Sabah cannot be complacent in attracting tourists

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah cannot be overly complacent with its achievement in attracting a great number of tourists to the State, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Instead, he said, the State must work hard to diversify its tourism products so as to further increase tourist arrivals.

“The State has many tourism products of its own which can be further tapped to lure tourists and among them is the Regatta Lepa Lepa to be held in Semporna from April 25 to 28.

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“Regatta Lepa Lepa is part of our tourism products which can help boost our tourism sector. We cannot be overly complacent with our current achievement and, instead, must strive to attract more tourists,” he said after launching the festival, which is also celebrating its silver jubilee this year, at the State Government Administration Centre (PPNS), here, Friday.

Shafie said Sabah’s recent participation in a tourism expo in Berlin, Germany to attract more European visitors was part of effort towards making tourism the primary sector in the State.

“In the current ever-challenging economic situation, we understand and are aware that we cannot rely only on palm oil and other commodities.

“The effort to boost tourist arrivals is very much welcome because it can assist in the economic growth of Sabah and its people,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, the Semporna Member of Parliament said the Regatta Lepa Lepa is another way by the Government to tell the world that Semporna is safe to visit.

“We will ensure Semporna is safe,” he said, adding that Regatta Lepa Lepa was previously celebrated as a fest but following its rebranding it has now become a big festival in the district.

“We are not just celebrating the Bajau ethnic community festival but also the festivals of other ethnic communities in the State,” said the Chief Minister, while inviting all to come and make the festival even merrier.

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A lot of preparations have been made in terms of cultural dances, traditional cuisine and locations that can be visited not only by international but also domestic tourists, he said.

Shafie also said he will also meet with the Pemandu Associates President and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Idris Jala, to discuss on how to boost the tourism sector in Sabah. – Larry Ralon

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