Sabah CoBT connects with Peninsula agents

15 October 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah is taking the lead in promoting rural destinations by introducing its community-based tourism (CoBT) operators to Peninsular Malaysia.

In an exciting first, Sabah's CoBT operators recently engaged in a business-to-business (B2B) session with travel agents from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Selangor. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and enhance awareness of Sabah's unique tourism offerings.

"I believe Sabah is the first state ever to stage a roadshow specifically to promote and market rural tourism products at the national level," said Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

The B2B session marks the beginning of efforts to promote Sabah’s rural tourism products at the Sabah Community Based Tourism Fair (SCBTF) 2024, scheduled for October 16 to 20 at IOI Mall Putrajaya.

Joniston, chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board and the organizing chairman of the SCBTF, referred to the event as a "game-changer," highlighting its potential to create new opportunities for collaboration in the tourism sector.

“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 a variety of 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 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.