Rep: Tourism growth must benefit Sabah’s local operators

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 20): Tourism development efforts in Sabah must translate into real and measurable support for industry players, tour guides, and local businesses, said Luyang assemblyman Samuel Wong.

He noted that while promotional strategies and long-term branding are important, the sustainability of the tourism sector depends largely on how well frontline operators are supported in their daily operations.

“Tour guides, small operators, transport providers, and tourism-related businesses are the backbone of Sabah’s tourism industry.

“Policies must focus on easing their operational challenges, protecting their livelihoods, and ensuring fair access to opportunities,” he said in a statement.

Wong highlighted challenges faced by many industry players, including limited access to promotional platforms, uneven participants in tourism expos, and unfair competition from illegal operators.

He stressed that tourism promotion must go hand in hand with proper enforcement and transparent governance, as illegal operators undermine licensed businesses, reduce local tourism revenue, and limit economic returns to Sabah’s communities.

“When tourism income does not circulate locally, small businesses, guides, and service providers are the ones who suffer. This defeats the purpose of tourism development, which should directly benefit Sabahans,” he said.

He also emphasised that tour guides are Sabah’s first ambassadors, and their welfare, training, and income sustainability must be prioritised to maintain service quality and protect the state’s tourism reputation.

Commenting on preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Sabah 2027, Wong said the focus should not only be on increasing tourist arrivals but also on strengthening the entire tourism value chain.

“This includes ensuring that small and medium tourism businesses, community-based operators, and young entrepreneurs are not left behind, but are given genuine platforms to grow,” he said.

He called for closer coordination between tourism authorities and local councils to improve destination readiness, including regular maintenance and upgrading of basic infrastructure such as roads, drainage, public toilets, lighting, signage, and pedestrian facilities, as well as proper upkeep of key tourist areas.

“Tourism success should not be measured solely by numbers, but by how effectively it supports local livelihoods, creates sustainable businesses, and benefits Sabahans directly,” he added.