Expats, students to rejuvenate Sabah tourism industry

 

Tourism Malaysia Sabah deputy director Trecey J Tojuka says Sabah is targeting expats and students in its continued efforts to revitalised the state’s tourism. - NSTP/ PAUL MU

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism Malaysia Sabah in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board is embarking on a week-long promotional tour to Peninsular Malaysia to continue the rejuvenation effort of the tourism sector.

Its deputy director Trecey J Tojuka said the 'Bah! Mari Pigi Sabah & Labuan Roadshow 2023'  programme is scheduled to take place from May 22 to 27.

She said the roadshow will cover Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.

"This time we are targeting the expatriates and students, particularly the Millennial, Generation X, Y, Z, and Alpha demographics in the three destinations being visited," said Trecey.

A total of 36 participants, including Sabah Tourism Board, Federation of Rural Tourism Association Sabah, Malaysia Aviation Group, tour agents, handicraft demonstrators, cultural troupe, a media representative and food vendors will be part of the roadshow.

She said tour operators from Sabah as well as Malaysia Airlines and MASwings, will be offering tour packages to travellers during the roadshow, she said.

The roadshow will be focusing on B2B (business-to-business) and business-to-consumer(B2C) interactions, along with  talks on sustainable tourism and updates on Sabah's wonderful destinations, said Trecey.

Unlike last year's event which emphasised travel trade, B2B and seminar, she added.

In line with the theme 'Sustaining Tourism For Our Future', chief executive officer of Future Forest International Sdn Bhd, Safina Yaakob has been invited to present a talk on the subject.

The Sabah Tourism Board will be highlighting the community-based and rural tourism initiatives carried out in the state, which have now become a leading example in Malaysia, she said.

The roadshow aims to raise awareness about the significance of sustainable practices in preserving and conserving Sabah's tourist destinations for the future generations, she said.

The allure of Sabah and Labuan will be showcased during a 'Get Together Dinner' which is expected to be attended by a representative from the German Embassy in Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia director of Package Development  Shahrin Mokhtar and Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman as well as dignitaries, expats and corporates.

-nst online.