Sabah targets 26 districts to have tourism council next year

By Olivia Miwil - November 29, 2018 @ 9:17pm

State Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Christina Liew said the council was responsible to identify and develop their respective products for the benefit of their own district and the local community. NSTP/ Khairull Azry Bidi

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government is aiming to set up Tourism Action Councils in all 26 districts in the state by next year to contribute more to state revenue with balanced tourism.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Christina Liew said the council was responsible to identify and develop their respective products for the benefit of their own district and the local community.

“The ministry cannot do everything, but with a good structure and system in place, coupled with hard work, all organisations and bodies related to the tourism industry can economically benefit every person in Sabah.

“The community-based tourism initiative can and will enhance all districts and towns into business entities that can contribute to the state economy,” she said during launching of community-based tourism roadshow here.

At present, there are 16 districts which have been taking part in the initiative.

One of them has generated RM4 million annual income.

Liew, who is also state deputy Chief Minister, said the state had generated about RM6.2 billion with 2.865 million arrivals as of September.

She also said so far there was no change on MASwings, Malaysia Airlines’ subsidiary regional carrier, halting routes to Sandakan and Tawau from here starting Jan 1.

Both routes, however, would still have commercial airlines such as Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia to operate.

Liew had previously said that she would bring the issue to parliament as the suspension could have an undesirable impact on the economy and tourism industry.

Present at the launching were state Rural Development minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, Sabah Tourism Board General Manager Suzaini Sabdin Ghani, Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai and Matta Malaysia president Datuk KL Tan.