KOTA MARUDU: Tourism players here have been urged to get ready to welcome domestic and international visitors.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Kota Marudu was part of the proposed United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (Unesco) Kinabalu geopark site.
The site covers Kota Marudu, Kota Belud and Ranau.
"Kota Marudu has huge potential, we have to highlight good tourism products that are unique to attract tourists from other countries.
"If the district has many tourism products, homestay businesses will also develop. Therefore, there must be synergy between tour and homestay operators," he said when visiting the Kota Marudu Bay Homestay, here.
Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, added that it was important for operators to emphasise on hospitality particularly on cleanliness.
He said the feedback on tourism products including homestays on the internet often affected the marketability of a place.
"Therefore, operators in Kota Marudu here have to be ready, especially when the Pan Borneo Highway from Kota Kinabalu is complete," he said, adding the road would also connect other districts from Kudat, Matunggong and Pitas.
He also added that the state government wanted to put emphasis on rural tourism as it generated income for the people.
The industry had also brought the local community together in promoting their products.
"The concept of community-based tourism also raises awareness among the people to look after the environment."
Joniston also visited several other places including Pantai Ria, Ulu Kanarom, Saranghayo Camping ground and the Sorinsim substation.