Kota Belud, Kadamaian and Kiulu a focal point for rural tourism
By NOOR ZAFIRA SHAFIE
KOTA KINABALU: Kiulu, Kadamaian and Kota Belud will be the focal point for rural tourism in two years’ time after being chosen by Sabah Tourism Board as pioneer districts for rural tourism development.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister, Assaffal @ Samsul Kamal P. Alian said that the rural sites have great potential to be promoted as unique, attractive and authentic tourism places and products.
He said improvement of services in promoting rural tourism must be continuously enhanced and upgraded.
“We must have the relevant knowledge, skills in operating and managing rural tourism, especially in the areas of language/communication, conservation, sustainable and responsible consumption as well as local youth participation in the rural tourism development,” he said to reporters here yesterday after witnessing a MoU signing ceremony between University Malaysia Sabah and Almacrest International College, Kadamaian Tourism Association and Kiulu Association.
According to him, Sabahans and industries players should make efforts to offer more diverse products for eco-tourism and nature tourism as well.
“It is important that we shift our focus to sustainable tourism development and responsible consumption, as these are vital in making Sabah as global competitive sustainable tourist destination.
“Rural tourism consists of rural heritage and activities such as visiting villages, local architecture, hiking, fishing, horse riding, participating in local festivals and tradition as well as territory, like mountains, rivers and any more natural scenery,” he said.
Assaffal also stressed that Sabah with interesting geographical landscape have all the important components in developing and promoting tourism.
“I believe the local communities can benefit in terms of employment and income generation, and thus will enhance the economic security of the community,” he added.
“All these can be prosperous and flourish through rural tourism development,” he added.
Source: New Sabah Times
