Sabah's big tourism role


10 December 2012 | last updated at 11:09PM

By OLIVIA MIWIL | news@nst.com.my 

BLESSED: It has many natural attractions and can help nation achieve 36 million target, says deputy minister

KOTA KINABALU: SABAH has the potential to help the Tourism Ministry  achieve the target of 36 million tourist arrivals by 2020, Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit said.
The target was in line with the Malaysian Tourism Transformation Plan, aimed at generating RM168 billion.
"Sabah is blessed with many natural attractions such as Mount Kinabalu, numerous islands and other well-preserved natural habitats.
"Also, the abundance of fresh seafood and friendly locals can attract domestic and international tourists," he said during the launching of the state-level Tarian Cuti-Cuti Malaysia carnival at Universiti Malaysia Sabah yesterday.
Mamit said tourist arrivals in country last year was 24.8 million, while for Sabah, it was 2.85 million.
"We are positive the figure will increase with Visit Sabah Year 2013 and Visit Malaysia Year 2014.
"This means that the tourism industry will create more employment opportunities, especially for graduates," he said, adding that the people should cultivate a "Think Tourism, Act Tourism" attitude to enhance the quality of tourism in the state.
The annual carnival, introduced by the ministry in 2009, has become a tourism product that showcases Malaysia's multi-cultural dances.
This year, the carnival is made up of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sabah and Sarawak, Orang Asli, Siamese and two contemporary dances.
Earlier this month, a similar carnival was launched in Putrajaya. The next carnival will be held in Kuching on Dec 16.
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Participants in the state-level Tarian Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia 2012 at Universiti Malaysia Sabah in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. Pic by Malai Rosmah Tuah

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