All information of tourism sabah

26Jul

Tourism players hoping Kunak made a destination

Kunak: Local tourism industry players in the district are hoping for cooperation and opportunities to explore the potential of regional tourism products in Kunak, especially in areas that have yet to be developed as a tourist destination. Many tourism products in Kunak have not been explored like Baturong Cave (pre-history cave) and hot springs (Sungang and Jeleta Bumi hotsprings at Tingkayu). In the same development, Kunak NT Adventure Sdn Bhd communications supervisor, Azriana Basri said Sarinah Beach area in Pangi is now in the observation of tourism industry players to study how far the area is able to attract visitors. "Currently, we have received the arrival of tourists from China who come to the Madai Cave and some are looking at local products such as salak fruits grown by locals," Azriana said. The tourism industry, if developed, can generate the local economy, including traditional food, handicraft and manufacturing IKS, as well as the growth of homestays that open job opportunities to youths and those interested in the related fields. Meanwhile Azriana said Kunak NT Adventure is moving forward in the effort to promote and further develop eco-tourism related industries in the region. She said the company currently offers several packages and services including homestay, scuba diving, and tours to Madai Caves and Madai Waterfalls, hiking 'itan peak Madai'. According to her, Kunak NT Adventures is providing its official facebook page for those who want to know about the services available. Azriana said homestay lodging is available in the Kunak town area where visitors can easily visit the destination of their choice. Meanwhile, Kunak Adun, Norazlinah Arif said that Kunak will face changes when the tourism industry is developed in the area. - Ibrahim Tabir Source: Daily Express
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23Jul

102 booths for this year’s Matta Fair Sabah on July 27-29

Kota Kinabalu: Matta Fair Sabah 2018 will be held at the Suria Sabah shopping mall, here, on July 27-29. "For this year, a total of 102 booths have been taken up by 45 exhibitors comprising travel agents focusing on inbound and outbound travel, travel-related companies, airlines, banks, hotels, National Tourism Boards, the Malaysian Aviation Commission, tourism college and NGOs," said Matta Fair Sabah 2018 organising chairperson Alicia Gomes. Matta Fair is expected to boost the local travel industry as air connectivity is dependent on a two- way traffic between different destinations. Consumers can expect unbelievable low fares to Asean and East Asia destinations. "This year, our national carrier Malaysia Airlines has come all out to support the Matta Fair Sabah 2018. "MAS Sales Executive, Commercial for Sabah and Labuan, Mahzan Mat Salleh, said special fares and flights bargains are on average 35 per cent off on selected destinations. "This year is expected to be a very dynamic fair ever with the estimated number of visitors at 85,000. One of the venues of achieving this target is to have higher expenditure on advertising and promotion. "Knowing today's changing trend, there are different ways of reaching out to the younger generations. Hence, this explains our move into social medias," she added. There will be shows and activities during the three days, from 10am to 9pm, and lots of lucky draws to be won for those who spend RM500 and above at the fair. Lucky draw prizes range from return air tickets from Kota Kinabalu to Taipei on Business Class, Tarakan, Mulu, Sandakan and Surabaya, sponsored by Malaysia Airlines, MASwings and Royal Brunei Airlines. There will also be other prizes, including overseas ground arrangements, local hotel stays, discount vouchers on tours and others. "Matta Sabah Chapter works with local tourism institutions and during the Fair, provides practical training for tourism students to gain exposure in promoting consumer fairs and managing an event," said Alicia. Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew will grace the occasion, together with Matta President Datuk KL Tan, Matta Sabah Chairman Lawrence Chin and all the Matta Sabah committee members. Source: Daily Express
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19Jul

Sabah to promote tourism on its east coast

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government is considering opening up more touristic areas in the east coast. Assistant Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Assaffal Alian said the area spanning from Kudat to Tawau had great sea and beaches. There have also been reports about several shipwrecks at the seabed of Kudat waters which could be developed as dive sites and for historical visits. “As for my constituency, for example, Silam area has Darvel bay which is rich with coral life that can be developed as marine park and tourist areas. “However, we are still in the planning stage and have to look into every potential besides addressing shortage of accommodation, especially four or five star hotels,” said Assafal, who is also Tungku assemblyman, after launching a two-day Digital Tourism Workshop here. Earlier, in his opening speech Assaffal said the state should embrace social media that appeals to today’s travellers especially young people. Up to May this year, tourist arrivals recorded 1.497million visitors which was an increase of 3.2 per cent compared to the same period last year. “Last year, 52 per cent of our 3.68million visitors were free independent travellers. These are mainly young people who are very active on social media. “Their decision to visit a destination is mostly influenced by postings or videos they see on media platforms, ” said Assaffal. Meanwhile, the ministry will work with all stakeholders in tackling trash especially at tourist areas following complaints from operators and tourists on sighting of garbage at the sea. Last week, City Hall collected 402 tonnes of garbage within two weeks when the storms hit Sabah. Source: New Straits Times
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16Jul

