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The federal government’s decision to grant a 30-day visa-free entry into Malaysia for visitors from China and India, effective December 1, 2023, is welcomed by Sabah to boost its tourist arrivals. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor noted that Sabah has already achieved 85.6% of its 2.2 million tourist target this year. Sabah is connected…

Shanghai businessmen expressed keen interest in investing in Sabah’s tourism and property development sectors. Their intentions were revealed to Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew during a courtesy call. Seeking advice on securing state support, the investors from Dresser Wayne Fuel Equipment (Shanghai) Co Ltd were assured of the government’s investor-friendly approach. Liew…

The Chinese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur announced that the 15-day visa-free policy would be in effect for a year from Dec 1, 2023 to Nov 30, 2024. “To further promote people-to-people exchanges between China and Malaysia, the Chinese government will implement a 15-day visa-free policy for Malaysian citizens holding ordinary passports who enter China for…

The allure of Sabah as a premier tourist destination has been underscored by a notable surge in visitor numbers and tourism revenue. In June 2023 alone, the region welcomed 1.2 million tourists, generating an estimated RM2.45 billion in tourism receipts—an impressive 69.1 per cent increase from the same period last year. Finance Minister Datuk Seri…

A RM1 billion 5-star InterContinental Resort is set to elevate Sabah’s hospitality industry in Melinsung, Papar. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed gratitude to Sinyi Group and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) for selecting Sabah for this strategic investment. Emphasizing the resort’s broader impact, he highlighted the creation of over 500 jobs and its contribution…

Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Tuaran, made history by achieving the largest palm print wall in the Malaysia Book of Records. Fourty-four delegates from the 26th Miss Tourism International 2023 imprinted their palms, symbolizing unity and cultural diversity. Rasa Ria General Manager Fiona Hagan, expressed immense pride in the achievement, stating the palm print wall showcases…

Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Tiong King Sing received a courtesy call from Yeo Seung-bae, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia. They explored potential avenues for collaboration in tourism, arts, and culture, with the aim of achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. They also delved into discussions on strategic cooperation, enhancing accessibility, and…

South Korean Consulate-General Joo Jung-cheol highlighted Sabah’s allure for Korean golfers due to convenient accessibility, with Malaysia ranking third among favoured destinations. Joo praised Kota Kinabalu’s golf courses, especially Sutera Harbour, Sabah Golf and Country Club, Karambunai, and Dalit Bay, citing their proximity to the city centre. He anticipated a surge in Korean visitors during…

Sabah gains recognition as a burgeoning business event hub, drawing heightened interest from International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) members. The “Feel Sabah Night” networking event, co-hosted by Sabah Tourism Board and TTG Asia Media during the ICCA conference in Bangkok, showcased Sabah’s attractions and event facilities. ICCA Regional Director Jose Barreiro praised Sabah’s diverse…

The Sabah Forestry Department set a new Malaysia Book of Records by having the most nations participating in a tree-planting programme at the International Friendship Garden in the Kawang Forest Reserve on Nov 16. Delegates from 44 nations, participating in the 26th Miss Tourism International 2023 engaged in the tree planting activities. The crowning event…