Sabah's tourism sector off to strong start in 2025 with over 920,000 visitors
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah received a total of 923,709 tourists in the first quarter of 2025, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the number represents about 26 per cent of the overall target of 3.5 million visitors for the year.
"I am confident that this target is not only achievable but also has the potential to surpass expectations, similar to 2024's performance, when Sabah recorded 3.2 million visitors compared to the initial target of 3 million," he said at the official opening of the Tuaran District-level Kaamatan Festival 2025 at the Kiulu Community Hall here.
Acknowledging the importance of rural infrastructure as the foundation for supporting tourism and agricultural growth, Hajiji also approved an RM1.1 million allocation for various development projects in the Kiulu state assembly constituency, including the construction of a parking facility in Kiulu town and a new road.
Hajiji urged the people to continue supporting the government's efforts to strengthen state development, particularly in the tourism sector, which is a key driver of Sabah's economy.
He said Sabah's tourism sector continues to record impressive achievements, with significant contributions from Community-Based Tourism (CoBT), particularly in rural areas such as Kiulu, which has emerged as a pioneer in CoBT development.
He said the state's total revenue from CoBT increased to RM7 million in 2024, compared to RM6.7 million in 2023, from 18 active districts.
"I want CoBT to be actively developed because of its potential to expand and generate economic growth in the state's rural areas," he said.
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