MoA to boost ecotourism in Kiulu, Kadamaian

PEKAN NABALU: The Kiulu Tourism Association (KTA) and Kadamaian Tourism Association (Kata) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to formalise their cooperation in the quest to boost ecotourism in their areas.Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the formalisation of the MoA was in response to the State Government's decision to spur the development of the Kiulu and Kadamaian rural ecotourism pilot projects as announced by Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman in the State's 2018 Budget. "It is hoped that their stories will inspire others to take part in this industry," he said after witnessing the signing of the MoA between KTA President Dr Edmon Guntis and KATA President on behalf of their associations, here, Friday. Under the MoA, both associations become partners, whereby they will capitalise on each other's strength and strive for excellence in the industry. The MoA is valid for two years and extendable for three years. KTA has 41 members while Tata, 31 members. Over 100,000 tourists descended on Kiulu and Kadamaian in 2017, bringing revenue of over RM4.5 millions. Meanwhile, Dr Edmon said the partnership would enable both associations to cooperate in many aspects of the industry, particularly in sharing knowledge and expertise in developing tourism products. Walter said the close proximity between Kadamaian and Kiulu, located on the west coast of Sabah, and their proven track records added impetus in finalising the initiative. The creation of joint tourism packages is expected to increase visitors to both areas. Kadamaian and Kiulu have made good progress in rural tourism in recent times. Numerous tourism products such as white water rafting, hiking, trekking, cycling, camping, accommodation, traditional food and drinks are readily available in both areas. The natural beauty and cleanliness of the countryside is a magnet to both domestic and international visitors, with adventure events such as running, cycling and rafting competitions attracting thrill seekers. Kata and KTA pledged to work hand in hand to develop and ensure the success of rural eco-tourism in their areas.   Source: Daily Express
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KK’s new landmark to be a ‘green building’

Kota Kinabalu: The State Capital's upcoming new landmark – the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) – is to be certified as a "green building" upon completion next year, in line with the current global trend and following adjustments to certain aspects of its design. This was disclosed by Noor Ahmad Hamid, the Asia Pacific Region Director for the International Congress and Conference Association (ICCA) after a SICC site inspection, Monday. He was the first speaker at a briefing for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) industry players, Tuesday, organised by the Yayasan Sabah Group and the Sabah Tourism Board at Le Meridien Hotel. Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman had earlier directed that the previous roofing design of "Lepa-Lepa" boat motifs of the Bajau community be modified to incorporate solar panel roofing for green energy usage (see pic). This was disclosed by Yayasan Sabah Deputy Director cum Deputy CEO of Innoprise Corporation S/B Datuk Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki, who said that the design of the surrounding developments would also be reviewed for the convenience of the public. "There will be a whole one world experience from the Pullman Hotel to be built there and others for visitors, and those alighting from cruise ships at the cruise terminal into an indoor theme park-like atmosphere at developments next to the SICC. "This will spare them the discomfort of hot sunlight and stifling humidity to wet downpour if they were visiting an outdoor theme park there." She said the Chief Minister chose the site for SICC in the Central Business District to benefit businesses in the city and Yayasan Sabah is now looking at the most cost-effective supply chain of food like poultry products, etc, among others, to SICC from the city's hinterland and other local suppliers. "This is so that more people will benefit and have a sense of being stakeholders in this advanced development of Sabah's MICE business." Guest-of-Honour Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai hopes to promote rural tourism trend as seen in other countries in Indochina through events at SICC, which also would balance out somewhat the much concerned lop-sided dependence on China and other East Asian tourist arrivals, as promotions for other countries' tourists are on-going like efforts undertaken in Europe. "I am very passionate about rural tourism," he said. Hajah Rosmawati said while Sabah is renowned for tourism attractions, SICC adds value to Sabah's tourism industry by bringing lucrative MICE crowd and income to boost the State's economy and investment potential. She reassured that other than MICE activities, from her experience overseas, cultural events and performances like wrestling, a popular sport event, would draw in the crowds, to SICC. Earlier, retired Sabah professional female Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Ann Osman asked whether SICC could host sporting events. "We can bring in Celine Dion (a famous singer), for example, if she performs in Australia, just six hours flight time to here," she suggested, as the SICC has a 1,200 capacity two-tier Performing Arts Hall at Level 2. Hajjah Rosmawati explained that although the SICC is expected to be completed around August next year, she did not want to commit to the Sabah Federation of Industries (SFI) that they can be the first to use the venue for their scheduled Sabah International Exposition (SIE) 2018, as there might be matters to be resolved after completion, to avert any shortcomings, as expectations are high. The SICC has three convention halls of 1,800 sq m each, nine meeting rooms, three exhibition halls of 1,800 sq m each with a storage hall of 2,040 sq m, three VIP lounges, a performing arts hall and an outdoor exhibition area of 7,000 sq m. The SICC can accommodate 323 booths of size 3mx3m while its Banquet hall can seat 3,900 pax. SFI President Datuk Mohd Basri Abd Gafar, who was present, said that the SIE 2018 is postponed to 2019, tentatively in the first quarter of 2019, pending the green light from Yayasan Sabah Group that developed the SICC project in order to fix the new dates for SIE 2019. He wanted it to be the best ever for Sabah after signing a MOU in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, at the recent BIMP-EAGA officials meeting with the Indonesian trade association there. He said the SIE needs a year to promote the event which is the largest trade fair in the state, to draw in foreign participants. Malaysia aims to earn RM3.9 billion in incremental GNI from MICE events creating more than 16,000 jobs by 2020 when the country attains developed nation status with high income earnings. SICC will help to contribute to that achievement. - David Thien   Source: Daily Express
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Visit Keningau Year 2018 will put Keningau on World Tourism Map

