‘Gawai Dayak Bazaar can be tourist icon’

MIRI: The annual Gawai Dayak Bazaar (GDB) organised by Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak (GADS) here has the potential to become a tourist icon.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin thus suggested that the organiser promote the event to a wider market, including Brunei.

“I can see that this Gawai Dayak Bazaar is becoming a tourism icon because response from public (at the opening ceremony) is overwhelming.

“However, I would like to suggest that next year, the organiser go all out on a promotion drive, including promoting it to Brunei via online. The promotion and preparation can start at least one year early.”

Lee said this when officiating at the ‘Ngancau Tikai’ or launching of GDB Miri 2019 in Permyjaya New Township on Friday night.

I can see that this Gawai Dayak Bazaar is becoming a tourist icon because response from public (at the opening ceremony) is overwhelming. However, I would like to suggest that next year, the organiser go all out on a promotion drive, including promoting it to Brunei via online. The promotion and preparation can start at least one year early. — Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture

GADS president Vicky Gulin Shandom and the organising chairperson of GDB Miri 2019 Clare Cinderella Kom were also present.

Lee added that the bazaar was already attracting a lot of people, but for it to become a tourism icon the organiser must put in extra effort by featuring something unique.

“GADS can work on its ‘branding’ to make the bazaar a success and also an attractive tourism event,” he said, adding it was a good platform for members of the Dayak community to venture into the business field.

He also commended the organiser for putting up different stage programmes each night throughout the three-week bazaar (May 4 to 25), especially those that feature traditional Dayak elements.

Apart from selling various Dayak delicacies and handicrafts, there are also cultural programmes such as ngajat, sape, and gendang pampat performances as well as GDB annual Kebaya Queen contest, children’s Kumang competition and GDB Idol.

The highlight will be the Gawai Dayak Parade on May 25 involving various Dayak-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Miri.