KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor is confident Sabah will achieve its three million arrivals target, with 2.42 million in domestic and international arrivals already recorded in the third quarter this year.

"This is commendable and speaks volumes of the efforts by everyone to see that our tourism sector thrives. I am confident that by year end, the 3 million target for visitor arrivals is achievable.

"Riding on this success, we will continue to enhance tourism infrastructure, focusing on high-value and sustainable tourism that highlights Sabah's natural and cultural wealth," he said at the Sabah Tourism Appreciation Night at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here tonight.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew delivered the Chief Minister's speech.

Hajiji said more can be done to attract visitors to Sabah.

"We must not rest on our laurels, be complacent or contented with the products and services we already have. To compete and sustain, we must be proactive to seek and promote new products and enhance services to meet discerning visitors, both for new and returning visitors.

"I am happy that much has been done by the Sabah Tourism Board team to promote Sabah and working alongside the industry on win-win initiatives.

"I wish to see more inclusive collaboration, in particular fruitful engagements between Sabah Tourism and industry players, both internal and external, to seek a mutual way forward to grow the tourism industry and to ensure that the tourism sector remains a critical driver of Sabah's economy," he said.

The Chief Minister was also proud to note the positive and commendable growth in community-based tourism (CoBT) that has benefitted and empowered local communities throughout Sabah.

"With just five products when the CoBT pilot project was initiated in 2014, this initiative now has 107 registered CoBT owners and operators. This growth has translated into tangible benefits for our people. I wish to see CoBT aggressively developed due to its great potential to spur economic growth, particularly in the rural areas of Sabah," he said.

As one of Sabah's greatest strengths, tourism stood as one of the top three economic contributors to the state, generating significant revenue and, more importantly, creating many economic opportunities for the people, he said.

"It is crucial to note that tourism serves as a catalyst for opening up job opportunities for our local communities. It provides livelihoods through a wide range of industries, including hospitality, transportation, guiding, and community-based tourism.

"It allows our people to showcase the beauty of Sabah and its unique culture, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared far and wide throughout every corner of our state," he said.

He also reminded everyone that tourism's role aligned closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"By fostering economic growth, reducing inequalities, promoting sustainable practices, and celebrating our cultural and natural heritage, the tourism sector serves as a bridge between development and sustainability.

"Together, we build a future that benefits both our communities and the environment," he said.

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