KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) has been judged the most outstanding tourism board for 2022 at the inaugural Asian Tourism and Hospitality Awards.
This award is a boost for a state government agency that has been recognised as the best among the many contenders, including those from other nations, said its chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
"The state government has placed an emphasis on tourism, and thus it is important to have exceptional management and team players within STB," said the state Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.
"This will not only assist in achieving the state's development goal, but it will also ensure that the government has the best agency working towards targeted objectives,” he added.
The award was presented during the ATHA 2022-2023 event co-organised by Tin Media (Malaysia’s first independent travel trade media) and Asia Hospitality Human Resource Association (AHHRA) in Kuala Lumpur, on Friday (March 17).
STB chief executive officer Noredah Othman, who was present to receive the award, said the win would serve as motivation for the STB team to continue doing their best in pushing state tourism to new heights.
“This demonstrates STB's commitment to the industry, as well as the dedication of the staff to their work in it,” she said.
She said Sabah tourism will continue to explore new avenues for promotion and cooperation to further establish Sabah as a preferred travel destination.
The event also saw four travel and tour companies from Sabah receiving awards.
They are Amazing Borneo Tours and Events (Leading Tour Operator - Inbound Borneo); Borneo Calling Tour and Travel (Leading Adventure Tour Operator); D’Seven Travel and Tours (Leading Travel Agency - Outbound Religious Pilgrimage); and Nadi Borneo Tours (Leading Tourism Transport Company - Land).
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