By WU VUIDE
SEMPORNA: The rise of new hotels, resorts, chalets, and lodges in Semporna and its surrounding islands signals growing confidence in Sabah’s east coast as a safe and attractive destination.
Many of these accommodations, including those built on stilts over water, suggest that more tourists are expected, driven by improved security.
Among the new developments are Seafest Regency and Pearl Bohey Dulang Resorts, both officially opened this year to meet rising demand for accommodation in the area.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who joined Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and foreign delegates on a visit to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) on Saturday, said Sabah’s tourism sector continues to grow steadily.
Sabah recorded 1.44 million visitor arrivals between January and May this year, generating an estimated RM3.3 million in tourism receipts.
Joniston said the steady increase in arrivals, particularly from international markets, is closely linked to Sabah’s strong security framework, which is maintained by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom).
“The fact that Sabah has reported zero kidnapping-for-ransom incidents over the past several years reflects ESSCom’s commitment to keeping our waters and communities safe.
“This complements the ongoing efforts of the Sabah Tourism Board to promote Sabah as a safe and welcoming destination,” he said.
Joniston was speaking at a dinner held in conjunction with the site visit, which involved 15 diplomatic representatives and officials from 10 countries: the United States, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, China, South Korea and Spain.
Also present were Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Joint Forces Commander Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin, and ESSCom Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos.
Earlier in the day, the delegation visited Pulau Omadal, Pulau Sibuan, Pulau Bohey Dulang and Pulau Mataking.
“We are seeing the positive results of these close collaborations. Tourists feel safe to explore Sabah, even in the ESSZone, and investors are confident to keep investing here,” said Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board.
According to the latest data from the board, international visitors accounted for 559,150 arrivals, while domestic tourists made up 879,420.
China remains Sabah’s top international market with 243,688 arrivals, followed by South Korea with 76,685.
Joniston noted a strong rise in tourist numbers from Europe, which recorded 35,240 visitors between January and May, a 25.6 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Top European source markets include the United Kingdom and Ireland (13,910 arrivals), Germany (3,854), and France (2,750). The United States contributed 9,356 arrivals, while Canada recorded 2,949.
Joniston expressed confidence that Sabah’s tourism sector will continue its positive momentum, supported by the joint efforts of security agencies, local communities and tourism players.
“We consistently maintain a positive outlook on the growth of tourist arrivals to Sabah. With ESScom’s strong support and the growing trust of our visitors, we are well-positioned to welcome even more tourists in the coming months,” he said.
