KOTA KINABALU: Twelve agro-based products are set to highlight Sabah as a thriving rural tourism hub.
These unique products, carefully selected for their sustainable practices, are located in Kota Belud (Mount Kinabalu Coffee and Sunduan Pisompuruan Everything Pineapple); Kudat (Tampakan Fish Farm, and Gombizau Honey Bee Farm); and Kota Marudu (Saujana Hill).
Others are in Lahad Datu (Irunji Agro Tourism); Beaufort (Selagon Agro Farm); and Tenom (Sabah Agriculture Park, Padas Farmstay, Yong Farmstay, Yit Foh Tenom Coffee, and Fatt Choi Coffee); and Ranau (Desa Cattle Dairy Farm).
These were identified by a state rural tourism joint steering committee involving five state ministries.
Presided by Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the committee comprises representatives from the Ministries of Tourism, Culture, and Environment; Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry; Industrial Development; Rural Development; and Local Government and Housing.
It aims to foster collaboration among the ministries and focus on devising effective strategies to boost the visibility of Sabah’s rural tourism products and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Among the topics deliberated during the meeting was addressing infrastructure needs such as roads and unlicensed homestays, particularly in rural areas.
The committee emphasised the importance of promoting regulated lodging options to provide tourists with safe and authentic experiences while benefiting local hosts and communities.
Bangkuai, who is also state tourism assistant minister, stressed that the success of agro-tourism relies on a concerted effort from all involved ministries, each leveraging its unique capabilities to empower rural communities and create sustainable growth opportunities.
He expressed confidence that Sabah, with the united support of the ministries, is poised to share its rich agricultural heritage with the world, solidifying its position as a prime agro-based tourism destination.
To ensure these unique destinations receive the attention they deserve, the committee called for improved amenities and road infrastructure, making access easier for local and international visitors.
“Sabah’s agro-based tourism journey has now set its course towards a future of sustainable growth, cultural preservation, and community empowerment,” said Bangkuai, in a statement here on Tuesday (July 25).
“Through collaborative efforts and careful planning, Sabah will undoubtedly flourish as a remarkable and responsible destination, providing visitors with memorable experiences and positively impacting the lives of local communities,” he added.
Twelve agro-based products have been chosen to showcase Sabah as a thriving rural tourism hub. These unique products, known for their sustainable practices, can be found in various locations including Kota Belud, Kudat, Kota Marudu, Lahad Datu, Beaufort, Tenom, and Ranau. The selection was made by a state rural tourism joint steering committee consisting of representatives from the Ministries of Tourism, Culture, and Environment; Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry; Industrial Development; Rural Development; and Local Government and Housing, and was presided over by Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The committee aims to foster collaboration among the ministries and develop effective strategies to promote Sabah’s rural tourism products and improve the overall visitor experience. During their meeting, the committee discussed addressing infrastructure needs such as roads and unlicensed homestays, particularly in rural areas. They emphasized the importance of promoting regulated lodging options to ensure the safety and authenticity of tourists’ experiences while benefiting local hosts and communities.
Bangkuai, who also serves as the state tourism assistant minister, emphasized that the success of agro-tourism depends on the collective efforts of all the involved ministries. He expressed confidence that with the united support of the ministries, Sabah will be able to share its rich agricultural heritage with the world and establish itself as a top agro-based tourism destination.
To further enhance the appeal of these unique destinations, the committee called for improved amenities and road infrastructure to make them more accessible to both local and international visitors. Bangkuai stated that Sabah’s agro-based tourism journey is heading towards a future of sustainable growth, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. By working collaboratively and planning meticulously, Sabah will flourish as a remarkable and responsible destination, offering memorable experiences to visitors and positively impacting the lives of local communities.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
