By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: Continued improvements in security are crucial to strengthening international confidence in Sabah as a marine and cruise tourism destination, said Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said the recent easing of travel advisories for eastern Sabah was an encouraging sign of the state's improved security situation.
"The United States Government recently lowered its travel advisory for eastern Sabah to Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions, while offshore islands remain at Level 2.
"This progress reflects our continued security enhancements, building the confidence international travellers need to explore our shores," he said at the launch of the New Sail Malaysia Guide Book at the STB office here.
Joniston, who is also assistant minister to the Chief Minister, said the improved security situation is particularly important as Sabah continues to develop its marine and cruising tourism sector.
He said the state's coastline, islands, marine ecosystems and coastal communities offered visitors opportunities to experience Borneo by land and sea.
"A sailor arriving in Sabah is not simply arriving at another port. They are arriving at the gateway to a destination with diverse experiences on land and at sea," he said.
He said growth in the sector could benefit a wider tourism ecosystem, including accommodation, dining, transportation, local guiding, marine services, attractions, handicrafts and community-based experiences.
However, he said tourism growth must go hand in hand with responsible practices to protect Sabah's marine environment and coastal communities.
"Partnerships are important. The tourism industry, maritime operators, communities, government agencies and destination stakeholders all have a role to play in developing marine tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner," he said.
Sabah recorded 918,592 international arrivals from January to July this year, a 7.5 per cent increase year-on-year.
Domestic arrivals reached 1,319,744, up 4.3 per cent, bringing total visitor arrivals to 2,238,336, an increase of 5.6 per cent.
Joniston said Sabah's cruise sector was also showing encouraging growth, with 19 cruise ships carrying 27,080 passengers calling at its ports in the first six months of the year.
The figure surpassed the 24,634 cruise passengers recorded throughout 2025, he said.
Joniston said the Sail Malaysia Cruising Guide Book would help make Sabah and Malaysia more accessible to the international cruising community by providing sailors with information to plan their journeys.
"We hope more sailors will therefore see Sabah not simply as a stop along their route, but as a destination worth spending time in," he said.
Meanwhile, Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha said yacht tourism offered Malaysia significant long-term economic potential, with visiting vessels staying in the country much longer than conventional tourists.
He said yachts arriving in Malaysia stayed for an average of two years, compared with about eight to nine days for conventional tourists.
Sazli said yacht visitors also contributed to local economies through spending during their extended stays.
The guide book is available through selected marine supply outlets, regional marinas and online via the official Sail Malaysia Platform.
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