style="text-transform: uppercase;">Kuching: Better incentives are being offered for the sixth series of the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards 2015, said Sarawak Tourism Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik. He said this year's award would see some improvement and changes as well as increase in term of incentive given to the winners of various categories of the awards. In announcing the awards at a media talk here Tuesday, he called on the industry players to submit their nominations for the awards.

He said nine categories of awards would be competed – Outstanding Hotel and Accommodation Providers, Outstanding Destination Management Company, Outstanding Tourist Guides, Outstanding Food Outlets, Outstanding Cottage Industry Contribution to the Tourism Industry, Outstanding Transport Contribution to the Tourism Industry, Outstanding Media Contribution to the Local Industry, Outstanding Tourism Attractions and Events and the Hornbill Special Award/Minister's Award.

The award is co-organised by the ministry and Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) with the objective to express appreciation to individuals and organisations that contribute towards the development of the tourism sector in Sarawak.

"It is also to create a culture of excellence, creativity, quality services and best practices," said Pahon.

He said nomination for the awards is open from May 1 until August 14 this year but as of Tuesday the organiser has received only five nominations in three categories.

According to Pahon all categories of Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards 2013/2014 are open for nomination, either by self-nomination or submission by any members of the tourism industry.