KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government said it is committed to reviving the tourism industry together with stakeholders from the sector.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said 2020 was not a good year for tourism in the state due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Nature has undergone a recovery and after a long resting period, it has to be managed well to revive the tourism sector which must be nature friendly and involve the local community.
"The Sabah government is committed to continuing developing the infrastructure in such (tourism) sites," he said during the handover ceremony of appointment letters to chairmen and board of directors for several agencies here, today.
Present at the event was Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Among the agencies are Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Ports Board, Sabah Parks and Sabah Cultural Board.
Meanwhile, Jafry also proposed that the state's multi-ethnic culture be promoted as a tourism product in Sabah.
"The colourful ethnicities and cultures, which are not available elsewhere in the world, make Sabah unique and attractive to be visited.
"I am confident that cultural aspects can be included in any tourism package, this industry will also flourish and have a positive impact on the state economy during the recovery phase," he said.
Earlier, Jafry said the state government has placed its trust and mandate in those appointed to execute their duty diligently.
He added that with the vast experience and knowledge of appointees, they can contribute new ideas and assist the government in achieving the Ministry's mission and vision.
Assistant Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai will helm the Sabah Tourism Board as a chairman; Datuk Dr Zaki Gusmiah as Sabah Ports chairman; Datuk Askalani Abdul Rahim for Sabah Parks board of trustees chairman; and Titing Putang appointed as Sabah Cultural Board chairman.