By Olivia Miwil - November 26, 2021 @ 2:51pm
PITAS: Assistant Sabah Culture, Tourism and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai expressed hope that there would be more emphasis on rural tourism development in the upcoming 2022 state budget.
He said under the Sabah New Deal, an allocation of RM10 million benefitted about 500 tourism industry players.
"We are hoping the Chief Minister, who is the state Finance Minister will give a bigger budget than RM10 million," he said after launching the floating rest house and jetty at Kampung Kuyuh here.
Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism chairman, said "back-to-nature" was the trending tourism product where visitors get to experience rural areas.
He added the ministry had been working with the state Rural Development Ministry and state Agriculture and Food Ministries to elevate the tourism industry.
Joniston said while his ministry is in charge of promotions and financial assistance, the other ministries would look into infrastructure and agrotourism promotion.
At the grassroot level, he said the ministry met with district officers twice and the latter helped to identify potential tourism products.
Earlier, Joniston said despite reports that Pitas was one of the poorest districts in the country, it was rich with nature.
"Pitas has many attractions, and there are several homestays. If more tourism products are introduced, people will stay longer.
"This will give alternative revenues to the people of Pitas and alleviate poverty."
He said the ministry would assist the people to bring in high-end tourism revenue and promote their products via digital marketing methods, among others.
Pitas, which is located about three hours from the state capital, has several attractions including Supirak island, floating coral, Batu Talam, Batu Dulang, Batu Berunsai, Piniapat Hill and the Tempurung Kelapa handicraft factory.
The district, which is also part of the Tun Mustapha Marine Park, was also proposed by Sabah Parks as a dark tourism destination.
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