KOTA KINABALU: Riverfront tourism operators have been urged to be role models for responsible tourism.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said riverine operators and the surrounding communities should play their part to adopt the best practices in the tourism sector.
Putting safety and quality first, he urged stakeholders to invest in comprehensive training programmes and said that they should maintain high safety standards and continuously upgrade their skills.
He said this during the launch of the Pertubuhan Arus Deras Sabah (Arusdesa) and Pulou Kelapa Heritage Tourism and Recreation Centre in Kampung Malangang Lama in Kiulu, about 60km from here on Monday (June 5).
The Kiulu assemblyman highlighted the significance of prioritising the well-being of visitors, particularly in water rafting activities as it is a flagship attraction for rural tourism.
"The river is always our main draw. When participating in an activity such as river rafting, visitors' top concern is always their own safety.
"Therefore, private and community-based tourism operators must ensure visitor well-being while establishing an enviable reputation to attract tourists to rural destinations," he said.
Arusdesa is a newly registered organisation focused on providing training with a particular emphasis on water rafting sports and safety lessons, among others.
It provides certification that is recognised internationally, with the goal of making water rafting-controlled activity and ensuring the highest standards in safety.
Towards this end, Bangkuai also encouraged Arusdesa to collaborate with the community in equipping villagers with the necessary expertise and knowledge to become river guides.
He added that this will further empower local communities and enhance rural riverside tourism, and said that there should be a collaboration between private tourism operators and village communities to establish a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties.
He said this collaboration fosters sustainable tourism growth and positive community development, creating a win-win situation for all involved.