KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s community-based tourism (CoBT) will be a key feature of the Sail Malaysia Passage to the East Yacht Rally 2026, reflecting growing interest internationally.
The focus on CoBT was shared during a briefing by Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha to Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, outlining plans for the upcoming sailing season.
Sailors from all over the world will participate in the rally, scheduled to take place in Sabah in July.
Sazli said the emphasis on CoBT reflects strong interest from sailors, particularly those who have participated in previous editions, who are increasingly seeking authentic experiences and closer engagement with local communities.
He said that Sabah continues to be a preferred destination among international sailors, citing positive feedback on its cultural diversity, rural landscapes, and opportunities for community interaction.
On registration, Sazli said that as of Jan 20, 15 participants had registered, compared to about 10 at the same stage in previous years, indicating the potential for increased participation this year.
He also said Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is being considered as a potential new docking site, alongside a suggestion to develop a “safe harbours” agenda to enhance accessibility and convenience for visiting yachts, supporting Sabah’s effort to become a yachting destination.
Meanwhile, Joniston welcomed Sail Malaysia’s focus on CoBT, noting that it aligns with the state government’s efforts to strengthen rural and community-driven tourism while ensuring benefits reach local communities.
He added that the CoBT emphasis complements Sabah’s broader tourism promotion under the Explore Sabah narrative in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
Joniston encouraged Sail Malaysia to work closely with STB to identify suitable CoBT locations and develop targeted promotional efforts to highlight Sabah’s community tourism offerings.
He also welcomed efforts to introduce new docking points and advised Sail Malaysia to identify potential safe harbours for further consideration by the relevant authorities.
