Kota Kinabalu:The CULT Car Show (cars and urban lifestyle trends) this weekend has the potential to be Sabah’s next signature event.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said it would be the biggest indoor car event in Sabah which can attract many visitors to the State.
“This is very encouraging, particularly for the tourism as well as meeting, incentives and convention (MICE) industry.
“There is a community of people who share a passion for automobiles and a demand to have, if I may use the word ‘fine arts’ expositions in the State,” said Joniston at the launch of the event at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here.
He believed CULT has the potential to be one of the signature events to further boost Sabah’s tourism industry because if it can become an international event, it will draw car enthusiasts from all over the world.
“This will create demand for hotels, food, tours and so on, and benefit not only the tourism industry but also the automotive industry,” he added.
He said CULT will become a signature event in Sabah’s calendar of events. Joniston was also delighted that SICC has agreed to become CULT event venue partner.
He said the Sabah Tourism Board is also actively working to expand Sabah’s presence in the MICE industry.
The Board is identifying potential expositions and conventions that the State could host and that would attract both domestic and international participants, he said.
“Sabah is moving towards high-end tourism with the construction of SICC - the first dedicated convention centre in the State.
“It is the largest waterfront purpose-built facility in East Malaysia, laying the groundwork for Sabah to become the top MICE destination in Asia,” said Joniston.
Some 1,000 cars and bikes will be showcased at the exhibition and draw an estimated 20,000 visitors.
Also present were SICC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki, CULT Promotion Director John Kong and others.
