KOTA KINABALU: Marine tourism such as cruises presents an opportunity for visitors to look beyond established routes and discover lesser-known coastal destinations and communities, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman said from a tourism perspective, this is important because the state wants visitors not only to come here but to stay longer, explore more and generate greater value for local communities and businesses.
He said the continued growth of marine tourism can also create opportunities across a wider tourism ecosystem including accommodation, dining, transportation, local guiding, marine services, attractions, handicraft and community-based experiences.
"At the same time, the growth of this sector must go hand in hand with responsible tourism," he said when launching the Sail Malaysia Cruising Guide Book here on Tuesday (Sept 15).
He said Sabah’s marine environments and coastal communities are among the state’s greatest tourism assets, which is why their protection and sustainable use are essential for future generations to enjoy the same experiences that visitors value today.
Bangkuai said the sea has always been an important part of Sabah's tourism story.
"We are blessed with an extraordinary coastline, beautiful islands, rich marine ecosystems and vibrant coastal communities.
"From our world-renowned diving destinations to island escapes and coastal towns, Sabah offers visitors a very different way of experiencing Borneo," he said.
From January to July, Sabah recorded 918,592 international arrivals, a 7.5% year-on-year increase with domestic arrivals reaching 1,319,744, up 4.3% year-on-year, bringing the total visitor arrivals to 2,238,336, a 5.6% increase.
In the first six months of the year alone, Sabah’s ports hosted 19 cruise ships carrying 27,080 passengers, surpassing the 24,634 passengers welcomed throughout all of last year, Bangkuai said.
"We are also encouraged by positive developments in international travel advisories. The US government recently lowered its travel advisory for eastern Sabah to Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions, while offshore islands remain at Level 2.
"This progress reflects our continued security enhancements, building the confidence international travellers need to explore our shores," he added.
He said the tourism industry, maritime operators, communities, government agencies and destination stakeholders all have a role to play in developing marine tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner.
He said the guidebook contributes to this effort by making Sabah and Malaysia more accessible to the international cruising community.
For those planning their journeys, a reliable source of information can help turn an unfamiliar destination into a destination they can confidently explore, Bangkuai said.
"We hope more sailing enthusiasts will therefore see Sabah not simply as a stop along their route, but as a destination worth spending time in," he added.
The guidebook offers an unprecedented, detailed map for navigating the vibrant and diverse waters of the Malaysian archipelago.
