Sarawak Tourism Board Clinches ‘Best Destination Marketing Campaign’ Award at OTM 2026

Mumbai, 16 February 2026: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has successfully concluded its second consecutive participation at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, marking a significant milestone in its strategic efforts to capture the burgeoning Indian travel market. Held from 5–7 February at the Jio World Convention Centre, the event served as a high-impact platform for Sarawak to reinforce its positioning as a premier culture- and nature-led destination. The Board’s participation was further distinguished by receiving the prestigious "Best Destination Marketing Campaign" award, an accolade that underscores the success of Sarawak’s nature-led gateway strategy to Borneo and its leadership in the global travel industry.

The event provided Sarawak with critical visibility and a direct channel to engage with key travel trade stakeholders and media, allowing for deeper penetration into one of its priority source markets. Beyond the visibility, the exhibition served as a productive hub for commercial activity, with participating Sarawakian exhibitors reporting a high volume of business discussions and successful sales leads conducted throughout the three-day event.

Throughout the exhibition, STB effectively showcased a diverse portfolio that resonated with the evolving preferences of Indian travelers, ranging from UNESCO-listed sites and eco-adventure tourism to cultural immersion with indigenous communities. This engagement was timely, as visitor arrivals from India have demonstrated a strong upward trend, reflecting a 7.83% year-on-year growth rate as of November 2025.

Commenting on the response, Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer, Sarawak Tourism Board, said, “The enthusiasm at OTM reffects a growing curiosity among Indian travellers for authentic cultural depth. Sarawak’s appeal lies in its rich heritage and signature events like the Rainforest World Music Festival, which remains a powerful platform to showcase our cultural soul to the world.”

OTM 2026 provided Sarawak Tourism Board with a strategic platform to enhance its visibility in India, engage directly with key travel trade stakeholders and media, and reinforce Sarawak’s positioning as a culture- and nature-led destination for evolving travellers.