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690,000 Chinese tourists visited Sabah in 2025
In 2025, a total of 4.77 million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia, with about 690,000 travelling to Sabah, said Consul General of China in Kota Kinabalu, Zhu Xinglong. He said the increase stemmed from the mutual visa exemption agreement signed by China and Malaysia, allowing visa-free travel between the two countries. Currently, 716 flights operate weekly…
US lowers travel advisory for Sabah east coast to Level 1
The United States has lowered its travel advisory for all mainland areas of Sabah, including the east coast, to Level 1: exercise normal precautions. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the state government welcomed the advisory, noting that the classification affirms Sabah as a safe and stable destination for international visitors. “While…
Sabah tourism hits RM8.74 billion, targets four million for 2026
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…
Chance to boost growth during VM2026
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….
Festive atmosphere at KKIA, Tawau Airport
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…
Heritage gallery planned to showcase Jesselton’s history
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…
2026 teems with opportunities, new hopes
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…
Over 200 locations in Sabah identified for camping development
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…
BRL wins the ASEAN Green Hotel Award
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…
Make Sabah a must-visit destination
Sabah is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for domestic and international visitors, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin. He said the move aims to further strengthen the state’s tourism and hospitality standards. To this end, Jafry held meetings with key tourism players in Tawau and Semporna to gather feedback and address…