Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is strengthening community-based tourism (CBT) and agro-tourism in Keningau, Tenom and Nabawan through infrastructure upgrades, training, marketing and product development.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin
(pic) said the Ministry and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) are enhancing tourism facilities, developing tourism packages, promoting destinations and helping community operators comply with Asean Tourism Standards.
He said STB also supported the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association's familiarisation trip to Keningau and Tenom, resulting in new CBT and agro-tourism packages now being promoted at Matta Fair and ITE Hong Kong.
Replying to Datuk Nik Mohd Nadzri Nik Zawawi (Liawan) during question time in the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Jafry said STB also backed the launch of the Kabulongou Earth Initiative in Nabawan, which combines sustainable tourism, agroforestry and forest conservation with local communities.
He said STB will also support a Safety and Emergency Management Workshop in Keningau next month to enhance operators' competency and visitor confidence, while creating jobs and improving rural incomes.