KOTA KINABALU: Eighty per cent of community-based tourism activities in the state will meet Asean standards by 2030, says Datuk Christina Liew.

This will enable Sabah to attract more tourists, the tourism, culture and environment minister told the state legislative assembly today (April 25).

The Sabah Community-Based Tourism Fair, which began in 2017, will for the first time be held outside the state at IOI Mall in Putrajaya from Oct 18 to 20, she said.

She added that the Sabah Tourism Board has carried out initiatives to assist entrepreneurs and communities. These include providing infrastructure and training.

Liew was answering a question from Datuk Raime Unggi (Umno- appointed), who wanted to know what the ministry was doing for tourism entrepreneurs.

Liew urged state district tourism action councils and tourism associations to work closely with the government to ensure sustainable and holistic development in the sector.

"This is because rural tourism is a valuable asset. Almost all the tourism products and attractions are in rural areas.

"The Sabah Tourism Board is committed to promoting rural tourism products and areas on social media platforms as well as at tourism events, both domestically and internationally."

She also said the board is publishing digital brochures for each district.

"So far, nine brochures have been published for Kiulu, Tenom, Kudat, Kinabatangan, Membakut, Telupid, Sipitang, Kuala Penyu and Kota Belud."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1042433/sabah-going-big-community-based-tourism