ICRTH 2023 - Sarawak, Indonesia strengthen ties
The International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) was held recently at the IPB International Convention Centre (IICC) in Bogor, Indonesia. Taking place from August 21 to 25, ICRTH aims to further advance the discourse on responsible tourism for sustainable development through this academic cum professional industry event.
With thousands of delegates from Sarawak’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), this year’s ICRTH explores the themes “Reviving Tourism Through Green Investments” and “Sustaining Tourism through Cultural Heritage Conservation”.
Host of this year’s ICRTH is the Indonesian city of Bogor, whose vision and mission include advancing tourism development and introducing Indonesian tourism to the world. Organised by IPB University’s Postgraduate Study Program in Tropical Biodiversity Conservation (KVT), the Department of Forest Resource Conservation and Ecotourism from the Faculty of Forestry and Environment in the Bogor Agricultural Institute in collaboration with Sarawak Research Society (SRS) and Responsible Borneo (REBORN), ICRTH 2023 features over 40 international speakers and over 200 delegates from 23 countries, where 83 papers would be presented at academic sessions.
Also happening during ICRTH 2023 were workshops, expert panel discussions, presentations from academics and practitioners, tours, business meetings and exhibitions by various creative industries, ending with a tree planting ceremony. The conference also featured various international speakers from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Italy, Nepal and the USA, just to name a few.
One of the most important aspects of ICRTH is that delegates are expected to play an active role in contributing to society, in terms of knowledge, actions and the economy.
“Let us be open to know and learn from one another. We can truly maximise the potential of green investments and cultural heritage conservation by collaborating across borders and sectors, thus reimagining, rethinking and rebuilding tourism in a responsible manner for the benefit of all,” said Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in his keynote address.
Abdul Karim, along with Deputy Minister of MTCP, Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy State Secretary, Datu Hii Chang Kee, Permanent Secretary of MTCP, Datu Sherrina Hussaini and Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board, Dennis Ngau, also paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Bogor’s Office, and was warmly welcomed by Deputy Mayor of Bogor, Dedie A. Rachim.
The delegates from Sarawak, led by Abdul Karim also paid a visit to Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and Creative Industry, His Excellency Dr. Sandiaga Uno to discuss economic cooperation agendas as well as strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Sarawak. Also present during the courtesy visit were Head of National Institute of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism Cambodia, HE Poch Voleark and Senior Officer, Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific of World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), An Sinyoung. Abdul Karim and Dr. Sandiaga also had the chance to exchange mementos during the courtesy visit.
