KOTA KINABALU: Sabah aims to build on its tourism success in 2024 with ambitious plans for 2025, striving to enhance its position as a global tourism hub.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew noted AirAsia's goal of five million guest arrivals this year at Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau, facilitated by collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board and industry partners.
"As we usher in the Year of the Golden Snake, we anticipate a vibrant year ahead, with strong economic spillovers benefiting the tourism sector and the people of Sabah," she said in her festive message on Monday (Jan 27).
Liew expects significant economic benefits for Sabah's tourism sector. Key growth drivers include MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and cruise tourism, with 19 cruise ships scheduled to dock at KK Port.
In 2024, Sabah's tourism saw a 20.4% growth, with 3.14 million visitor arrivals and tourism receipts reaching RM7.28bil. Recovery has hit 75% of pre-pandemic levels, with substantial contributions from markets like China and Brunei.
Beyond tourism, Liew, who is also the Api-Api assemblyman, emphasizes support for the urban poor through initiatives like the Food Basket project and housing assistance.
She also presented Chinese New Year goodies to former artist Benedict Chong, who faces challenges due to unemployment.
Liew invites the public to the State Level Chinese New Year Open House on Jan 30 at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu, from 10am to 2pm..
