KOTA KINABALU: An additional 2,053 rooms will soon be available, with seven new  hotels coming on stream to add to the 685 existing hotels ranging from 5-star to budget  hotels or lodges with a 26,822-room capacity in Sabah. 

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said this development augured  well for the state with statistics showing that Sabah continues to be a sought-after  destination among tourists. 

"Even as we speak, visitor arrivals continued to show strong growth in 2023, with overall  visitor arrivals to Sabah registered at 1.4 million international and domestic arrivals from  January to July of this year. 

"By this figure, Sabah is poised to achieve its target of 2.2 million visitors this year, which  is a good sign. As of now, this has generated an estimated tourism receipt of RM2.9  billion (an increase of 99.7 per cent) for Sabah," he said. 

Speaking at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort’s 40th Ruby anniversary celebrations  here tonight, Hajiji said it was encouraging to note that Sabah's average hotel occupancy  rate for the past six months this year is 52 per cent. 

"I am told on certain days some hotels have reported full occupancy, especially during  holidays or when events were being held," he said. 

The Chief Minister was glad the hospitality industry has quickly recovered from the  pandemic. 

"We are optimistic moving forward to ensure that resolute measures are taken to ensure  we are on our feet and on track to implement our development plan, the Hala Tuju Sabah  Maju Jaya, in accordance with our aspirations to foster a Sabah that is united,  prosperous, and inclusive. And for that, I need all of you to be on the same page with  me and the State Government," he said. 

The Chief Minister also said the State Government sees much potential in community based tourism (CoBT).

"We want to see this sector grow throughout the state so that more communities from  the rural areas will benefit from the economic opportunities and spin-offs. Community based tourism has since been adopted in many districts in the state, creating a boon for  adventure, culture and food tourism, among others. 

"A branding initiative for community-based tourism by the Sabah Tourism Board will be  done soon to take it to another level," he said. 

The State Government, through the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry,  had allocated RM10 million to repair basic tourism infrastructure in the rural areas to  encourage growth in community-based tourism. 

By 2030, Sabah hoped to achieve 80 per cent ASEAN standard compliance target for  community-based tourism in the state, he said, adding this was towards empowering  and enhancing the livelihood of the rural communities. 

He said Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort has reached a significant milestone, sharing a  journey of growth and transformation with Kota Kinabalu City over the years. 

"It is important that Shangri-La continues to keep the values that have sustained you – a commitment to sustainability, a dedication to local communities, and a promise of  exceptional hospitality. 

"Today is your moment of pride as you reflect upon the enduring values that have made  your hotel a symbol of excellence in the hospitality industry. Congratulations and well  done!" he said. 

Ends