Latest news with #ASEANTravelExchange
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah tourism generates over 380,000 jobs
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's tourism sector remains a key economic driver, generating over 380,000 jobs and contributed RM13.1 billion to the state's economy in 2023, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Hajiji said tourism accounted for about 15 per cent of Sabah's gross domestic product (GDP) last year, underscoring its growing role in socio-economic development. 'But statistics alone do not tell the full story. Behind every number are lives and families empowered through tourism,' he said in a speech delivered by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew at the launch of the ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) here today. Hajiji noted that many tourism ventures in rural Sabah are led by local families who offer authentic cultural and nature-based experiences. In 2024, the sector contributed RM7 million in state revenue from 18 active districts. 'The state is conducting more grassroots initiatives in rural areas to widen these benefits,' he said. He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the tourism sector through infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, rural road access and digital platforms to better promote and manage visitor experiences. 'Our strategy for a resilient, future-ready tourism economy includes embracing green principles, accelerating digitalisation and strengthening Sabah's profile as a host for international tourism events. Hajiji said hosting ATEX 2025 marks a major milestone for Sabah, positioning it not just as a destination but as a strategic partner in shaping ASEAN's tourism future. 'We welcome industry leaders across the region to Sabah, to strengthen partnerships, spark new opportunities and move forward together,' he said.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tourism remains Sabah's economic driving force
Christina beats the gong to mark the launch of the event. KOTA KINABALU (June 19): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said tourism remains the driving force of Sabah's economy, creating more than 380,000 jobs across various sectors. He said that Sabah's tourism industry contributed approximately 15 per cent of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year and recorded a significant achievement in 2023, contributing RM13.1 billion to the state's economy. 'Yet, statistics alone do not tell the whole story. Behind each number lies a livelihood, a family and individuals who have contributed to the tourism economy. 'We have witnessed firsthand how tourism uplifts communities, and we take pride in our progress in community-based tourism here in Sabah,' he said at the launching of the ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) at Magellan Sutera Resort here on Thursday. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew delivered his speech. He said Sabah is home to many community-based tourism operators, and these initiatives were spearheaded by individuals and families from local villages, particularly rural communities, who create experiences that are distinctly Sabahan. 'As we speak, community-based tourism continues to expand in Sabah due to its immense potential to grow the economy, especially in the rural areas of Sabah. 'In 2024, the total state revenue contribution from this sector amounted to RM7 million from 18 active districts. More community-based initiatives in the rural districts are being introduced to benefit the rural communities,' he said. Hajiji said the State Government is committed to the tourism industry's development. 'We are investing in infrastructure with ongoing upgrades to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, improved road conditions giving access to rural tourism areas and enhanced digital platforms designed to promote and manage visitor experiences effectively. 'We are laying the foundation for a resilient and future-ready tourism economy. Sabah's strategy includes embracing green economy principles, advocating for digital transformation, and enhancing our profile as a premier venue and host for international tourism events,' he said. The Chief Minister said Sabah envisioned itself as a peace hub – a state where businesses thrive, culture, history, and nature exist harmoniously, and development is always balanced with responsibility and sustainability. 'We aspire to be a model demonstrating how tourism can succeed while preserving the very elements that make it unique – our environment, cultures and communities,' he said. Hajiji said ATEX 2025 marked a significant milestone for Sabah as it presents an opportunity to position the state not only as a destination but also as a strategic partner in shaping ASEAN's tourism future. 'We warmly welcome industry leaders from across the region to our shores, inviting all of them to deepen friendships to spark new business ventures and share in the journey ahead,' he said. At the same time, he noted that ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder of just how powerful the combination of tourism, travel, hospitality and aviation can be. 'It creates a robust engine of growth and movement that generates vast opportunities for shared experiences. 'Hosting ATEX 2025 in Kota Kinabalu is not just an honour for us in Sabah, but it is also a platform brimming with potential. It offers us the chance to learn from one another, forge new connections, and collectively shape the future of tourism in this region,' he said.
Borneo Post
03-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah starts preparation for ASEAN Travel Exchange
Tan (standing at right) briefing Liew (seated at left) on ATE 2025. KOTA KINABALU (June 3): Preparations are underway for Sabah to host the two-day ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATE) 2025 this month, says Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew. ATE 2025 is a premier Business 2 Business (B2B) networking event in Sabah, connecting travel trade sellers and regional buyers to foster partnerships and collaborations on June 19 and 20. The minister said the State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) will host this inaugural mega tourism event at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has been invited to officiate at the opening ceremony on June 19. Liew said KePKAS supports the proposal for four organisations to establish strategic partnership with Sabah Tourism Board (STB) in organising ATE 2025. They are the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA), Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) and AirAsia Group. ASEAN has 10 member countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. For ATE 2025, the target audience will be made up of tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, homestay operators, product owners and decision-makers from the industry stakeholders. 'As we gear up for the upcoming event, I have been informed by the president of FATA (Datuk Tan Kok Liang) that 354 delegates from 17 countries have already confirmed their participation. They comprise 125 sellers and 229 buyers,' said Liew after a courtesy call by a delegation from the organisers, recently. According to Tan, seller countries include Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei and Cambodia, with Malaysia leading the list with 88 sellers. 'On the buyers' side, top participating countries include the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Thailand. This strong regional presence underscores growing international interest in Malaysia's tourism offerings, particularly in Sabah, which continues to gain traction as a vibrant and strategic tourism hub in the region,' he said in his briefing for the minister. Also present were the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, President of MATTA Nigel Wong, Chairman of MATTA Sabah Mohd Azlan Saleh, and Immediate Past Chairman of MATTA Sabah, Lawrence Chin.
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ATEX 2025 To Boost Asean Tourism Collaboration In Sabah
KOTA KINABALU, May 26 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX) 2025, slated for June 19 here, aims to strengthen regional tourism cooperation and position Sabah as a premier tourism destination in the ASEAN region. The Sabah Chief Minister's Department, in a statement today, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor received a briefing from key tourism industry leaders at Menara Kinabalu here today regarding the upcoming event. According to the president of the Federation of ASEAN Travel Association (FATA), Datuk Tan Kok Liang, ATEX 2025 marks a significant milestone as Sabah's first international Business-to-Business (B2B) tourism event, expecting to attract 200 international buyers and 100 regional sellers.
Daily Express
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
ATEX 2025 to forge stronger collaborations
Published on: Monday, May 26, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 26, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji presents a memento to Aseanta President Eddy while Joniston (second right), Tan (second left), Nigel (left) and Zamani (right) look on. The ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX) 2025, scheduled to be held here on 19 June will bring together regional tourism players to forge stronger collaborations within the ASEAN tourism industry. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor was briefed on ATEX 2025 by a delegation of high-powered tourism players at Menara Kinabalu today. Federation of Asean Travel Association (FATA) President Datuk Tan Kok Liang said ATEX 2025 will be the first international B2B tourism event to be hosted and is expected to bring in 200 international buyers and 100 regional sellers for trade, dialogue and collaboration in the tourism sector. Supported by the State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and key tourism organisations, ATEX 2025 is set to be a game changer in positioning Sabah to the forefront of regional and international tourism markets. The delegation comprised of Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta) President Eddy Krismeidi, Federation of Asean Travel Association (FATA) President Datuk Tan Kok Liang, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) President Nigel Wong and Air Asia Director, Global Policy and Government Relations, Zamani Rafique. Joining the delegation was Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister and Chairman of Sabah Tourism, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
