Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is confident Sabah will achieve its three million arrivals target, with 2.42 million in domestic and international arrivals already recorded in the third quarter this year.
“This is commendable and speaks volumes of the efforts by everyone to see that our tourism sector thrives. I am confident that by year end, the 3 million target is achievable.
Advertisement“We will continue to enhance tourism infrastructure, focusing on high-value and sustainable tourism that highlights Sabah’s natural and cultural wealth,” he said, at the Sabah Tourism Appreciation Night at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
His speech was read by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
SPONSORED CONTENT Shell Sabah Deepwater Production Manager Earns Unsung Hero Award Daily Express had the opportunity to interview Musti whose story reflects the power of determination and resilience. Read more Hajiji said more can be done to attract visitors to Sabah. “We must not rest on our laurels, be complacent or contented with the products and services we already have.
“To compete and sustain, we must be proactive to seek and promote new products and enhance services to meet discerning visitors, both for new and returning visitors.”
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});He was that much was done by the Sabah Tourism Board team to promote Sabah and working alongside the industry on win-win initiatives.
Hajiji was also proud to note the positive and commendable growth in community-based tourism (CoBT) that has benefitted and empowered local communities throughout Sabah.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“With just five products when the CoBT pilot project was initiated in 2014, this initiative now has 107 registered CoBT owners and operators.
“This growth has translated into tangible benefits for our people. I wish to see CoBT aggressively developed due to its great potential to spur economic growth, particularly in the rural areas of Sabah,” he said.
Tourism stood as one of the top three economic contributors to the state, generating significant revenue and, more importantly, creating many economic opportunities for the people.
He reminded that tourism’s role aligned closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Meanwhile, the Special Chief Minister’s Award went to Sabah Parks in recognition for its efforts as “a global champion in conservation, sustainability, and community empowerment”. Receiving it was Director of Sabah Parks Dr Maklarin Lakim.
