By PAUL MU
KOTA KINABALU: Visit Sabah Year 2027 will include programmes to strengthen the tourism value chain and benefit local businesses.
The programmes will focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), tourism operators, community-based tourism providers and local entrepreneurs.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the campaign was a strategic State Government initiative beyond increasing tourist arrivals.
He said this when replying to Warisan-Luyang Assemblyman Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen during question time at the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.
Jafry said the campaign aimed to drive inclusive economic growth across various sectors, particularly SMEs, tourism industry players, community-based tourism operators and local entrepreneurs throughout Sabah.
Despite the impact of geopolitical conflicts on the state’s tourism sector, he said the ministry remained committed to preparations for Visit Sabah Year 2027.
The ministry is developing a strategy covering accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, handicrafts and community-based tourism products.
Jafry said the approach would ensure economic benefits reached grassroots communities.
He said engagement sessions with industry players and stakeholders were under way to discuss programmes and activities for the campaign.
Through the Sabah Tourism Board, the ministry will step up targeted promotion and marketing efforts to encourage wider participation.
The initiatives include promoting local tourism packages, expanding market access for small operators and providing promotional support and incentives, particularly for SMEs and local communities.
Meanwhile, Jafry said the Ranau Dusun Ethnic Civilisation and Heritage Museum project remained on schedule and was expected to be completed in March 2027.
Replying to KDM-Paginatan Assemblyman Datuk Rusdin Riman, he said a new contractor had been appointed and construction resumed on March 4, 2025, under a 24-month contract.
The RM3.5 million project had achieved 50 per cent physical progress as of the end of June.
Jafry said the ministry remained committed to completing the project, which would serve as a centre for preserving and conserving Dusun cultural heritage.
He said the museum also had the potential to become a cultural tourism attraction that would boost the local economy.
The ministry and the Sabah Museum Department would continue to monitor the project to ensure quality, progress and compliance with approved specifications.
Jafry said the campaign was a strategic State Government initiative beyond increasing tourist arrivals.