Seven investors eye tourism projects in Semporna

SEMPORNA: Investors from China, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are looking for opportunities to expand investments in the tourism sector in Semporna. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Jaujan Sambakong said seven investors categorised as billionaires were now in Semporna and were looking at the potential of developing the tourism sector in Semporna. “They met Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and offered to develop Semporna. They have also met me and among others have stated that problems like garbage need to be addressed immediately towards plans to make Semporna a world-class tourist destination,” he said. Jaujan, who is also Housing and Local Government Minister and Sulabayan assemblyman, said this when met by reporters at the Bukit Lalang District Voting Centre Aidil Fitri Open House here. According to Jaujan, Semporna was akin to a valuable pearl that needed to be utilised and the local community had a role in safeguarding its beauty besides highlighting the cultural uniqueness, especially of the Bajau community. Meanwhile, he also hoped Silam Member of Parliament from Party Warisan Sabah, Mohammadin Ketapi, who was appointed as Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, could lift the Sabah tourism sector, especially Semporna to the global level. “A seven-star tourism industry is not only valued from the aspect of natural beauty but needs to get support in terms of tourism infrastructure and this requires the strong partnership between the federal and state governments,” he said. In the meantime, according to Jaujan, the tourism ministry could reach a consensus to increase direct flights from abroad such as China, South Korea and Japan to Sabah, especially in Tawau. “There are complaints from international travellers arriving in Semporna following limited flights and being forced to board more than two flights before arriving in Semporna. “They want direct flights to the east coast of Sabah because they love the marine resources attractions in Semporna,” he said, adding that, currently, 60,000 foreign and domestic tourists were recorded to have visited Semporna every month. Source: The Borneo Post
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16Jul

Tawau as next tourist destination

Tawau: The Tawau Tourism Packages, which offers more than 30 tour packages involving 23 travel agents, was launched Friday with the hope of turning the district into a popular tourist destination. Deputy Chief Minister cum Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew, who officiated at the launch, hoped the initiative taken by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) would bring development for Tawau and boost its tourism industry. "The time has come for Tawau to be active in the field even though it's quite late," she said. She said tourism is the only industry that employs 90 per cent of locals and that is what the ministry wants to promote so that it could offer job opportunities for locals. "You can't find any industry apart from tourism with so many local workers. In the plantation and construction industries, we have many foreign workers but in tourism we have locals," she said, adding that she felt sad Sabahans needed to go outside of the State to work in factories. Christina said the launching of the Tourism Packages in the "Visit Tawau 2018/2019" was in line with the target to promote domestic tourism among Malaysians that includes Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah before going to push Tawau for international tourism next year, especially among Chinese and European tourists. She said she is confident of Tawau meeting the international tourism target but is a little worried if it is ready to accommodate the needs of foreign tourists such as hotel rooms and tour guides. "I know Tawau has what it takes. It has its own unique attractions that other places do not have. Like this morning when I visited the Tawau Hills Park, I was honestly impressed… I didn't even know that we have such a beautiful natural beauty," she said. She added that the existence of the tallest tropical tree in the world (96.9 metres) at Tawau Hill Park will be also part of the tourism packages that will boost international tourism here. Earlier in her speech, the Tawau MP said one of the most effective ways to attract visitors to Tawau is for the locals to invest more in tourism infrastructure. "They should spruce up the existing facilities and beatify the town such as by applying a fresh coat of paint on those that have faded and plant more trees and flowers to add colour and vibrancy to the town," she said. She also assured that the State Government would provide the necessary support to make Tawau a tourism hotspot in Borneo. Matta President Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the Tawau tour packages span a wide area, from Maliau Basin at the north-west of Tawau to Semporna on the east, which include wide ranging products offered by many tour and transport operators, accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions, cottage industries and shops. He said the packages, which cater for China, Europe and domestic tourists, are available through travel agents' distribution channels and e-marketing. "We are focusing on several key countries that contribute to the most number of visitors to Sabah for the first four months of this year. Apart from domestic tourists, foreign visitors are mainly from China, South Korea, Taiwan, UK, Ireland, Australia and Singapore," he said. "However, to place Tawau on the world tourism map and become one of the hotspots, it involves all parties, not only Matta or the Minister concerned, to play their part. "I therefore urge all local industry players in Tawau to participate fully and ethically to nurture a healthy and sustainable tourism industry, which will boost the local economy, provide jobs and raise the quality of life for the locals." - Lagatah Toyos Source: Daily Express
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