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Daily Express
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah tourism created 380,000 jobs: Hajiji
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Liew officiates the event while others look on. Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor reaffirmed that tourism remains a key economic driver for Sabah, underscoring its role in job creation, rural empowerment and sustainable development. 'In 2023, the sector contributed RM13.1 billion to Sabah's economy and supported more than 380,000 jobs across various sectors,' he said, when launching the Asean Travel Exchange (Atex) 2025, here, Thursday. His speech was delivered by State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew. Advertisement Hajiji also praised the growth of community-based tourism, particularly in rural districts where local villagers curate authentic Sabahan experiences. 'In 2024 alone, this sector generated RM7 million in revenue from 18 active districts,' he said and reiterated the State Government's commitment to supporting the sector through infrastructure development and digital enhancement. 'We are upgrading Kota Kinabalu International Airport, improving road access to rural destinations, and expanding digital platforms to manage and promote tourism more effectively,' he said. Hajiji said Sabah is on track to build a future-ready, resilient tourism economy driven by sustainability, technology and cultural identity. Advertisement 'Our vision is for Sabah to be a peace hub, a place where development goes hand in hand with conservation, heritage, and harmony.' He said Atex 2025 marks a turning point for Sabah, serving not only as a platform to showcase the state but also to position it as a strategic partner in shaping the future of Asean tourism. It was organised by the Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta), Federation of Asean Travel Associations (Fata), and Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) and brought together over 400 delegates, including more than 200 international buyers from 15 countries and is seen as a strategic platform to strengthen regional tourism cooperation and business linkages. Atex 2025 is the first tourism trade platform led by the private sector under the Asean umbrella. Meanwhile, Sabah is confident of reaching its target of 3.5 million tourist arrivals this year, said Liew. Liew revealed that over one million tourists had already visited Sabah between January and April 2025, generating RM1 billion in tourism revenue. This marks an 18 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. She said the strong start to the year reflects growing interest in Sabah as a destination, which is further supported by the confidence shown by Asean partners through their participation in Atex 2025. 'This is the first time all 10 Asean countries are represented in a tourism event hosted in Sabah, with around 500 delegates attending. 'It's a wonderful programme and a clear sign of the trust and confidence Asean countries have in Sabah,' she said. Liew also stressed that Sabah's strategic location in the heart of Asean positions it as a natural gateway for connectivity and collaboration within the region. 'Sabah is ideally located and increasingly serves as a bridge between regional travel markets. 'I believe this event will lead to stronger ties and more cooperation that will benefit Sabah's tourism sector,' she said. * 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
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah tourism industry in created over 380,000 jobs
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism industry in Sabah has created more than 380,000 jobs said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said the industry accounted for about 15 per cent of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contributing RM13.1 billion to the state's 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 a hotel here. Sabah 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 were 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 added that the state government is 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. Meanwhile, he said that ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder of just how powerful the combination of tourism, travel, hospitality, and aviation can be. Nation Mar 17, 2025 @ 5:51am Sabah Tourism Ministry to meet AirAsia over flight terminations Nation Dec 31, 2024 @ 10:20pm Innovate, capitalise on travel trends, Sabah tourism players told Economy May 26, 2025 @ 3:19am Sabah's tourism sector surges ahead Nation May 10, 2025 @ 11:20pm Sabah sees tourism surge, earns RM2.13 billion from Jan to March this year
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.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah tourism creates over 380,000 jobs: CM
Published on: Thursday, June 19, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 19, 2025 Text Size: Liew officiates the event while others look on. KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said tourism continues to be Sabah's main economic driver, contributing more than 380,000 jobs across various sectors. He said, in a speech delivered by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, that the sector accounted for around 15 per cent of the state's GDP in 2023, generating RM13.1 billion in revenue. Advertisement Community-based tourism alone brought in RM7 million last year from 18 active districts, with more rural initiatives in the pipeline. The State Government is investing in infrastructure upgrades, including the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and rural access roads, alongside digital platforms to enhance tourism services. Hajiji said hosting Asean Travel Exchange (Atex) 2025 is a key milestone in positioning Sabah as a regional tourism partner, while also highlighting the sector's potential for sustainable and inclusive growth. * 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
