KOTA KINABALU: Various training for tourism operators in Kunak are available to boost the industry in the area, says Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
He said the training which included upskilling and reskilling programmes in tourism were also opened to local residents.
“We are prepared to offer upskilling and reskilling programmes in tourism to residents in the district so they can compete significantly with other operators not only in Sabah but at the international level.
“This is among the efforts to improve the sector besides promotional initiatives by the ministry through the Sabah Tourism Board (STB),” he said during a dialogue session with the Kunak Tourism Action Committee and tourism operators in Kunak on Monday (June 27).
Jafry said various initiatives had been undertaken to uplift the tourism sector in the district.
He said these included seminars and training courses on tourism awareness, safety, management of tourism associations, rural and community-based tourism.
“Kunak has an abundance of interesting tourism destinations but lacks sufficient promotion.
“We want to ensure tourists know more about all the fascinating destinations in Kunak, hence, the STB will intensify its promotional efforts in these areas,” he said.
Among the tourism spots that can be potentially further developed are the Madai Caves, Sungang Hot Spring, Binuang Mud Pool and Darvel Lagoon Kampung Hampilan, among others.
Jafry added that he was confident Kunak could become among the favourite tourism destinations in Sabah.