KK set to hold inaugural tourism conference during peak of Kaamatan

The inaugural International Conference on Spirituality, Culture and Sustainable Tourism, to be held here this year, will coincide with the culmination of the Kaamatan or ‘Harvest Festival’ – making for a busy tourism-themed week for the city. NSTP file pic

KOTA KINABALU: The inaugural International Conference on Spirituality, Culture and Sustainable Tourism, to be held here this year, will coincide with the culmination of the Kaamatan or ‘Harvest Festival’ – making for a busy tourism-themed week for the city.

The conference, which will run from May 29 to June 2, will see the assembly of local and foreign delegates on one platform to discuss and promote spiritual and sustainable tourism.

Organized by the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) and its university partners Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the conference will afford delegates the opportunity to experience Kaamatan – the Kadazandusun’s month-long harvest celebration which will reach its apex at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA building in Penampang on May 30 and 31.

During a press conference on the festival, Huguan Siou (Kadazandusun paramount leader) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said that there are still many undiscovered attractions in remote locations of Sabah.

“We have been blessed that tourist (arrivals), like those from China, are on the rise despite untoward incidents in the past, as they know that Sabah has many interesting elements.

“Now, we need to engage our youth to appreciate our natural beauty so that they can help with tourism initiatives,” said the Deputy Chief Minister.

He said that youngsters could play their part in adding value to tourism packages, whether they include cultural, arts or nature-based attractions.

-nst online.