KOTA KINABALU: Industry players must adapt and innovate to ensure Sabah’s tourism sector remains resilient, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (pic).
The Sabah Chief Minister said that while the state’s tourism industry is able to weather the challenges posed by the Middle East conflict, businesses will have to take bold and decisive action to remain operational.
“This crisis will fundamentally reshape how we operate. Every sector will be affected, which means we must adapt and innovate in our business practices,” he said at the official opening of a hotel here yesterday.
In light of the recent challenges, he noted that the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry is refining its strategies to ensure Sabah remains resilient and an attractive destination for international travellers.
To ensure seamless visitor experiences, he said the state is strengthening its competitiveness through strategic initiatives, including establishing partnerships with global airlines to improve connectivity.
Other measures, he said, include improving service standards to international benchmarks and hosting high-value events to position Sabah as both a premier holiday destination and a dynamic business hub.
On hotels, he said the development of other well known hotels is at various stages of completion.
“These hotels will add 2,740 rooms to our existing inventory, a testament to the resilience and optimism of our industry partners even in uncertain times,” he noted.
He said that several hundred new jobs would be created, not only through the hotels but also across supply chains.
The development of these new hotels will elevate Sabah’s profile as a premier destination by attracting travellers, including those attending conferences and corporate events.
He said that the latest hotel in Kota Kinabalu, costing more than RM300mil, will help Sabah tap opportunities during Visit Malaysia 2026, which has been extended to the end of 2027.
He said this will serve as a catalyst for Sabah’s preparations for Visit Sabah Year 2027.
