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Case Study:

Sarawak Tourism

Multimedia content strategy

The brief

This strategic and far-reaching multimedia campaign was engineered in collaboration with Sarawak Tourism to promote the Malaysian state’s ecological diversity and cultural heritage, inspiring first-time travellers and repeat visitors through enticing content across video, digital and print. 

Drawing on APL Media’s multifaceted audience, building capacities and tapping into the readership of National Geographic Traveller (UK), the campaign not only delivered high-quality content for the client with impressive reach, but it also outperformed forecasted engagement metrics for key pieces of content.

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Our approach

APL Media’s branded content team went to work delivering on an ambitious editorial strategy, ensuring the content responded to the client’s brief and brand parameters while maintaining the style and integrity National Geographic Traveller (UK) is renowned for. 

A 10-day shoot and tour of Sarawak ensued, consisting of an award-winning writer, photographer and prestigious three-person video team. 

Together, they researched and produced six written stories with six unique videos for National Geographic Traveller (UK) and Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s print and digital channels; two additional digital photo-led stories; and produced material for a targeted, traffic-driving campaign spanning social media, online banners, and newsletter sponsorship and spotlights.

View the campaign hub on nationalgeographic.com

Key figures

17,939,244

Social media impressions

8,037,716

Social media reach

150,000

Print readership

105,864

Digital page views

283,532

Total YouTube video views

1,100,000

Total YouTube reach

Our results

This campaign resonated deeply with its intended audience, delivering significant brand awareness. Analysing the user engagement across the campaign, it also demonstrated that both the desire and intent are there to book travel to Sarawak. 

Among the captivating digital features, 5 ways to explore Sarawak, Malaysia's rising adventure hotspot and Malaysian menu: inside Sarawak's restaurant revolution had overwhelming traction, with average dwell times of more than four and five minutes respectively. Meanwhile, on social media, comments and saves soared on Monkey business: meet the orangutans of Sarawak, Malaysia, with the article experiencing one of the highest click-through rates and 1,026,348 impressions. Audience favourites also included the sensational photo stories A culinary journey through Kuching and Discover the impressive sights of Niah National Park in Sarawak. 

Engagement with the videos exceeded expectations, with an average viewing time of over a minute, 26% higher than the set KPI. Notable among the videos for their quality and impact are The Orangutans of Sarawak, closely followed in performance by Flavours of Sarawak. 

Our efforts to illuminate Sarawak’s diverse tourism offering not only reached the set KPIs, but surpassed them, painting a clear picture of engaged consumers.

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