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Daily Express
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah Tourism Board hosts GSTC workshop to drive sustainable tourism
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Text Size: Q&A session: (From left) Grace, Kingston Khoo and Randy. Kota Kinabalu: The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) High-Level Workshop was held at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, here, recently. The full-day workshop brought together 80 key tourism stakeholders – consisting of tourism associations, government departments and agencies and academicians. Advertisement Organised by the Sabah Tourism Board, the workshop featured speakers from GSTC, namely, Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC and Kingston Khoo, a certified GSTC trainer. Both experts led insightful sessions that introduced participants to the GSTC Criteria and provided guidance on sustainable tourism implementation. The workshop was officiated by Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, who emphasised Sabah's responsibility as a steward of its natural and cultural treasures. 'Sustainable tourism is not just a goal; it is a necessity to safeguard Sabah's environment and culture for future generations while supporting economic growth and community well-being,' she said. Following her keynote address, Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board, delivered a briefing on the importance of GSTC in guiding Sabah's sustainable tourism efforts. He mentioned that the objective for implementing the GSTC criteria is to align Sabah's tourism sector with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating these global standards. This approach enhances Sabah's international credibility, fosters sustainable business opportunities, and strengthens its position as a premier ecotourism destination on the world stage. Sabah is already making significant progress, with three key sites – Maliau Basin, Imbak Canyon, and the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley – having achieved GSTC certification, demonstrating local commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism best practices. The workshop provided an in-depth overview of sustainable tourism principles, current global trends, and the pivotal role of the GSTC and its international standards in guiding both public and private sector practices. The morning sessions highlighted successful case studies from abroad, providing helpful information regarding real-world implementation of sustainability in tourism. A highlight of the day was a sharing session by Grace Pounsin from Yayasan Sabah Group, who detailed their successful journey in achieving GSTC certification for the Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon Conservation Areas – powerful examples of Sabah's leadership in conservation and sustainability. The afternoon sessions focused on local context, emphasising the role of various stakeholders in applying GSTC standards in Sabah. Interactive discussions encouraged participants to explore practical and collaborative approaches to enhancing sustainability across the tourism value chain. In his closing remarks, Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board, encouraged all participants to turn knowledge into action. 'We now have a clearer understanding of how sustainable tourism can drive real change for our communities and ecosystems. 'Let us take the GSTC standards and make them part of how we plan, operate, and innovate in Sabah's tourism sector. Together, we can ensure that tourism development benefits both people and the planet.' As Sabah eyes a sustainable future, this workshop marks a critical milestone in embedding sustainability into its tourism strategy. * 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
Borneo Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
STB hosts workshop to drive sustainable tourism forward
Seated (from left to right) Mary Malangking (Deputy Permanent Secretary I, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah), Kingston Khoo (GSTC Trainer), Julinus Jeffery Jimit (CEO, Sabah Tourism Board), Randy Durband (CEO, GSTC), and Grace Pounsin (Yayasan Sabah Group), with the workshop participants. KOTA KINABALU (June 9): In a significant step toward advancing responsible and environmentally conscious travel practices, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) High-Level Workshop was held on June 3 at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu. The full-day workshop brought together 80 key tourism stakeholders — consisting of tourism associations, government departments and agencies, and academicians. Organised by the Sabah Tourism Board, the workshop featured distinguished speakers from GSTC: Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, and Kingston Khoo, a certified GSTC trainer. Both experts led insightful sessions that introduced participants to the GSTC criteria and provided guidance on sustainable tourism implementation. The workshop was officially opened by Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, who emphasised Sabah's responsibility as a steward of its natural and cultural treasures: 'Sustainable tourism is not just a goal; it is a necessity to safeguard Sabah's environment and culture for future generations while supporting economic growth and community well-being,' she said. Following her keynote address, Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board, delivered a briefing on the importance of GSTC in guiding Sabah's sustainable tourism efforts. He mentioned that the objective for implementing the GSTC criteria is to align Sabah's tourism sector with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating these global standards. This approach enhances Sabah's international credibility, fosters sustainable business opportunities, and strengthens its position as a premier ecotourism destination on the world stage. Sabah is already making significant progress, with three key sites — Maliau Basin, Imbak Canyon, and the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley — having achieved GSTC certification, demonstrating local commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism best practices. The workshop provided an in-depth overview of sustainable tourism principles, current global trends, and the pivotal role of the GSTC and its international standards in guiding both public and private sector practices. The morning sessions highlighted successful case studies from abroad, providing helpful information regarding real-world implementation of sustainability in tourism. A highlight of the day was a sharing session by Grace Pounsin from Yayasan Sabah Group, who detailed their successful journey in achieving GSTC certification for the Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon Conservation Areas — powerful examples of Sabah's leadership in conservation and sustainability. The afternoon sessions focused on local context, emphasising the role of various stakeholders in applying GSTC standards in Sabah. Interactive discussions encouraged participants to explore practical and collaborative approaches to enhancing sustainability across the tourism value chain. In his closing remarks, Julinus encouraged all participants to turn knowledge into action: 'We now have a clearer understanding of how sustainable tourism can drive real change for our communities and ecosystems. Let us take the GSTC standards and make them part of how we plan, operate and innovate in Sabah's tourism sector. Together, we can ensure that tourism development benefits both people and the planet.' As Sabah eyes a sustainable future, this workshop marks a critical milestone in embedding sustainability into its tourism strategy.
