KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will stage its first roadshow to promote local rural tourism products at the national level, said Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Referring to the Sabah Community Based Tourism Fair (SCBTF) 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Joniston said the five-day event which starts tomorrow would be a "game-changer" that opens new opportunities for collaboration.
"We are leveraging the growing back-to-nature trend among tourists," he said in a statement, adding that there would be a business-to-business session here involving 27 tourism associations from 22 districts in Sabah.
Participating associations include representatives from districts of Ranau, Inanam, Kota Belud, Kiulu, Tuaran, Papar, Membakut, Kuala Penyu, Sipitang, Penampang, Tenom, Nabawan, Kemabong, Keningau, Tambunan, Kota Marudu, Kudat, Pitas, Tongod, Telupid, Beluran, Kunak, Lahad Datu, and Kinabatangan, among others.
Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, said these experiences were unique and essential for rural economic growth.
"We aim to attract more visitors to our rural areas, and the potential for collaboration is enormous.
"The Sabah government, through the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, supports rural communities, and we hope to conduct similar events internationally to connect our community based tourism operators with larger markets," he added.
Meanwhile, STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said the board was dedicated to supporting rural communities by providing essential guidance and resources for promoting our rural destinations domestically and internationally.
SCBTF will include the participation of five handicraft cooperative entrepreneurs and will feature 34 booths from various tourism associations and local products from Sabah.
Julinus said attendees can expect various activities, including cultural dance performances, traditional games, craft demonstrations, and live performances by Sabahan artist Zachkiddin Zachry.
"Visitors can also immerse themselves in Virtual Reality (VR) experiences that provide a glimpse into Sabah's unique rural landscapes," he said.