Sabah’s tourism industry recorded a strong performance in 2025, welcoming 3,793,709 visitors and generating RM8.74 billion in tourism receipts. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Jafry Ariffin said the state had surpassed its 3.5 million visitor target and was now aiming for four million arrivals in 2026. “Our primary focus remains on delivering excellent hospitality and…
The fourth Sabah International Food Expo (SIFEX 2026) will be held from April 24 to 26, 2026, at the Sabah International Convention Centre. SIFEX 2026, regarded as the largest food exhibition in East Malaysia, will feature 312 booths showcasing more than 400 food and beverage brands from Malaysia and across the region, said organising chairperson…
Visit Malaysia 2026 presents a significant opportunity for tourism players to enhance growth, visibility and innovation. Sabah Tourist Association (STA) president Melanie Chu encouraged industry players to align their products, services and marketing efforts to benefit from the momentum of the national campaign. “Let us support the campaign wholeheartedly and position Sabah strongly within it….
Samoa Tourism Authority chief executive officer Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia-Tevita (2022–2025) was in Kota Kinabalu to attend the 6th World Tourism Conference 2022 held from Nov 28 to 30 at the Sabah International Convention Centre. She also attended a dinner hosted by Funholiday Tours and Travel managing director Connie Chong at a seafood restaurant. “Kota Kinabalu…
Chinese New Year welcoming activities were held at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and Tawau Airport in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin, officiated the ceremony at KKIA where arriving visitors were presented with mandarin oranges and goodie bags. The programme featured a traditional yee sang…
Sir George Jessel, is in town to discuss plans to establish a heritage gallery highlighting the city’s history and the legacy of the North Borneo Chartered Company. George, a descendant of Sir Charles James Jessel, held a meeting with Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Kota Kinabalu City Hall Mayor Datuk Seri…
Former tourism, culture and environment minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew called for Chinese New Year 2026 to mark a new beginning in fostering a more peaceful and progressive environment for Sabah. She encouraged the embrace of new hopes, aspirations and opportunities, urging people to be anticipative, proactive and enterprising in living up to the expectations…
Sabah is opening its doors to global citizens to experience its natural scenic attractions through the Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah-MM2H) initiative. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Jafry Ariffin said the state government fully supports the sustainable growth of the Sabah-MM2H programme. “We believe this initiative contributes positively to our economy by stimulating tourism, real…
Over 200 locations across Sabah have been identified as suitable for development as camping sites, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. This initiative was carried out by the Sabah Camping and Caravanning Association in collaboration with community-based tourism (CoBT), he said when officiating the Tampasak Eco-Camp and Tagal Sondoton–Poimbolutan in Kampung…
Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL), located in the Danum Valley Conservation Area in Lahad Datu, brought pride to Malaysia after winning the ASEAN Green Hotel Award at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026. BRL was Malaysia’s candidate for the 10th ASEAN Green Hotel Award, hosted in Cebu, Philippines, on January 30, after meeting the requirements of…