malaysiang
KOTA BELUD: Sabah welcomed an impressive 2.1 million tourists between January and August this year, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said. Of the total visitors, 867,231 were international tourists, with the remainder from within Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hajiji emphasized Sabah’s immense potential as a top tourism hub and expressed confidence in the strategic plans in place to significantly increase tourist arrivals. He delivered these remarks during his speech at the Tamu Besar Kota Belud opening ceremony, officiated by Sabah Governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, with Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan also in attendance.
The three-day Tamu Besar Kota Belud, renowned for its 100-year history, is set to conclude tomorrow. Initially established as a marketplace for locals, it presently attracts tourists keen on experiencing and purchasing local specialties, including traditional foods, handicrafts, and clothing, making it one of Sabah’s most popular cult
ural attractions.
Hajiji further stated the state’s commitment to expanding promotional efforts and enhancing flight connectivity to make Sabah more accessible to both domestic and international travelers. “This initiative aims to transform Sabah into a top-tier destination that delivers truly memorable experiences for all visitors,” he added.
Meanwhile, Khairul Firdaus emphasized the event’s potential to be recognized globally as a cultural gem of the Land Below the Wind, noting that Tamu Besar Kota Belud offers a deep cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, and vibrant local experiences, with the capacity to attract visitors from around the world.
Visitors to the Tamu Besar Kota Belud can find distinct local handicrafts that stand apart from those found elsewhere in Sabah, providing insight into the region’s rich culture and craftsmanship. “For the first time, the festival is being promoted as a signature event, allowing the ministry to showcase it globally as a unique experience in Sabah’s cultural touri
sm landscape,” he added.
