Together, we can unlock new opportunities in diverse sectors, namely cruise tourism, medical tourism, halal and green initiatives, and creative industries that celebrate our cultural richness. By leveraging technology, we can personalize travel experiences, enhance eco-friendly operations, and ensure that our tourism sector remains resilient, competitive, and future-ready," he said.
As the current Chair of the BIMP-EAGA Tourism Cluster, Sarawak is well placed to drive that agenda. Karim described BETX 2026 as a space where real decisions could be made.
"This Exchange is not only a marketplace of ideas but also a platform for influence. It is here that policies can be shaped, investments encouraged, and innovations nurtured. By working hand in hand, governments, private sector leaders, academia, and communities, we can position BIMP-EAGA as a global model of responsible tourism. A model that balances prosperity with sustainability, growth with inclusivity, and progress with respect for heritage," Karim continued.
"Tourism is more than an industry, it is a bridge. A bridge that connects nations, cultures, and generations. A bridge that empowers communities and inspires travelers. A bridge that, when built on the pillars of sustainability and inclusivity, can withstand the challenges of tomorrow and carry us toward a brighter future."
On 26 June, invited guests will join a heritage tour of the Borneo Cultural Museum and Sara Nest Mini Museum before heading to the opening night of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 at the Sarawak Cultural Village.
The 22nd BIMP-EAGA Tourism Cluster Meeting continues through to June 27.
