SEMPORNA, Sabah, 9 July 2025: The proliferation of new hotels, resorts, chalets, and lodges in Semporna and its surrounding islands is a clear sign of growing tourist confidence in Sabah’s east coast as a safe and attractive destination.

Many of these accommodations, some built on stilts over the water, show that more tourists will continue to visit the region, driven by improved security.

Among the new developments are Seafest Regency and Pearl Bohey Dulang Resorts, both of which officially opened this year to meet the rising demand for accommodations in Semporna.

Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who joined Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and foreign delegates on a site visit to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) last week, said Sabah’s tourism sector continues to show healthy growth.

The state recorded 1.44 million visitor arrivals between January and May this year, generating an estimated RM3.3 billion in tourism receipts.

Joniston said the steady increase in visitor arrivals, particularly from international markets, is closely linked to Sabah’s strong security framework, which is diligently maintained by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom).

“The fact that Sabah has reported zero kidnapping-for-ransom incidents over the past several years reflects ESSCom’s commitment to keeping our waters and communities safe.

“This complements the ongoing efforts of the Sabah Tourism Board to promote Sabah as a safe and welcoming destination,” he said.

Joniston was speaking at a dinner held in conjunction with the security site visit, which involved 15 diplomatic representatives and officials from 10 countries, namely the US, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, China, South Korea, and Spain.

Present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman; Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai; Joint Forces commander Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin; and ESSCom Commander  Datuk Victor Sanjos.

The delegation also visited Pulau Omadal, Pulau Sibuan, Pulau Bohey Dulang, and Pulau Mataking.

“We are seeing the positive results of these close collaborations. Tourists feel safe to explore Sabah, even in the ESSZone, and investors are also confident of continuing to invest here,” said Joniston, who chairs the Sabah Tourism Board.

According to the latest figures from the Sabah Tourism Board, international visitors accounted for 559,150 arrivals, while domestic tourists made up 879,420 arrivals. China (243,688) remains Sabah’s top international market, followed by South Korea (76,685).

Joniston also highlighted a strong increase in tourist arrivals from Europe, which recorded 35,240 visitors from January to May, a 25.6 per cent growth compared to the same period last year.

The top European source markets include the UK and Ireland (13,910 arrivals), Germany (3,854), and France (2,750).

Meanwhile, the United States contributed 9,356 arrivals, while Canada recorded 2,949 arrivals.

Joniston expressed confidence that Sabah’s tourism sector will continue on its positive path, supported by the joint commitment of security agencies, local communities, and tourism industry players.

“We consistently maintain a positive outlook on the growth of tourist arrivals to Sabah. With ESSCom’s strong support and the growing trust of our visitors, we are well-positioned to welcome even more tourists in the coming months,” he said.

For more information on Sabah, visit the website: www.sabahtourism.com

KOTA KINABALU: Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has suggested the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) consider involving more global partners in next year’s Community-Based Tourism Conference and Expo in Sabah.

He said the participation of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) would further strengthen efforts to promote rural and community-based tourism in Sabah.

“With the participation of UNWTO and UNESCO, we can gain valuable global perspectives, build stronger networks, and bring greater recognition to our communities,” he said.

Joniston, who is also the chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, made the suggestion during the closing ceremony of the Community-Based Tourism Conference and Expo at Suria Sabah Mall, held last week.

The suggestion aligns with the Sabah Tourism Board’s call during the UNWTO Affiliate Members Plenary Session in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2023, emphasising the need to advance rural and community tourism.

Joniston added that UNESCO’s participation would bring added value, as Sabah holds the prestigious Triple Crown UNESCO recognition.

Organised by the Sabah Tourism Board, this year’s event featured an international conference for the first time, co-organised with UNDP and joined by speakers from Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

“The conference has raised the bar with the inclusion of international participation, which provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, learning, and collaboration that directly benefits our rural communities,” he said.

Joniston stressed that the success of Sabah’s community-based tourism is made possible through the active involvement of rural communities.

He also expressed hope that Sabah would soon be able to support and bring its community-based tourism operators and entrepreneurs to international expos to showcase their offerings and expand their reach.

“We are still learning and growing, but the key is to continue supporting each other and scale up what we have started because the future of tourism lies in empowering the very communities it touches,” Joniston said.

Present for the closing event were Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit; UNDP (Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam) Programme Analyst, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Management, Norhafiza Shafie; and Champion of the Tourism Productivity Nexus at the Malaysia Productivity Corporation under the Ministry of International Trade and Investment, Rohizam Md Yusoff.

For more information on Sabah visit Sabah Tourism Board.