By WU VUIDE
TUARAN: The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, is currently drafting a comprehensive long-term Sabah Tourism Blueprint that is expected to be completed before the end of this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the blueprint will chart a new course for tourism growth with clear direction, address sustainability and challenges such as aviation connectivity, reflect local aspirations and provide a framework beyond previous master plans.
“That said, with the programmes currently underway, I believe Sabah is on track to achieve the targeted four million visitor arrivals under Visit Malaysia 2026 and to prepare for Visit Sabah 2027.
“Last year, Sabah performed strongly, reaching 3.79 million visitor arrivals, an increase of 20.8 per cent compared with the previous year.
“This has generated RM8.74 billion in revenue and created nearly 400,000 jobs,” he said at the grand opening of the Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran at Kampung Pulau Simpangan, Kuala Matinggi.
He was pleased to note that the Hilton Garden Inn will form part of a larger continued investment commitment estimated at about RM500 million, covering the current development and future Hilton developments here.
“This will further strengthen investor confidence in the State’s tourism and hospitality sector and is certainly aligned with the State Government’s continuing efforts to strengthen Sabah’s tourism industry.
“More importantly, developments such as this support several key pillars of Sabah’s tourism growth strategy, that is, strengthening premium and sustainable accommodation options, creating meaningful employment and skills development for locals, empowering community-based enterprises through the supply chain and promoting tourism that respects and preserves our environment,” he said.
Hajiji said that despite external factors that may affect Sabah’s tourism sector, the State Government, through the Tourism Ministry, is working to blend sustainability, strengthen collaboration between the government, private sector, and communities and harness digital innovation to build a resilient, high-value tourism industry.
“This approach will balance economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation,” he said.
He believed that the Hilton brand’s presence further strengthened Sabah’s position as a preferred tourism destination, not only in Malaysia but also in the region and globally.
He noted that the launch of Sheraton Kota Kinabalu early last month, together with hotels that are soon to be built or currently at various stages of completion in the state, such as Avani, Fairfield by Marriott, Club Med, InterContinental, and Wyndham, sends a strong signal that Sabah remains a competitive and attractive destination for quality investment, particularly in the tourism and hospitality services sectors.
“It is also a testament to the resilience and optimism of our industry partners, even in uncertain times,” he said.
Hajiji was also heartened that the property, which has been redeveloped into Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu, is situated in his hometown, Tuaran, a district that has grown by leaps and bounds into what it is today.
“With its strategic location and abundant natural attractions, it has strong potential to grow even further, especially as a tourism hub. Developments like this will complement Tuaran’s existing attractions, encourage more visitor arrivals and benefit surrounding businesses, local entrepreneurs and the wider community,” he said.
He was also pleased that the Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu contributes directly to local economic development through job creation and employment opportunities.
“Even more encouraging is that the majority of employees are from the Tuaran district itself. This is a very positive development, as it reflects our shared aspiration to ensure that local communities benefit directly from investments made in their own area.
“Indeed, the Hilton Garden Inn embodies our shared vision of high-value, sustainable tourism that benefits both the economy and our local communities,” he said.
Hajiji (seated), signing the plaque commemorating the grand opening of Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran.
