Sabah and Tawi-Tawi province can explore tourism opportunities, says Liew

KOTA KINABALU: There is huge potential for tourism collaboration between Sabah and the Philippines’ Tawi-Tawi province due to the proximity of both destinations in the region, says Datuk Christina Liew.

The Sabah Tourism, Cultural and Environment Minister urged the island province to capitalise on the business and investment opportunities in Sabah.

"The proximity between Sabah and Tawi-Tawi in the region is a great advantage.

“Since we (Sabah) are your nearest neighbour, there is huge potential for collaboration, particularly in the area of tourism.

"We can explore the opportunity for exchange of tourists between the two destinations for mutual benefit," she said in a statement after welcoming the 10-member delegation from Tawi-Tawi led by Provincial Governor Yshmael I. Sali.

Provincial Economic Adviser and Consultant, Sulay Halipa, who was part of the delegation, said their visit to Sabah was to reciprocate the visit from the state delegation last year.

He was referring to the Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) delegation led by its president Datuk Frankie Liew, who had toured Tawi-Tawi in September 2022 and met with provincial leaders.

"We look forward to economic cooperation between the two places in terms of trade, tourism and fisheries," he said, while thanking Frankie for paving the way for the meeting with Liew.

Another delegate, Member of Parliament for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao John Anthony Lim said tourism is in its infant stage in Tawi-Tawi, thus coming to Sabah was a study trip for them.

During the meeting, Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman and Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim briefed the delegation on tourism prospects in Sabah.