KOTA KINABALU:Sabah's booming tourism industry is set to scale new heights with the state’s Budget 2025 focus on enhancing this lucrative economic sector, says Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She stated that the Budget 2025, tabled by state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun on Friday (Nov 15), continues to emphasise tourism alongside agriculture and industrial development for economic growth.
"Undoubtedly, the flourishing tourism sector is the 'cash cow' for Sabah with instant monetary returns," Liew said.
She welcomed the allocation of RM102.87mil to the state's tourism ministry for operations and the implementation of various programmes and development projects.
Of this amount, RM10.84mil will be used for the development of tourism assets, including RM6.5mil for the Rural Tourism Development Project, which focuses on eco-tourism and community-based tourism, she noted on Sunday (Nov 17).
She also highlighted RM19.8mil allocated for the Sabah Museum Department for operational expenditure and upgrading of heritage infrastructure for tourism purposes.
"This recognises that efforts to elevate the state's cultural treasures and ethnic heritage make these tourism products one of the favourite choices for tourists," she said.
She mentioned that her ministry was allocated an additional RM13.66mil for the continuing preservation of the state's arts and cultural heritage.
Liew also welcomed the proposed inclusion of various cultural programmes, including Museum Festival 2025, Exotic Crafts, and Regatta Lepa Festival, in the state's tourism calendar next year.
This step aims to further empower the local tourism sector, she explained.
Liew said these proactive approaches can increase the competitiveness of community-based tourism as it is an effective method to distribute the revenue generated by the industry in a more inclusive and equitable manner.
"I can foresee a flurry of activity involving craft entrepreneurs, handicraft makers, and boat makers, among other stakeholders," she added.
