TUARAN: June 7, 2026
The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry is drafting a Sabah Tourism Blueprint, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said.
The blueprint is expected to be completed before the end of this year.
He said it will chart long-term tourism direction and address sustainability and connectivity challenges.
It will also reflect local aspirations and replace previous master plans.
“That said, with the programmes currently underway, Sabah is on track to achieve four million visitor arrivals,” he said.
“Under Visit Malaysia 2026 and prepare for Visit Sabah 2027.”
“Last year, Sabah performed strongly, reaching 3.79 million visitor arrivals, an increase of 20.8 per cent,” he said.
“This has generated RM8.74 billion in revenue and created nearly 400,000 jobs,” he said.
He said this at the grand opening of Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran at Kampung Pulau Simpangan, Kuala Matinggi.
He said Hilton Garden Inn forms part of a larger investment commitment estimated at about RM500 million.
“This will further strengthen investor confidence in the State’s tourism and hospitality sector,” he said.
“And is aligned with the State Government’s continuing efforts to strengthen Sabah’s tourism industry.”
Hajiji said despite external factors, the State Government remains committed to sustainability.
Through the Tourism Ministry, efforts continue to strengthen collaboration between government, private sector and communities.
“This approach will balance economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation,” he said.
He said the Hilton brand further strengthens Sabah’s position as a preferred tourism destination globally.
He noted the launch of Sheraton Kota Kinabalu last month.
Together with hotels at various stages of completion in the state.
“It is also a testament to the resilience and optimism of our industry partners even in uncertain times,” he said.
Hajiji said the property redeveloped into Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu is in his hometown, Tuaran.
“With its strategic location and abundant natural attractions, it has strong potential to grow further,” he said.
“Developments like this will complement Tuaran’s attractions and encourage more visitor arrivals,” he said.
“And benefit surrounding businesses, local entrepreneurs and the wider community,” he said.
He added the hotel contributes directly to the local economy through job creation.
“Even more encouraging is that majority of employees are from Tuaran district itself.”
“This reflects our shared aspiration to ensure local communities benefit directly from investments made in their own area.”
“Indeed Hilton Garden Inn embodies our vision of high-value sustainable tourism,” he said.
“That benefits both the economy and local communities,” he said.
