Rainforest festival generates RM19.91 mln in economic spin-offs

THE Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026 generated approximately RM19.91 million in economic spin-offs, attracting more than 22,000 attendees to Sarawak Cultural Village.

Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the festival’s 29th edition, held from June 26 to 28, featured more than 200 performers from 13 countries under the theme “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms”.

“This year RWMF generated approximately RM19.91 million in economic spin-off.

“Moving forward, the 30th edition in 2027 presents the opportunity to further strengthen RWMF’s international appeal and celebrate three decades of its contribution to Sarawak’s music, culture and tourism landscape,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech on Tuesday (Oct 20).

Abdul Karim said Sarawak also hosted the third Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) from June 24 to 26 under the theme “Youth: Many Ways, One Planet”, attracting more than 700 participants from all 11 ASEAN countries and beyond.

He said the summit produced the Preliminary RAYS Youth Declaration 2026, comprising nine priority recommendations on climate, sustainability and community action, strengthening Sarawak’s profile as a regional platform for youth and sustainability leadership.

“Sarawak successfully hosted PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2026 from 18th to 20th August 2026, attracting more than 1,100 delegates from 60 destinations, comprising 221 international buyers from 29 source markets and over 365 sellers representing more than 200 organisations.

“The Responsible Tourism Pavilion organised during this event, bringing together 17 homestay clusters with 39 participants and facilitating 157 business-to-business (B2B) meetings,” he said.