Bangkuai (second from left) speaking to ICCA members at the conference in Bangkok.
Sabah’s tourism attractions and business event facilities get international exposure
SABAH’S potential as a business event destination was given a big boost at the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) conference in Bangkok.
The focus on Sabah was highlighted during the “Feel Sabah Night” networking event, co-hosted by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and TTG Asia Media as part of the ICCA conference.
Sabah’s tourism attractions and business event facilities were featured through a multi-media presentation, highlighted by state Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister and STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who led the state’s 10-member team to the event.
Members of the delegation included Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) chief executive officer Datuk Rosmawati Lasuke and STB deputy chief executive officer Julinus Jimit.
Giving his take on Sabah’s appeal, ICCA regional director for North America Jose Barreiro said the state’s capacity to offer exciting pre- and post-conference indulgence was noteworthy.
He also mentioned Sabah’s Unesco triple crown achievement as a unique attraction for event players.
“This recognition underlines the diverse attractions Sabah brings to the table, catering to a wide range of preferences for business and leisure travellers,” Barreiro said.
The triple crown refers to Sabah achieving the status after Unesco recognised the Kinabalu National Geopark as a global geopark in May this year.
The Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark, as it is now known as, spans over 4,750 sq km across the districts of Ranau, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud. It is also home to numerous rural villages.
This recognition has made Sabah the third destination in the world to attain triple crown status, following Shennongjia in China and Jeju Island in South Korea.
Sabah’s two other Unesco “crowns” are Kinabalu Park, designated a world heritage site in December 2000, and the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, in June 2014.
Sabah also received praise from the Philippines’ Tourism Promotion Board senior convention services officer, Sherdoll D. Bayona, who pointed to its “excellent hotel room catering” to all segments.
Pointing out the state’s “significant infrastructure”, Bayona’s commendation speaks of Sabah’s readiness to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring a seamless experience for conference attendees.
Kazakh Tourism senior manager for international bids, Galimzhan Seilove, commended the “strategic locations of conference venues, especially the SICC”.
This, he said, underscores Sabah’s dedication to providing accessible and convenient facilities for hosting international conferences.
In his speech, Bangkuai said it was the state’s ambition to become a strategic and appealing destination for outstanding and eco-conscious meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibition (MICE) experiences.
“In this last quarter, we have seen an increase in interest in various events, including sports, exhibitions, pageants and student and corporate travel,” he said.
With tourist arrivals on the rise, Bangkuai said more hotels were being constructed in Sabah to accommodate visitors, anticipating a surge in holiday and business event travellers.
Sabah is poised to add 2,053 rooms with seven soon-to-be-completed hotels, supplementing the existing 685 hotels ranging from budget and lodges to five-star accommodation.
