Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s tourism and local business sectors are set to receive a boost through “Explore Sabah”, a new initiative aimed at connecting the state’s cultural heritage, tourism experiences and local entrepreneurial opportunities.
Gabungan Muafakat Persatuan Etnik Bumiputera Negeri Sabah (Magebs) President Datuk Abdullah Sibil said Magebs spearheaded the initiative in collaboration with a technology partner that would provide a platform connecting cultural heritage, tourism and local businesses.
He said the initiative was aimed at creating greater economic opportunities for local communities while showcasing Sabah’s cultural diversity to domestic and international visitors.
“Sabah’s strength as a tourism destination lies not only in its natural beauty, but also in its rich cultural heritage, ethnic diversity and the hospitality of its people.
“We want to ensure that local communities, particularly Bumiputera entrepreneurs and small businesses, have the opportunity to participate directly in and benefit from the tourism industry’s economic value chain,” said Abdullah, who is also President of Persatuan Sama Sabah.
He said the initiative, centred on the concept of “Discover, Experience, Connect”, will be officially launched at Kinabatngan Hall 2, Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Nov. 28.
Based on the three concepts, Abdullah said “Explore Sabah” carries the message that Sabah is more than just a tourism destination, but a State rich in ethnic diversity, cultural heritage, gastronomy, handicrafts, local products and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“A key component of this initiative is the Magebs (Sabah) Smart Card, which will leverage digital technology to connect tourists with local traders, product entrepreneurs and tourism service providers in Sabah.
“The collaboration with a private company which is our technology partner, would provide the necessary digital platform support and smart card ecosystem to facilitate the initiative.
“This also reflects Magebs’s commitment to extending economic benefits to Sabah’s Bumiputera ethnic communities, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while introducing Sabah’s cultural identity and unique heritage to both domestic and international visitors,” he said.
Abdullah said the platform was also envisioned as a collaborative effort bringing together ethnic associations, tourism operators, business communities, government agencies and strategic partners.
He said public, tourism industry players, business communities, strategic partners and the media are invited to support the initiative.