Borneo Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
French travel agents discover Sabah's appeal
Joniston exchanging momento with Malaysia's Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini. – picture courtesy of STB KOTA KINABALU (June 4): A delegation of key French travel agents has expressed admiration for Sabah's unique blend of culture, adventure and nature during their three-day visit to Kota Kinabalu, which concluded on Wednesday. Their short but meaningful stay included immersive activities such as jungle trekking on Gaya Island, a sunset cruise, cultural performances over dinner, and a visit to the iconic Mari Mari Cultural Village. Many described the experience as insightful and said they were keen to return and explore more of what Sabah has to offer. 'Sabah is on the right path,' said one of the delegates, Andreas Gantenbein, who is the managing director of AERTiCKET for Belgium, France and Switzerland. 'This trip gave us a good introduction to what Sabah can offer. We appreciated the hospitality as well as the effort to share the local culture with us,' he added. Malaysia's Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini, who accompanied the group, said the response from the French agents reaffirmed Sabah's strong potential as a destination for the European market. 'Sabah has what it takes to attract more French travellers, and the embassy in Paris will continue to support efforts to promote Sabah, especially in highlighting its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders,' he said. On Tuesday, the Sabah Tourism Board hosted the group to a sunset cruise and dinner at the Gaya Island Resort, joined by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. In addressing the visiting agents, Joniston who is also chairman of Sabah Tourism Board expressed optimism over the growing French market. 'We are seeing more visitors from France coming to Sabah. From January to April this year, we received 2,116 French visitors, and that's an increase from 1,669 during the same period last year. 'In 2024, we recorded 5,921 French arrivals, and we want to see this grow as Sabah is slowly finding its place in the hearts of French and European travellers,' he said. Joniston acknowledged that safety remains a top concern for many travellers, especially first-timers, and reaffirmed Sabah's commitment to ensuring the state remains a safe and welcoming destination. 'Our security presence, especially in the east coast, is not because it's unsafe, but to make sure it stays safe. This is how we protect our people, our visitors, and the places they come to see,' he said. Joniston, who also serves as patron of Sail Malaysia Borneo, mentioned that events like Sail Malaysia show the confidence international travellers have in Sabah's safety and hospitality. This year, the sailing rally will bring over 30 yachts with participants from more than 15 countries. They will explore Sabah from July to early September. 'Sail Malaysia offers a unique way to explore the state from the sea, where participants will get the opportunity to discover Sabah's coastal and inland attractions,' said Joniston, while inviting French agents to learn more about it. Present were Tourism Malaysia Director of the International Promotion Division (AERO) Akbal Setia, Tourism Malaysia Paris director Zalina Ahmad, and Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah sees rise in French tourist arrivals, says state minister
Visiting French agents join in the fun as they take part in traditional Sabah dances during a cultural evening on the beach.-Photo courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is experiencing a steady increase in French tourist arrivals, with 2,116 visitors from France recorded in the first four months of this year, up from 1,669 in the same period last year. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the growing interest from France reflects Sabah's increasing appeal among European travellers seeking culture, adventure, and nature. "In 2023, we recorded 5,921 French arrivals, and we want to see this grow as Sabah is finding its place in the hearts of French and European travellers," said Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board. He spoke during a dinner and sunset cruise hosted by the board on Tuesday (June 3) for a delegation of French travel agents who concluded their three-day familiarisation trip to Sabah on Wednesday (June 4). The group explored Gaya Island's jungle trails, experienced local culture at Mari Mari Cultural Village, and attended cultural performances, which many described as enriching and memorable. "Sabah is on the right path," said Andreas Gantenbein, Managing Director of AERTiCKET for Belgium, France, and Switzerland. "This trip gave us a good introduction to what Sabah can offer. We appreciated the hospitality and the effort to share the local culture with us." Malaysia's Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini, who accompanied the group, said their response reaffirmed Sabah's potential as a prime destination for French tourists. "Sabah has what it takes to attract more French travellers, and the embassy in Paris will continue to support efforts to promote Sabah, especially in highlighting its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders," he said. Joniston said safety remains a top priority, particularly for first-time visitors. "Our security presence, especially on the east coast, is not because it's unsafe, but to ensure it stays safe. This is how we protect our people, our visitors, and the places they come to see," he said. He also highlighted the Sail Malaysia Borneo event as a unique way for international visitors, including the French, to experience Sabah. Over 30 yachts from more than 15 countries are expected to join the rally between July and September this year. "Sail Malaysia offers a different perspective of Sabah from the sea and allows participants to explore both coastal and inland destinations," he added. Also present were Tourism Malaysia Director of the International Promotion Division (AERO) Akbal Setia, Tourism Malaysia Paris Director Zalina Ahmad, and Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
The Star
03-06-2025
- The Star
No untoward incidents reported in Sabah's east coast in recent years, says Hajiji
KOTA KINABALU: Security in Sabah's east coast remains at the highest level, with no untoward incidents reported in recent years, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The Chief Minister gave the assurance during a courtesy call by Malaysian Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, at his office in Menara Kinabalu on Tuesday (June 3). During the meeting, Hajiji also welcomed the rise in French tourist arrivals to Sabah, noting that France is now the third-highest source of European visitors to the state, after Britain and Germany. 'French arrivals in the first quarter of this year saw a 26.8% increase, reaching 2,116 visitors compared to 1,669 in the same period last year — and the number continues to grow,' he said in a statement. Hajiji expressed confidence that proactive and aggressive promotion efforts would further boost French tourism to Sabah. He and Eldeen also discussed strategic collaboration opportunities between Sabah and France, particularly in tourism, which they said would benefit the state and its people. Eldeen, a Kuala Lumpur native, was appointed Ambassador to France in April 2024 and has held various key positions, including as Malaysia's envoy to Cambodia. Also present were state Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman, STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Tourism Malaysia international promotions director Akbal Setia and Tourism Malaysia Paris director Zalina Ahmad. To date, several countries — including the US, Britain, Canada and Australia — continue to maintain travel advisories cautioning against visiting eastern Sabah, particularly coastal and island areas, due to concerns over potential kidnappings and security risks.
