KOTA KINABALU: Sabah garnered at least 44 business prospects from the recent Global BirdFair in Rutland, the United Kingdom, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister said Sabah's booth at the event, which ran from Friday to Sunday (July 12-14), saw Tabin Wildlife Resort securing 19 leads, followed by 1 StopBorneo Wildlife with 14 leads, and Borneo Nature Tours with 11 leads.
Bangkuai, who led the Sabah delegation, said it had fruitful engagements with the event organiser, the World Pheasant Association, as well as wildlife writers.
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman added that the overwhelming interest affirmed Sabah's rising reputation as a premier birding destination.
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"Each prospect is not only a business opportunity but a reflection of STB's strategic global market positioning, which stresses our commitment to diversifying tourism offerings while conserving natural heritage.
"Sabah's involvement in the Global BirdFair is more than just a milestone in the birdwatching scene, and I am confident Sabah can lead the way in responsible birding tourism,” he said here on Wednesday (July 17).
Bangkuai added that this also reflected a commitment to the Sabah Maju Jaya development blueprint by promoting sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship in tourism through habitat preservation and enhanced visitor experiences.
The Sabah delegation also included STB chief executive officer Julinus Jimit and Sabah Birdwatchers Association president Rod Pudin.
Jimit noted Sabah's consistent presence at the birding event since 2009, ensuring its visibility on the international scene.
"We are committed to positioning Sabah as a preferred birding destination globally, offering value for money complemented by other attractions such as the state's unique wildlife, culture and islands," he said.
According to Jimit, birding tourism would also empower the rural community.
Shavez Cheema of 1 StopBorneo Wildlife said: "I have attended other travel fairs (overseas)... but this event was by far the most productive and effective.
"We have potentially gained more prospective buyers (here) for our grassroots group than all other events combined."
According to the Future Marketing Insight report published in March, the global ornithology (birding) tourism market is estimated to be worth US$659.7bil (about RM3.080 trillion) this year.
