KOTA KINABALU: Plans are underway to set up a tourism information centre at Pekan Nabalu to capitalise on its strategic location as it is the mid-way point to the popular Kinabalu National Park.
The tourism information centre could be spurred further with the enthusiastic participation of villagers in community-based tourism (CoBT) in the surrounding villages, state Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said.
He said that he believes the Pekan Nabalu Tourism information Centre will help promote and enhance the overall tourism experience for visitors.
"The Ministry recognises the significance of Pekan Nabalu as a strategic location and believes that the centre will play a pivotal role in enhancing the tourism infrastructure and offerings in the area.
Bangkuai added that CoBT has been gaining momentum with the active involvement of local villagers.
“The tourism centre can further strengthen this engagement, providing valuable information and services to tourists planning to explore the area's natural wonders, adventure opportunities, and culture," he said.
Bangkuai was speaking at the launching of RM250,000 Dewan Muhibbah Kampung Taginambur at Pekan Nabulu in conjunction with the Taginambur Kaamatan celebration on Saturday (27 May).
Pekan Nabalu is located within the Kiulu state constituency and is in the heartland of the Kadazan-Dusun indigenous community.
It is a popular stopping point for travellers to Kinabalu Park and an ideal starting point for visitors to explore the eco, cultural and agricultural tourism attractions and activities in the area.
Bangkuai, who is Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman and Kiulu assemblyman, added the tourism centre initiative aligns with the plans to organise a Pineapple and Fruit Festival at Pekan Nabalu and the vision of promoting rural tourism, particularly in the Kiulu and Kedamaian area.
"The tourism centre will facilitate access to nature-based, farms, plantations, and agro-tourism sites, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about local farming practices, participate in fruit picking, and sample fresh produce," he said.
