KOTA KINABALU: May 4, 2026
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is confident Sabah’s tourism sector will remain resilient despite challenges posed by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
He said the crisis would force businesses to take bold and decisive action to navigate uncertainties, as its impact would be felt across all sectors.
“This crisis will fundamentally reshape how we operate. Every sector will be affected, which means we must adapt and innovate in our business practices,” he said at the official opening of the Sheraton Kota Kinabalu.
“Yet, the future remains bright. Despite these obstacles, I am heartened to see strong investor confidence in Sabah’s tourism sector,” he added.
Hajiji said the state government, through the Sabah Tourism Ministry, is proactively refining its strategies to ensure Sabah remains a premier, resilient and globally attractive destination.
To strengthen competitiveness and ensure seamless visitor experiences, he said several strategic initiatives are being implemented.
These include forging partnerships with global airlines to enhance connectivity, developing premium tourism products, improving service standards to international benchmarks, and hosting high-value events
“Through these efforts, we will position Sabah as both a premier holiday destination and a dynamic business hub,” he said.
Hajiji said the economic impact of ongoing tourism investments would extend beyond the sector, benefiting supply chains, services and related industries.
“We are looking at hundreds of jobs, not just within the hotels themselves, but across supply chains, services, and related businesses. Local suppliers, restaurants, and attractions will benefit tremendously,” he said.
He added that such developments would further elevate Sabah’s profile, attracting conferences, corporate events and high-yield travellers, thereby strengthening the State’s economy through sustained tourism revenue.
