Published on: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 |
He said there were 175,288 arrivals up to April this year compared to 161,335 in the same period last year.
"This shows that efforts towards developing the State's tourism sector are starting to bear fruits," he said.
Musa, who is also Finance Minister, said Sabah saw 2.091 million visitors in 2006 compared to 1.828 million in the previous year.
"(So) in view of this positive development in tourism arrivals, those directly involved in the industry must take a proactive approach in fulfilling the needs of our guests," he said.
He said Sabah was still facing a shortage of 6,000 rooms, a situation that is hindering the Government's bid to make Sabah a premier tourism destination.
Having said that, he reiterated the important role the hotel industry plays in making the State's tourism sector a success story.
Musa said more rooms were needed to keep the momentum of the development of tourism growing.
In this regard, he said the private sector as the engine of growth should play their part and assist the State Government to achieve this end.
"I urge industry players to come in and overcome this shortage of rooms by building more three to five star hotels as well as budget hotels for those travelling on a shoestring budget," he said.
Hotels, he said, have an important role to play in the nation's standing in ensuring all guests, both foreign and local, have a comfortable, clean and safe place to stay.
At the same time, he said hotels were also part of the tourism front-liners and hence must ensure the visitors receive the best possible service.
Meanwhile, he said the celebration of the Malaysia independence is a showcase of the country's stability and unity amidst religious and ethnic diversity.
Today, he said Malaysia was no longer a stranger on the world map, which is not a small achievement due to the foresight and wisdom of past and present leaders in coming up with sound policies and ideas that have brought about various development throughout the country.
In addition, Musa said they had also led to achievement worthy of international recognition.
Where Sabah is concerned, he said the State Government has continuously formulated policies and development plans in an effort to achieve greater socio-economic development.
Also present at the function were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim and Sutera Harbour Resort Chairman Tan Sri Kamil Jaafar.
