KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is capitalising on the growing demand for nature-centric experiences in an effort to promote its rural tourism.
"We are leveraging the growing back-to-nature trend among tourists," said Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai on Tuesday (Oct 15).
Speaking after the first-ever business-to-business (B2B) session between Sabah’s community-based tourism (CoBT) operators and travel agents from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Selangor, Bangkuai described the event as a "game-changer" for rural tourism.
"Sabah is the first state to stage a roadshow specifically to promote and market rural tourism products at the national level."
The B2B session serves as a prelude to the Sabah Community-Based Tourism Fair (SCBTF) 2024, set to take place from Oct 16 to 20 at IOI Mall Putrajaya.
A total of 27 tourism associations from 22 districts in Sabah are involved in the fair, introducing agents to a variety of cultural, adventure, and nature-based experiences offered in rural Sabah.
Participating districts include Ranau, Inanam, Kota Belud, Kiulu, Tuaran, Papar, Membakut, Kuala Penyu, Sipitang, Penampang, Tenom, Nabawan, Kemabong, Keningau, Tambunan, Kota Marudu, Kudat, Pitas, Tongod, Telupid, Beluran, Kunak, Lahad Datu and Kinabatangan, among others.
"This initiative highlights Sabah’s commitment to rural economic growth by attracting more visitors to our lesser-known destinations and bolstering local economies.
"The potential for collaboration is enormous, and we are exploring similar opportunities internationally,” said Bangkuai, who is also the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman.
Meanwhile, STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit echoed Bangkuai's sentiments, saying the board is committed to supporting rural communities with the necessary guidance and resources to promote their destinations locally and internationally.
“Tourism is a platform to empower rural communities, driving socio-economic growth and fostering sustainable communities in line with SDG 11 (Sustainable Development Goal 11)," said Jimit.
SDG 11, which was one of the 17 goals that make up the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, refers to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
The five-day SCBTF will feature 34 booths showcasing local products and tourism experiences, as well as participation from five handicraft cooperatives.
Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, traditional games, craft demonstrations, and live performances by Sabahan artist Zachkiddin Zachry.
Virtual Reality (VR) experiences will also allow attendees to immerse themselves in Sabah’s unique rural landscapes.
Prizes, including crossword puzzles, word searches, lucky draws, and Spin-the-Wheel sessions, will be up for grabs throughout the event.
