KOTA KINABALU: Luyang Assemblyman Samuel Wong said Sabah’s tourism industry must now place greater focus on developing domestic tourism as one of the mechanisms for the state’s long-term economic stability.
According to him, Sabah should not continue relying excessively on international tourists alone, but should also encourage Sabahans themselves to travel within the state while continuing efforts to attract visitors from Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring countries.
He said ongoing global conflicts have led to rising fuel prices, which in turn have increased airfares worldwide, making overseas holidays increasingly expensive for many families.
He added that this situation actually presents an opportunity for Sabah to strengthen domestic tourism, as travelling within Sabah is far cheaper and more accessible for local residents.
According to Samuel, the number of Sabahans travelling within their own state is naturally larger and more sustainable in supporting the local economy.
He said Sabahans themselves are capable of becoming the main supporters of local businesses and local brands.
However, he explained that the main challenge today is not a lack of interest in travelling, but rather the shortage of new tourism products, destinations, and activities that can attract visitors.
According to him, Sabah needs more tourism destinations, activities, events, and new experiences throughout the state instead of concentrating only on the same popular districts.
He said tourism development must be expanded to more districts so that the economic benefits can be felt more evenly.
He added that when a district begins attracting more visitors, it creates a domino effect on the local economy, benefiting homestays, restaurants, coffee shops, transportation services, local markets, handicrafts, tour operators, and various other small businesses.
According to Samuel, Sabah possesses vast natural resources including beaches, rivers, mountains, forests, and rural landscapes that have yet to be fully utilised.
He said every district in Sabah has its own tourism potential, whether through ecotourism, sports tourism, cultural festivals, camping activities, water sports, homestays, music festivals, or many other attractions.
He also suggested that the government work more closely with tourism industry players, entrepreneurs, and local communities, especially youths interested in venturing into the tourism sector.
According to him, the government can assist through grants, soft loans, training, and coordination support for tourism activities, food and beverage businesses, local products, arts and handicraft industries, and community events.
Samuel also stressed that local singers, entertainers, and cultural groups should be given more opportunities to participate in tourism events throughout Sabah.
He said every district should have its own identity in terms of events and attractions that can not only boost domestic tourism but also attract foreign tourists to explore areas beyond the usual popular destinations.
At the same time, he also proposed integrating the agricultural sector into Sabah’s tourism development plans since agriculture remains one of the backbone industries of the state’s economy.
He said the concept of agro-tourism should be strengthened to allow younger generations to experience agricultural activities such as fruit orchards, vegetable farming, fish farming, and livestock rearing firsthand.
According to him, many children, especially those in urban areas, are becoming increasingly disconnected from understanding the origins of food production.
He said the younger generation needs to reconnect with the fundamentals of food production because modern agriculture is no longer merely a rural occupation, but has the potential to grow into a modern agropreneur industry that combines entrepreneurship, education, and tourism.
Samuel said Sabahans are naturally friendly, hospitable, and appreciative of the beauty of their own state, but more attractive destinations and activities are still needed to encourage people to continue travelling within Sabah.
He described the situation as a win-win scenario because more tourism locations and activities would increase domestic tourism, strengthen the local economy, and ultimately attract more international tourists to Sabah.
In the same statement, he also stressed that improving basic infrastructure remains the most important factor in the growth of Sabah’s tourism industry.
He said roads, water supply, electricity, drainage systems, internet connectivity, public toilets, and transportation infrastructure must all be comprehensively upgraded to support the growth of both domestic and international tourism in Sabah.
