Carnival’s positive impact on the local economy and tourism
- Wartawan Nabalu News
- Sep 12, 2023
- 3 min read
By AVV
11 Sept 2023
KOTA BELUD: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC)’s inaugural Mini Carnival for Hawkers and Small Traders (HPPK) will have a positive impact on the economy of the surrounding area.
To be held at Dewan Kadamaian Square on 21 and 22 September, the event hoped to attract visitors and revelers to the event to ensure its success.
Walter Kandayon the President of the Kadamaian Tourism Association (KATA) applauds the move as he believes it will contribute tremendously to the economy of hawkers and small traders.
He says small-scale vendors and artisans also benefit from increased sales during these events.
“Carnivals and bazaars are often vibrant and colorful events that attract visitors and buyers from outside the district as I believe they come for the festive atmosphere and cultural experiences,” he said.
According to him, this event when held monthly or regularly can lure tourists and allow increased spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and local products.
Duanis Mogirong Tanak Nabalu Homestay Coordinator and President of Sabah Homestay Association believes the carnival will contribute to the people’s economy while fostering rapport among the vendors in that area.
He says such events are reminiscent of the traditional tamu and as such it is always beneficial to the locals who wish to sell their wares at that time.
“I am sure the Minister will bring in agencies under his ministry which may be able to assist the local entrepreneurs to go further in their endeavours,” he opines, adding that this is a good move to augment the people’s income at that time.
This is especially true for those who will come and sell their farm products as well as other goods.
“I hope that this carnival will include tourism promotions as we all know that Kadamaian is an area with many interesting tourist spots. In this respect, the homestay programmes and related tourism products should be highlighted too.”
“We laud the Minister’s move and hope that this carnival will be held regularly so that it can be highlighted as a tourism event. We can then schedule our tour to coincide with this event,” he stresses, adding that he hopes facilities such as toilets and parking bays are in place.
Andrew Talud Assistant Secretary of KATA agrees adding that such events generate revenue for local businesses, boost the economy, and promote job opportunities within the community.
“I support the Minister’s efforts in holding this event, especially on a regular basis as it offers unique cultural experiences that showcase local traditions, arts, crafts, and cuisine. The entertainment value and festive atmosphere make them a popular draw for tourists seeking memorable experiences,” he adds.
He believes that memorable experiences at the carnival can encourage tourists to return to the destination in the future as they can share their positive experiences with friends, family, and online communities, creating positive word-of-mouth marketing for the destination.
KATA member Dusia Taresoh who represents the Tegudon Tourism Village in Kota Belud, famed for its strategic point Stargazing, believes that the carnival will be very good for the people there, especially for the participants.
“It is an opportunity for them to earn some money while networking with one another for further business opportunities,” she says adding that it should be an ongoing event as it was an event that the people and guests can look forward to.
“We support the Minister’s efforts in promoting and developing Kadamaian as he is also the State Assemblyman for this constituency,” she stresses.
Abar Gumpai who operates the Walai Tobilung Homestay says the carnival is a very good idea and hopes that it will be a regular event as it allows the local community to come together to sell their wares.
He says that there should also be a fruit festival there so that all the local fruits currently in season will be gathered in one place to showcase and sell to visitors. He thinks that this is a good idea and a tremendous encouragement for fruit sellers.
“I have seen the area and I think it's a very scenic, very beautiful place, so it's very suitable for the carnival. I hope that there will be crowds going to the festivity and that it will be held periodically, to ensure its continuity,” he said.
Samy Burut who operates the Kadamaian River View says the carnival is good and beneficial to the community and they hope to show their promotional brochures on their homestay on that day.
They all agreed that the carnival is an event to look forward to as it is one more event that involves and benefits the community. They call upon the local community and visitors to come to the carnival and enjoy the merriment that comes with it.
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