LABUAN: This duty-free island is set to welcome more than 50,000 local and international visitors for the inaugural Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) this July.
From July 26 to 30, the festival is expected to be a signature event for the island, resulting in economic spillover through various business activities.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the Labuan Corporation-hosted event in collaboration with the Federal Territories Department would involve multiple government agencies and private sector stakeholders.
"We initiated this flora festival in Labuan as part of our commitment to developing tourism-driven events that will attract more visitors to the island.
"At the end of the day, we aim to boost the local economy, ensuring that hoteliers, eateries, and local traders benefit," she told Bernama on Sunday (March 16).
Dr Zaliha said the Borneo Flora Festival is inspired by the successful Floria Putrajaya event and is a strategic effort to boost the tourism sector in Labuan.
"We encourage participation from across Malaysia, particularly from the neighbouring states of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as (the Kingdom of) Brunei.
"Additionally, we hope for strong cooperation from hoteliers to be well-prepared for the influx of visitors by continuing to upgrade their services towards enhancing Labuan's image and reputation," she added.
She also urged eateries and small-time traders to extend their warm hospitality to visitors, thus reinforcing Labuan's reputation as a welcoming destination.
"The Borneo Flora Festival is poised to be a major attraction, drawing plant and flower enthusiasts, horticultural experts, and tourists to the island, further strengthening Labuan's standing as a tourism destination," she said. - Bernama
