Sabah is expected to welcome around 1.7 million tourist arrivals this year. Following the reopening of borders post-pandemic, the state has seen an uptick in demand, thanks to its range of stellar outdoor attractions, which are perfectly aligned with sustainable travel trends in the new normal era.
According to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sabah received 792,899 arrivals from January to April this year, including 227,475 international visitors. “It marks a 94.1% increase compared to 408,530 for the corresponding period last year,” confirmed the minister, speaking during a Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry programme held in Keningau.
“This bodes well for Sabah as we continue to push for more air connectivity into Sabah to add to the current weekly 100 international flights with a total seat capacity of 18,164, and 366 domestic flights with a total seat capacity of 60,303,” he added.
In addition, the minister noted that tourism officials in Sabah are currently working to upgrade tourism facilities and improve the overall experience of international visitors, with particular emphasis on convenience, comfort and safety. According to Hajiji, this process involves ‘developing and upskilling’ community-based tourism (CoBT) operators.
Local government in Sabah is prioritising CoBT so that those working in rural areas will gain access to economic opportunities. This approach has already been adopted by various districts around the state, particularly in Keningau, which is developing a reputation among international travellers with a love of adventure, culture, environment, food and history.
Recent investment in Sabah by the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has helped to develop a range of tourism objects and infrastructure around travel hubs such as Nabawan, Tenom and Tambunan. With more than a million visitors expected in Sabah over the coming months, this investment is already beginning to pay off.
To explore some of the amazing outdoor experiences on offer in Sabah, Travel With Us.
