Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is looking to capitalise on improved confidence in its security and growing cruise arrivals to expand marine tourism and generate greater economic benefits for coastal communities.
Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the latest Sail Malaysia Cruising Guide Book, launched here on Tuesday, could help position Sabah as a destination for sailors rather than merely a stop along their routes.
He said Sabah recorded more than 2.2 million visitor arrivals from January to July, up 5.6pc year-on-year, including 918,592 international arrivals, while 19 cruise ships carrying 27,080 passengers called at the State’s ports in the first six months.
Joniston said confidence had strengthened following the easing of travel advisories by the United States, Australia and Japan, coupled with improved security and regular coordination between the State Government and security authorities.
He said marine tourism offered significant economic potential as international cruising yachtsmen stayed in Malaysia for an average of two years, according to Sail Malaysia, with a standard yacht estimated to spend about RM300,000 annually in local communities.
