Sabah records RM2.13 bil in tourism receipts between Jan and March

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded RM2.13 billion in tourism receipts between Jan and March this year, said the state Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew. She added that the number indicates a 17.7 percent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024. Liew also said that the industry has also shown a strong start in the first quarter of this year, recording a total of 923,709 visitors. "Of the total figure, 366,727 were international arrivals, while 556,982 were domestic visitors. “China remains Sabah's top international market with 154,319 Chinese visitors, followed by South Korea (57,995 visitors) and Brunei (45,469 arrivals),” she said during the official opening of the MATTA Fair Sabah 2025 held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here yesterday. Liew added that MATTA Fair in Sabah greatly increases Sabah’s stance as a prime destination for both Malaysians and international tourists. "At the recently concluded MATTA Fair (April18-20, 2025) in Kuala Lumpur, Sabah recorded RM4.5 million in sales - a notable increase from RM3 million achieved in September 2024. "This growth clearly reflects the strong demand and rising appeal of our Culture, Adventure and Nature (CAN) tourism products," Liew said, adding island hopping packages and visits to the Mari Mari Cultural Village were the most sought after among visitors. Through MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur, Sabah has also launched the “Top 5 Mountains in Sabah” campaign to further position Sabah as an adventure tourism hub in Southeast Asia. "Peaks such as Mount Kinabalu, Mount Trus Madi and Mount Tambuyukon are just some of the highlights under this campaign, and we look forward to welcoming more climbers and trekkers in the months ahead.”