KENINGAU -- Visit Keningau Year 2018 will enable the district to make its mark on the world tourism map, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. However, the success of Visit Keningau Year 2018 depended on the quality of service provided by residents, especially those operating tourism products. “This is our aim. We want Keningau to be known by the world,” he emphasised when closing the Crocker Range Festival here. The text of his speech was read out by  Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Radin Malleh. Pairin, who is also Keningau Member of Parliament, said the celebration committee for Visit Keningau Year 2018 plans numerous activities to suit the preference of visitors throughout the year. He urged Keningau residents to play their part in ensuring that the district was always clean as the effort to promote tourism would also boost its economy. -- BERNAMA   Source: Malaysian Digest
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62 species of dragonflies found in Imbak Canyon, Danum Valley

KOTA KINABALU: Sixty-two species of dragonflies were found in Imbak Canyon and Danum Valley during the recent Yayasan Sabah Batu Timbang Scientific Expidition, where some of it are endemic to Sabah. One of participants of the expedition, Dr Choong Chee Yen, said one particular species, Telosticta Janeus can only be found in Imbak Canyon and Danum Valley. “According to the previous research on this area, there are 68 species of dragonflies recorded but during this recent trip I only managed to identify 62. This is due to limited time, but from my observation the population of dragonflies there are healthy,” he said. According to Choong, there is a need to do more studies on dragonflies in the particular area to record as many number of species living there, in order to gain a better information of populations. “There is also a need to know if the Telosticta Janeus can live in the other parts of forest in Sabah,” he said.   Source: Borneo Post
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Sabah set for new tourist influx record

