News
Rural tourism calls for collecting data to enable better planning
Sabah is set to assess the impact of its rural tourism efforts after ten years in the field. Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has called for a comprehensive data report from district tourism associations and other key operators to gauge success. “It’s time for a more structured approach to evaluate our success,” he…
Sabah-MM2H offers 10-year renewable visa
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew launched the Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah-MM2H) programme at a resort here on Sunday. This programme is tailored specifically to highlight the unique attractions and opportunities that Sabah has to offer. Sabah, globally renowned for its pristine natural beauty, rich biodiversity, diverse cultures, and warm hospitality, fits…
Govt serious to ensure tourists’ safety
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said the drowning incident off Mamutik Island last weekend serves as a reminder to all travellers and operators. She said they must continue to strictly practice and adhere to operational procedures set for any tourism-related recreational activities. “The responsibility of ensuring safety during tourism activities must always…
Stricker regulations to boost safety in water activities
The Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) has urged Sabah’s tourism authorities to revise policies and rules following a recent drowning incident involving a 25-year-old Chinese national at Mamutik Island. The victim was part of a group of seven beginner divers supervised by three dive masters. Satta Chairman Datuk Seri Winston Liaw criticised…
M’sia mega sale is back
The Malaysia Mega Sale nationwide campaign is back after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In Sabah, the sale will run from June 15 to July 31, 2024, said Tourism Malaysia Sabah Deputy Director Trecey J Tojuka. Tourism Malaysia Sabah Office is collaborating with four participating shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu, namely Imago…
Sabah have potential to be health tourism hub
Sabah’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and wellness traditions make it an ideal destination for rejuvenation and balance, positioning it as a potential health tourism hub. The state offers numerous wellness facilities with traditional spa treatments, therapies, and consultations with trained medical professionals. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew highlighted Sabah’s pristine environment, including…
All must take care of the environment
The responsibility of taking care of the environment needs to be shouldered together and not solely by the government. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew has called for cooperation between the industry, local communities, various government agencies, and related parties to be strengthened for environmental sustainability. “I also request the cooperation of the…
Visitors from China to Sabah surge ahead of South Koreans
China has overtaken South Korea as the largest source of international arrivals to Sabah for the first four months of this year (January-April, 2024), said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew. Based on statistics from the Sabah Tourism Board’s (STB) Research Division, she said that of the total of 396,584 international arrivals for…
China extends visa to 30 days for M’sian tourists
China has agreed to extend the visa exemption for Malaysian tourists from 15 to 30 days. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during the 50th-anniversary celebration of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China in Beijing. During a meeting with Premier Li Qiang, Ahmad Zahid proposed the extension, highlighting that…
Sabah favourite destination for Chinese
Sabah continues to be a sought-after destination for Chinese visitors. “Our tourism figures recorded a total of 776,845 visitors to Sabah from January to March this year. Of this figure, 321,184 were international visitors of which 116,922 were Chinese visitors. “This is indeed a positive sign and we are happy to welcome more China visitors…