Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has 64 registered tourist accommodation premises recognised under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) star and orchid grading system, as tourism operators are urged to maintain international standards ahead of Visit Sabah 2027.
Motac Sabah Assistant Director Mohd Noh Hafifie Mapatoba said natural attractions alone were not enough to sustain Sabah's tourism appeal without quality services, reliable facilities and internationally recognised safety standards.
"Natural attractions alone are not enough without being supported by service quality, facility integrity and internationally recognised safety standards," he said when delivering the welcoming speech at the certificate presentation ceremony at the JKKN Sabah Seminar Room, here on Tuesday.
Eight accommodation premises received grading recognition, including The Magellan Sutera Resort and The Pacific Sutera Hotel, both awarded five-star ratings. Shangri-La Tanjung Aru was recognised as a five-star Green Hotel, while Attiya SPA Kota Kinabalu received a five-star Motac spa grading certificate. Recognition was also presented under MyTQA and the ASEAN Tourism Standard.
Hafifie said Motac-certified premises could benefit from investment incentives and greater exposure through Tourism Malaysia's international promotional activities. He urged recipients to maintain their standards and continue delivering world-class hospitality to strengthen Sabah's tourism industry.