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah tourism sector is set to create a new record this year as the influx of tourists continue to soar, probably hitting the 3.7 million mark surpassing the targeted 3.55 million. “In a few weeks (Dec 20), Batik Air (Indonesia) will commence Jakarta-Kota Kinabalu sector, making it the 14th international airline to be served by Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA),” said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. “In the first quarter next year, Kota Kinabalu will be connected to Chengdu, Changsha and Tianjin that used to be charter flights now coming in as scheduled flights,” Masidi disclosed during the bi-annual 11th Sabah Tourism Awards 2017 at a resort here on Saturday. He also shared that Consul-General of China in Kota Kinabalu Liang Caide is working to mount a scheduled flight from Beijing to Kota Kinabalu either by this month or early next year. “This is good news for us because the Chinese government is making the arrangement for us and it will be operated by Xiamen Airlines. “I take this opportunity to thank the Consul-General of China in Kota Kinabalu for giving us the cooperation to bring in more Chinese tourists to Sabah. “This is another challenge as we are fast running out of hotel rooms; so my message to investors is please facilitate in building 4-5 star hotels because there is a real need for it,” said Masidi. Up to Oct this year, he said KKIA has welcomed 190 chartered flights from China, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan making it the second busiest after Kuala Lumpur International Airport. KKIA is serving 171 international and 410 domestic flights weekly, connected to 16 international destinations via 13 foreign airlines. China and South Korea are the busiest routes with 84 and 35 flights respective per week, he said. “Cruise season have started. Last week over 3,000 passengers from the European cruise arrived at our port in Kota Kinabalu. “We are expecting three more cruises by year-end or at least l0,000 more arrivals from all over the world,” said Masidi. “We will not stop there. When the Sabah International Convention Centre is completed in 2018, the business events industry in Sabah will progress dramatically as the centre had 5,000 seating capacity,” said Masidi. As of Sept this year, he said Sabah had received closed to 30,000 MICE arrivals generating a revenue of some RM78 million, reflected the readiness of Sabah to stage large scale events and for this, the Sabah Tourism Board will set up MICE section next year. “By 2020, business events are expected to contribute RM3.9 billion in gross national income for Malaysia or 2.9 million extra business events visitors. Sabah will have a share of the market by next year,” Masidi revealed. He said 2016 was regarded as an outstanding year for Sabah tourism chalking up 3.427 million arrivals eclipsed the 2013 results, dubbed as ‘best year in tourism’. “We are expecting better results this year as up to Oct this year, the arrivals went up by 11.8 per cent to 2,929,181 million compared to the same period of last year, he said. From Jan to Oct, he said Sabah recorded an increase of 7.67 per cent to 1,004,354 international arrivals compared to last year. Domestic arrivals went up by 10.5 percent to 2,011,258 so far. The tourism receipts have been estimated at RM6.396 billion, a robust nine per cent growth compared to the same period last year, he said. “We commend the industry’s leaders in service excellence and recognise those that are raising the bar in terms of enhancing visitor experiences. “The award is a tangible symbol of recognition for your accomplishment. It is a competitive world and we need to be on the move all the time, not be complacent,” Masidi said. He said quality service culture is essential to sustain and drive the industry. “We need to inculcate the service oriented community. I hope to see this become a reality in years to come,” he said. Meanwhile, Masidi said next year the industry will emphasis on rural tourism as Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman has set aside a fund in the State 2018 Budget to promote that sector. “We have achieved a good level in the urban areas and now we want to introduce the rural areas to visitors to allow Sabahans in the interior to have a share in the spillover we are enjoying now. “We have the foreign market for the rural tourism,” he said. The highlight of the evening was the presentations of the Minister’s Special Awards which respectively went to Sipadan-Mabul Resort chief executive officer Robert Lo and Kadamaian Tourism Association chairman Walter Duis Kandayon who received on behalf of their members. “These rural folks at Kadamaian are an exemplary group that fully embraced digital marketing to promote their destination. “There is no escaping the digital era. Even tonight (Saturday), the event can be seen live by our partners overseas and on your phones. This is possible with just a fraction of the cost compared to broadcasting in the past,” Masidi said. Lo is also the founder and president of Miss Scuba International and he was recognised for his efforts in using the beauty pageant to raise the awareness on the threat of ocean pollution to our planet.   Source: New Sabah Times
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