PAPAR: The State Government will continue to intensify efforts to enhance the preservation of cultural heritage and environmental management to drive and empower the tourism industry in the State.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that to support these efforts, the State Government has allocated RM102.87 million to the Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry for operations and implementation of various programmes and development projects this year.
He stated that the State’s tourism industry requires more new products that can attract both domestic and international tourists, given Sabah’s diverse tourism resources that can be further developed, whether based on flora and fauna or the cultural treasures and ethnic heritage of the State.
In line with this aspiration, he encouraged tourism industry players in the State to explore new ideas to create attractive tourism products, ensuring Sabah remains a preferred destination for both local and international tourists.
“Our efforts to attract tourists to Sabah by enhancing tourism products align with the Malaysian Government’s commitment to the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026 campaign, which targets over 35 million tourists.
“Although Sabah aims to attract 3.7 million tourists, we must be prepared to accommodate a more significant number of visitors as part of the preparations for VMY 2026.
“Therefore, industry players must be ready and more creative in introducing new tourism products for the State,” he said at the Sabah Cultural Complex's groundbreaking ceremony in Kinarut here on Saturday.
