KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is ever ready to help members of the rural community who aspire to venture into community-based tourism (CBT).
STB chief executive officer Noredah Othman said STB assistance will come in the form of providing necessary support, training and funds.
"STB works with district tourism associations to develop CBT, where 26 districts have established tourism committees to help sustain tourism activities in their respective areas," said Noredah during a tourism talk organised by Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Centre for Sustainable Society Engagement.
The talk, moderated by the centre's deputy director Dr Elia Godoong, focused on opportunities for rural communities in the eco-tourism industry.
Noredah said STB is open to collaborating with any university for research initiatives, especially on rural tourism.
"We recently provided grants for research teams or individuals who want to conduct research for us. Such collaborations are important to enable us to use their data for our strategic planning," she added.
She said CBT can help prevent rural-urban migration by providing young people in rural villages with a sustainable source of income.
She said rural areas have ample economic opportunities for young people to take advantage of.
"One of STB's objectives is to encourage the youth to work in the community so that they do not need to leave their villages to look for income.
"Jobs are everywhere and what matters is effort. The rural areas are rich with natural resources and enchanting surroundings. Hence, young people can find jobs and opportunities in CBT," she said.
The engagement also discussed the migration of young people from rural to urban, leaving behind older folks to manage life in the village.
Noredah said young people should maintain legacy and continue living in their villages to promote their villages, rural destinations and the state as a whole.
"The rural area is a beautiful tourism destination, and eco-tourism is linked to nature and community.
"That's why CBT is important as it encourages the youth to continuously conserve and preserve our natural surroundings as well as appreciate their village," she said.