SEMPORNA: The State Government is planning various programmes under the Visit Sabah Year 2027 that will serve as a catalyst in strengthening Sabah’s brand as a world- class tourism destination, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said the Visit Sabah Year 2027 programme would not only sustain the positive momentum generated by Visit Malaysia Year 2026 but also ensure the continued growth of a sustainable and inclusive tourism industry.
Meanwhile, he said that, in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the Sabah Government has and will continue to intensify initiatives, programmes and high-impact events to attract more visitors to the state.
“This includes programmes such as the Semporna Regatta Lepa and promotion of community-based tourism and strengthening digital marketing campaigns to attract more international visitors,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Semporna Regatta Lepa here tonight.
His speech was delivered by Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
The Chief Minister said that with the wide range of programmes being planned, Sabah is on track to achieve its target of four million arrivals in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, while laying the groundwork for Visit Sabah Year 2027.
“Last year, Sabah recorded an encouraging performance by welcoming 3.79 million visitors,” he said.
On another note, he said the State Government would continue supporting efforts to strengthen Semporna’s position as a premier cultural and maritime tourism destination in the region.
“In an increasingly modern and challenging world, preserving our cultural heritage is no longer a choice, but a shared responsibility to ensure that our identity and heritage are not lost to the passage of time.
“In this context, the State Government continues to prioritise the development of the tourism sector as one of the main drivers of Sabah’s economic growth, with the state’s rich cultural heritage serving as a major attraction for visitors,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Regatta Lepa had proven that culture-based events could become high-impact tourism products.
“Every year, thousands of visitors come to Semporna to witness the beauty of the lepa boats, cultural performances, traditional competitions and the wide range of activities on offer.
“The influx of visitors directly benefits hotel operators, tour boat operators, small traders, handicraft entrepreneurs, food and beverage operators, as well as the local community,” he said.
The lepa boat has long symbolised the way of life of the Bajau community in Semporna.
Besides serving as a means of transportation at sea, it also represents the community’s craftsmanship, creativity and artistic excellence.
“It is this uniqueness that makes the Regatta Lepa so special. It showcases the beauty of our culture, customs and the values passed down through generations. Heritage such as this must continue to be preserved, as it is an invaluable treasure,” he said.-pr/BNN
