KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's tourism players have been told to prepare innovative products in 2025 as the country gears up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026), says Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew (pic).
"Now is the time to start making the necessary preparations to meet the demands of VMY 2026.
"I call on hoteliers, tourism product owners, tour operators, and travel agents to come up with new initiatives to capitalise on travel trends favouring Sabah," she said in her New Year message on Tuesday (Dec 31), adding that Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will assist tourism players towards achieving the goals of VMY 2026.
Liew said her ministry's priority is sustainable tourism amid the expected increase in inbound tourists.
"Sustainable tourism is essential. We must balance tourism growth with conserving our environment and natural resources," Liew said.
She said 2025 is a significant year for Malaysia as our country officially assumes the Asean chairmanship with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability."
"Let us support Malaysia's stewardship of Asean and the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his unwavering commitment and resolve to create an inclusive Asean Community for the greater good.
"As part of the Asean Economic Community, we look forward to the shared economic benefits of regional trade and tourism, among others," she said in her New Year message.
