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KOTA KINABALU: Consistent efforts must be made to promote Sandakan as a multifaceted destination in Sabah that is not to be missed, says its MP Vivian Wong.
She said the state's second-largest town should not be sidelined in tourism promotion because it has a wealth of offerings, from culture to heritage, and nature to food.
“Sandakan is known for its ecotourism and visitors... focus on Sepilok and Kinabatangan, (as well as) Selingan Island.
“However, the city area also has much to offer. It holds historical cultural heritage that is not widely promoted or (included) in tour packages,” she said after closing an art bazaar festival in Sandakan on Sunday (Aug 11).
For example, she said visitors can take a stroll along the city's heritage trail; visit the Sandakan wall, Trig Hill and Sandakan Market; or even embark on a food trail and enjoy the famous sweet "UFO tart", buttery roti kahwin, and fresh seafood for which the town is famous.
She called upon tour operators and other industry players to boost promotion efforts by adding more attractions and products that will attract visitors to spend more time in Sandakan.
Listing examples, she said Sandakan has community-based tourism programmes and scenic routes for photo opportunities.
It also received the national-level Asean Clean Tourist City Standards 2024-2026 award in April, while an action plan until 2030 has been drawn up to boost tourism in the district, she added.
“Good job and congratulations to all who continue to come up with ways to draw more tourists to Sandakan,” she said.
On the art festival, Wong said promoting arts and culture was also part of the district's tourism offerings.
“With continued collaboration between the private sector and government agencies, we will be able to bring more tourists to Sandakan and expand the range of our products and services for travellers,” she added.
