KOTA BELUD: Sabah is on the right track to achieve its target of four million visitors this year, with about 2.6 million arrivals recorded as of August, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said of the total, 1.1 million were international arrivals and 1.5 million were domestic visitors.
“With a stronger fourth-quarter performance, I am confident the target will be achieved,” he said while officiating at the opening ceremony of JSK Mantanani Island Resort, here, Tuesday.
Hajiji said the State Government remains committed to ensuring competitive, inclusive and sustainable tourism sector growth, with the Sabah Tourism Blueprint set to help chart a clear direction, address challenges such as flight connectivity, protect the environment and broaden local participation.
“Achieving these goals requires close collaboration between the public and private sectors. Sabah has extraordinary strengths, from its islands and beaches to rainforests, mountains, wildlife, culture and cuisine.
“With sound planning, professional management and effective marketing, we can share these strengths with more visitors while protecting the environment and respecting the interests of local communities,” he said.
He said the opening of resorts such as the RM160 million JSK Mantanani Island Resort aligns with the State’s target of bringing in more visitors and providing top-class tourism facilities.
Located on the waters off Kota Belud, the resort features 84 villas and eco-friendly facilities and it is well positioned to attract travellers seeking authentic experiences.
“I also welcome the resort’s partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Its association with a globally recognised hospitality brand can introduce Mantanani to a wider market and support high standards of accommodation and service,” he said.
Hajiji said the benefits of tourism development should extend well beyond the resort itself since tourism can create jobs, build skills and open opportunities for local entrepreneurs, suppliers, transport providers and other businesses.
“I hope the resort’s success will be shared with the communities of Kota Belud and beyond,” he said.
Hajiji said ensuring that local communities also benefit from such development is central to sustainable tourism growth, a key thrust of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda.
“We must welcome visitors while protecting our natural and cultural heritage, so that future generations can continue to enjoy Sabah,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government is also refining its strategies to strengthen Sabah’s appeal and resilience as a destination in preparation for the Visit Sabah Year 2027.
He said the Visit Sabah Year 2027 is more than a tourism campaign, it is a shared agenda for the whole State.
“Its success depends on the commitment, cooperation and active participation of everyone, including the Government, tourism industry players, the private sector, local communities and the people of Sabah.
“We all have a role to play in achieving the goals of the Visit Sabah Year 2027. By working together, we can strengthen Sabah’s position as a competitive, sustainable, world-class destination for visitors from Malaysia and abroad,” he said.
