Liew: Avoid over-commercialisation in Sabah's tourism development

New Straits Times

a day ago

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's approach to tourism development must avoid the pitfalls of over-commercialisation, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
Liew also cautioned against uncontrolled visitor numbers that could harm the environment or cultural assets over time.
"As one of the speakers mentioned, we should focus on value rather than volume when it comes to tourism.
"We do not want to experience over-tourism or over-marketing. I read a book that warns tourism players and countries not to oversell their tourism packages, as it may not yield the kind of positive effect they are hoping for," she said after launching the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Expo at a shopping mall here.
As such, the ministry is collecting visitor data and ensuring that the community is involved to avoid the negative impacts of mass tourism.
To mitigate the adverse effects of mass tourism, Liew said the state would focus on sustainable tourism growth that benefits rural communities economically, including helping them rise out of poverty.
She said that CBT is gaining traction in several districts beyond Kota Kinabalu.
"Some very popular districts, when international tourists visit, they return home and talk about it. That attracts more visitors. We are now seeing growth in places like Tuaran, Tenom, and Kota Belud as well," she said.
She attributed the success to strong collaboration with local communities, particularly in converting homes or products into tourist-friendly offerings.
"When we cooperate with local people, assisting them in converting their houses or products into tourism attractions, it also brings in elements such as cleanliness, safety, and food hygiene.
"They understand that to participate in CBT, they must meet these expectations, and I find them responding positively."
In 2023, the 18 active CBT districts in Sabah generated RM6 million. This figure rose to an estimated RM7 million in 2024.
"Our goal moving forward is to increase income through tourism to levels above the poverty line index.
"We are also working closely with the Department of Statistics to assess how CBT contributes to gross domestic product and whether it effectively lifts communities out of poverty."
Also present were the state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, and Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer, Julinus Jeffrey Jimit.