SABAH COBT CONNECTS WITH PENINSULA AGENTS

KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah is pioneering efforts to promote rural destinations, bringing its community-based tourism (CoBT) operators to Peninsular Malaysia.

For the first time, Sabah CoBT operators met with travel agents from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Selangor in a business-to-business (B2B) session.

“I believe Sabah is the first state ever to stage a roadshow specifically to promote and market rural tourism products at the national level,” he said.

The B2B session kicks off efforts to promote Sabah’s rural tourism products at the Sabah Community Based Tourism Fair (SCBTF) 2024, which will take place from October 16 to 20 at IOI Mall Putrajaya.

Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai described the event as a “game-changer” that opens new opportunities for collaboration.

“We are leveraging the growing back-to-nature trend among tourists,” he said at a press conference held at the Moxy Hotel Putrajaya on Tuesday, where a B2B session also took place.

The session involved 27 tourism associations from 22 districts in Sabah, introducing agents to various cultural, adventure, and nature-based experiences offered in rural Sabah.

Participating associations include representatives from districts of Ranau, Inanam, Kota Belud, Kiulu, Tuaran, Papar, Membakut, Kuala Penyu, Sipitang, Penampang, Tenom, Nabawan, Kemabong, Keningau, Tambunan, Kota Marudu, Kudat, Pitas, Tongod, Telupid, Beluran, Kunak, Lahad Datu, and Kinabatangan, among others

Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board and organising chairman of the SCBTF, said these experiences are unique and essential for rural economic growth.

“We aim to attract more visitors to our rural areas, and the potential for collaboration is enormous.

“The Sabah state government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, supports rural communities, and we hope to conduct similar events internationally to connect our CoBT operators with larger markets,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said STB is dedicated to supporting rural communities by providing essential guidance and resources for promoting our rural destinations domestically and internationally.

“Tourism is a platform to empower rural communities, driving socio-economic growth and fostering sustainable communities in line with SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) Goal 11.”

The five-day event, which will also include the participation of the five handicraft Cooperative entrepreneurs, will feature 34 booths from various tourism associations and local products from Sabah.

Julinus said attendees can expect various activities, including cultural dance performances, traditional games, craft demonstrations, and live performances by local Sabahan artist Zachkiddin Zachry.

“Visitors can also immerse themselves in Virtual Reality (VR) experiences that provide a glimpse into Sabah’s unique rural landscapes,” he said.

Visitors will also have opportunities to win exciting prizes through crossword puzzles, word searches, lucky draws, and the interactive Spin-the-Wheel sessions held throughout the day.