Kuching, Sarawak (Malaysia) – December 9, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will host the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2020 (PDMF 2020) in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, from November 25-27. This was announced by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Youth and Sports of Sarawak, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, following the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2019 (PDMF 2019) in Pattaya, Thailand.

The PDMF 2020 is hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board and the Sarawak Convention Bureau.

During the PDMF 2019, the Honorable Minister Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah declared: “We want you all to experience the magic of Sarawak, because Sarawak is rich in culture, adventure, nature, cuisine, and festivals. Join us next year in Kuching and discover even more. You may come to Sarawak as strangers, but you will leave as friends and family.”

“Sarawak is truly blessed with many natural beauties, including our coastline and rivers, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gunung Mulu, the state’s oil and gas-rich continental shelf, and our shared fishing grounds with Vietnam and Thailand in the South China Sea. PDMF2020 will have a positive impact on the ‘Visit Sarawak’ campaign and ‘Visit Malaysia Year 2020’ by putting Sarawak and Malaysia in the spotlight on the global tourism map,” he added.

“It is an honor for me to co-organize the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2020 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, with the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Sarawak Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Sarawak Tourism Association, and the Sarawak Convention Bureau, and to advocate for the responsible and sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry in Sarawak,” said PATA Executive Director Dr. Mario Hardy. “In line with PATA’s mission of tourism diversification, this event highlights a unique aspect of Asia: Sarawak offers an alternative for those seeking authentic and low-key travel away from the tourist traps. The association remains strongly committed to diversifying tourism towards lesser-known destinations, as this allows visitors to experience the true beauty of the country and its people, while also strengthening the local economy, which greatly benefits from tourism.”

The PATA Destination Marketing Forum (PDMF) brings together leading figures in the tourism industry for inspiring and insightful discussions on key challenges in marketing and driving tourism growth in lesser-known destinations. This action-packed annual event offers two days of learning, discovery, and networking. Alongside the one-day conference, which unites top-tier tourism professionals from around the world, the one-day guided tour provides an immersive experience of the featured destination – showcasing a lesser-known but alluring corner of the world and offering a unique opportunity to explore the region's natural landscapes and cultural treasures.

Sarawak, the largest of Malaysia's thirteen states, lies in the northwest of the island of Borneo and borders Sabah (Malaysia), Kalimantan (Indonesia), and Brunei – a gateway to Borneo's natural wonders and cultural richness. Kuching, Sarawak's capital and one of East Malaysia's most important centers, offers a fascinating diversity of cultures, cuisines, and lifestyles, as well as a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and nightlife to suit every taste and budget.

Once an important trading post on the river, Kuching's city center is well-preserved and compact. The best way to explore the city is on foot or by sampan on the Sarawak River. Kuching's lively streets and alleyways are lined with fascinating British colonial architecture, ancient Chinese temples, and centuries-old commercial buildings, alongside artisan shops, cafes, and bars.

PATA is committed to sustainable tourism and emerging travel destinations and therefore offers free registration to all interested parties.

For further information about the event, please contact us by email at [email protected] or visit www.PATA.org/pdmf-2020.

About PATA: Founded in 1951, PATA is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the responsible development of travel and tourism in, from, and within the Asia-Pacific region. The organization provides its more than 800 member organizations, including 95 national, regional, and municipal tourism authorities and 20 international organizations, with coordinated advocacy, in-depth research, and innovative events.