KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said Sabah had established a goal of receiving 2.8 million tourists in the year 2024, with an anticipated revenue of RM5.6 billion from tourism.
"This goal is driven by the ministry's plan to enhance the organisation of iconic and internationally recognised events such as the Mount Kinabalu Climbathon and Sabah Fest," said Liew during her winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
She expressed gratitude to the state government for approving the allocation to the Sabah Convention Bureau, to further boost business events and attract high-end tourists.
In preparation of Visit Malaysia 2026, Liew said the tourism ministry would continue supporting the upgrade and rehabilitation of rural tourism products, especially in areas where tourists sought a blend of nature, heritage, and culture.
"I extend my appreciation to the state government for approving a RM7 million allocation for rural tourism development next year," said Liew.
Aligned with the 2024 budget, comprehensively covering the needs in tourism, culture, and the environment, she emphasised her ministry's commitment to balancing development and preserving the biodiversity of flora and fauna – an essential asset of the state.
"My ministry through the Sabah Parks has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea National Park Service to establish cooperation in Global Geopark management between the two countries for a period of five years," said Liew.
The Sabah Parks had also started preliminary discussions with the People's Government of Shennongjia Forestry District, China, which is the agency responsible for managing the Shennongjia Global Geopark to establish management cooperation, she said.
The Tourism Ministry was confident that the collaboration would further strengthen the management of Kinabalu Global Geopark sustainably, she said.