Labuan records over 100,000 visitors this year through BFF
LABUAN (Aug 8): The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) has successfully drawn more than 100,000 visitors to the island this year, surpassing its initial target of 50,000.
The achievement not only boosts Labuan's image as an international tourism destination but also brings significant economic spillover to the local community through various sectors, including food and beverages (F&B), frozen seafood, Labuan Heritage Handicrafts (LAWA), textiles, and locally produced chocolates.
The rise in visitor numbers was supported by various tourism promotion initiatives, including social media campaigns, participation in international tourism exhibitions, and strategic collaborations with airlines and ferry operators.
The Labuan International Ferry Terminal (TFAL) also played a vital role as the main gateway, with efficient ferry services connecting the island to Bandar Seri Begawan and other destinations.
After the BFF programme, the plants were put on sale.
For local traders, BFF proved to be a lucrative event. Noornizar Ibrahim, 38, said sales during the festival could reach up to RM6,000 per day, far exceeding what they would earn during regular events.
'The government organised the event well. Unlike regular events that mostly benefit organisers, BFF ensures that all hawkers gain. People from outside Labuan are willing to come for it,' he said.
Zulkeflee (left) and his family members at their BFF stall.
For 39-year-old trader Zulkeflee Mat Akhir, BFF is the most vibrant event ever held in the Federal Territory of Labuan.
'This kind of programme should be further enhanced with participation from more agencies and statutory bodies from across the country to create an even greater impact in the future,' he said.
From the transportation perspective, speedboat and express boat operators also reaped benefits. Noor Halim Zaini, 61, said that during the five days of BFF, TFAL recorded an additional 3,000 passengers.
'This means extra income not only for boat operators but also for F&B operators, hotels, homestays, transport providers, retail shops and the entertainment industry,' he said.
Azhar Othman
BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BSBC) Labuan chairman Azhar Othman congratulated the organisers for the success of BFF.
'This programme requires significant expenditure and complex logistics. I hope the government will involve the private sector more extensively in the future to produce high-impact programmes. Logistical issues and the shortage of accommodation must also be addressed promptly,' he said.
The next tourism event in Labuan will be the annual Borneo Arts Festival (BAF), scheduled for the end of September.
The festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and arts of Borneo, featuring a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary performances, including music, dance, visual arts and crafts from Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei Darussalam.
Among the highlights will be the Borneo Creative Dance Competition, Tingkah Geruh (battle performance), Creative National Costume Fashion competition, and many more cultural showcases.
The next programme in Labuan for domestic and foreign tourists is the Borneo Arts Festival next month. Borneo Arts Festival Borneo Flora Festival lead
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