24 Aug 2026

Showcasing the Real Stars of the PATA Travel Mart 2026

Kuching, Sarawak — Delegates who attended the PATA Travel Mart 2026 last week deluged their social media with selfies and images of the events and functions.

I do things somewhat differently.

Right outside the main trade show floor were the real stars of the event — an array of indigenous culture and culinary products, all small and medium sized entrepreneurs who are supposed to be the main beneficiaries of the Travel & Tourism industry at large.

Unfortunately, they get the least exposure.

They do not get speaking slots in the main forum. They are not included in the event’s app. They do not get much coverage in the travel show daily. And they certainly don’t get much exposure on the delegates’ social media posts.

I will fill that critical gap.

The PTM 2026 trade floor featured two separate sections. The Artisans Arena featured a colourful mosaic of bamboo and cane products, decorative items, fabrics and apparel, bags, costume jewellery, and much more. The Taste of Sarawak Arena included SMEs selling snacks, food & beverage items, and other agri-products.

Due to a time shortage, I could not interview any of them. However, I am reproducing images of nearly all. Reflecting the ingenuity and creativity of local entrepreneurs, mostly women, they complemented the concept and design of many other Made-in-ASEAN products, such as the OTOP products in Thailand.

Personally, I would have liked to know more, perhaps via a special publication containing a brief history of each product, its unique selling proposition and the people behind it. If that would have incurred costs, even a website would have sufficed.

The PTM2026 app did not list any of these indigenous product exhibitors, only those on main trade show floor. Interested delegates had to access more info via QR codes displayed by some of the exhibitors.

Future events need to plug this gap and give these local entrepreneurs the exposure they rightly deserve. I am proud to be doing my share.

The Artisans Arena

Taste of Sarawak