Kota Kinabalu: The State Government’s special grant has aided 507 tourism projects in Sabah, most of which are in rural areas.
The RM10 million grant allocation not only alleviated the burden on local industry players hit hard by the pandemic but has prepared them for tourism revitalisation.
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) figure showed the special fund was used to improve tourism facilities in 27 districts and most being in the West Coast division with 248 projects.
Other divisions that benefited from the special fund were the Interior involving 92 tourism projects, Sandakan (82), Kudat (45), and the East Coast (40).
The project components involved signage, walkway, open hall, performance stage, public restroom, jetty, visitor information centre, hiking trail, gabion, landscape beautification, handicraft workshop, and parking area, among others.
Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said Ministry officials and STB team went to the ground to make sure the funding was utilised properly and all tourism-related improvement projects that have been approved were carried out.
“The grants had proven to be a valuable resource during difficult times, particularly for rural community tourism operators. Many basic tourism facilities have been updated, which is a positive step toward improving our remote destinations.
“The State Government, through the Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry, is dedicated to providing better service and hospitality to our guests, especially international tourists who will make Sabah their next destination once the border reopens,” he said.
STB has assisted in distributing grant support for affected tourism players, with each eligible applicant receiving RM20,000.
Apart from rural community tourism operators, other applicants included tourist non-governmental organisations, cultural villages, tourism associations, lodging providers, tour operators, and government agencies.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.