SANDAKAN: Sandakan and Kinabatangan will be featured in an expanded tourism promotion drive next year following the success of the Sandakan Hunt and Explore Race 2026 on Saturday, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
Jafry said his Ministry and Tourism Malaysia have agreed to enlarge the scope of the initiative to cover both districts to highlight their biodiversity, wildlife, and conservation assets ahead of Visit Sabah 2027.
He noted that the inaugural event drew more than 100 participants alongside influencers to spotlight local attractions, including Sandakan's Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
According to Jafry, the expansion also aims to capitalise on Kinabatangan’s established appeal among European travellers seeking nature-based experiences.
Welcoming the latest federal budget allocations and industry initiatives for Sabah, he stressed that enhanced connectivity and charter flight incentives remain vital to driving international arrivals.
He expressed hope that Sandakan would eventually secure direct overseas flights on par with Kota Kinabalu and Tawau to facilitate direct travel for foreign tourists.
Meanwhile, Jafry said the secretariat for Visit Sabah 2027 is in its final formation stages, with inter-agency discussions scheduled for late October ahead of a planned launch late this year and promotional campaigns in the peninsula early next year.
