Sabah tourism generates over 380,000 jobs
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's tourism sector remains a key economic driver, generating over 380,000 jobs and contributed RM13.1 billion to the state's economy in 2023, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Hajiji said tourism accounted for about 15 per cent of Sabah's gross domestic product (GDP) last year, underscoring its growing role in socio-economic development.
'But statistics alone do not tell the full story. Behind every number are lives and families empowered through tourism,' he said in a speech delivered by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew at the launch of the ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) here today.
Hajiji noted that many tourism ventures in rural Sabah are led by local families who offer authentic cultural and nature-based experiences. In 2024, the sector contributed RM7 million in state revenue from 18 active districts.
'The state is conducting more grassroots initiatives in rural areas to widen these benefits,' he said.
He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the tourism sector through infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, rural road access and digital platforms to better promote and manage visitor experiences.
'Our strategy for a resilient, future-ready tourism economy includes embracing green principles, accelerating digitalisation and strengthening Sabah's profile as a host for international tourism events.
Hajiji said hosting ATEX 2025 marks a major milestone for Sabah, positioning it not just as a destination but as a strategic partner in shaping ASEAN's tourism future.
'We welcome industry leaders across the region to Sabah, to strengthen partnerships, spark new opportunities and move forward together,' he said.
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New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Sabah tourism industry in created over 380,000 jobs
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism industry in Sabah has created more than 380,000 jobs said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said the industry accounted for about 15 per cent of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contributing RM13.1 billion to the state's economy. "We have witnessed firsthand how tourism uplifts communities and we take pride in our progress in community-based tourism here in Sabah," he said at the launching of the Asean Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) at a hotel here. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew delivered his speech. He said Sabah is home to many community-based tourism operators, and these initiatives were spearheaded by individuals and families from local villages, particularly rural communities, who create experiences that were distinctly Sabahan. "As we speak, community-based tourism continues to expand in Sabah due to its immense potential to grow the economy, especially in the rural areas of Sabah. "In 2024, the total state revenue contribution from this sector amounted to RM7 million from 18 active districts. "More community-based initiatives in the rural districts are being introduced to benefit the rural communities," he said. Hajiji added that the state government is investing in infrastructure with ongoing upgrades to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, improved road conditions giving access to rural tourism areas and enhanced digital platforms designed to promote and manage visitor experiences effectively. "We are laying the foundation for a resilient and future-ready tourism economy. "Sabah's strategy includes embracing green economy principles, advocating for digital transformation, and enhancing our profile as a premier venue and host for international tourism events," he said. Meanwhile, he said that ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder of just how powerful the combination of tourism, travel, hospitality, and aviation can be. Nation Mar 17, 2025 @ 5:51am Sabah Tourism Ministry to meet AirAsia over flight terminations Nation Dec 31, 2024 @ 10:20pm Innovate, capitalise on travel trends, Sabah tourism players told Economy May 26, 2025 @ 3:19am Sabah's tourism sector surges ahead Nation May 10, 2025 @ 11:20pm Sabah sees tourism surge, earns RM2.13 billion from Jan to March this year
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Sabah tourism generates over 380,000 jobs
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's tourism sector remains a key economic driver, generating over 380,000 jobs and contributed RM13.1 billion to the state's economy in 2023, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Hajiji said tourism accounted for about 15 per cent of Sabah's gross domestic product (GDP) last year, underscoring its growing role in socio-economic development. 'But statistics alone do not tell the full story. Behind every number are lives and families empowered through tourism,' he said in a speech delivered by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew at the launch of the ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) here today. Hajiji noted that many tourism ventures in rural Sabah are led by local families who offer authentic cultural and nature-based experiences. In 2024, the sector contributed RM7 million in state revenue from 18 active districts. 'The state is conducting more grassroots initiatives in rural areas to widen these benefits,' he said. He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the tourism sector through infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, rural road access and digital platforms to better promote and manage visitor experiences. 'Our strategy for a resilient, future-ready tourism economy includes embracing green principles, accelerating digitalisation and strengthening Sabah's profile as a host for international tourism events. Hajiji said hosting ATEX 2025 marks a major milestone for Sabah, positioning it not just as a destination but as a strategic partner in shaping ASEAN's tourism future. 'We welcome industry leaders across the region to Sabah, to strengthen partnerships, spark new opportunities and move forward together,' he said.
Borneo Post
6 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Hajiji: Human capital at core of Sabah's blue economy ambitions
Dr Joachim (fourth left) presents a certificate of appreciation for strategic partnership in conjunction with National Training Week (NTW 2025) state-level to Zara Boutique Hotel Kota Kinabalu Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Eliza Goh. KOTA KINABALU (June 19): The Sabah government continues to place strong emphasis on human capital development as a central pillar in driving its economic growth, particularly in realising the full potential of the state's expanding blue economy sector. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said this focus is essential to ensure Sabahans are equipped with the right skills and knowledge in line with global economic shifts. He stressed that the world has changed significantly and Sabah must evolve alongside it. Holding on to outdated systems, he said, is no longer an option. Instead, Sabah requires a highly skilled, competitive workforce capable of pushing the state's development forward. His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II cum State Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, during the opening of the Sabah Blue Economy Skillfest 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Thursday. Hajiji said the state government, through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, remains committed to crafting inclusive and sustainable policies that enhance the capabilities of the people as Sabah enters a new economic era. With the state's wealth of marine resources, he emphasised the importance of preparing Sabahans to tap into this potential in a sustainable and informed manner. According to him, between 2021 and 2024, the state government allocated RM848.26 million across four major education channels, benefiting close to 246,000 recipients. These investments included allocations under the Sabah State Education Fund, the State Government Scholarship Scheme, educational assistance from the Office of the Deputy State Secretary (Special Tasks) and support provided through Yayasan Sabah. For this year alone, RM497.54 million has been earmarked to continue efforts in strengthening human capital development. Hajiji said this reflects the government's strong commitment to producing a generation that is competent, innovative and guided by integrity. He also commended HRD Corp for its role in boosting the state's workforce, having successfully trained 61,448 individuals in Sabah throughout 2024, with total funding surpassing RM58.2 million. Programmes like Skillfest, he said, not only open up new employment opportunities but also support the state's strategic efforts to nurture talent across the blue economy. Skillfest 2025 aims to draw the participation of 2,500 individuals and forms part of the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 Sabah, which targets over 67,000 participants statewide this year. Hajiji said the collaboration between HRD Corporation and the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat (SSMJ) in organising Skillfest is a clear example of the type of strategic partnership needed to expand access to lifelong learning for all Sabahans, regardless of background. The programme, he added, is a continuation of the momentum built during the successful Sabah International Blue Economy Conference (SIBEC) 2024, which drew international attention and established Sabah's reputation as a key player in the regional blue economy. In concluding his message, Hajiji urged the people of Sabah to seize the opportunities provided through initiatives like Skillfest. He expressed hope that similar programmes would be expanded across the state, contributing to the development of a vibrant and inclusive lifelong learning ecosystem for all.
