TUARAN: The presence of more than 100 sailors and 29 yachts from 16 countries for the Dalit Bay Nautica event is proof that Sabah is now being recognised and appreciated globally as a sailing destination, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He expressed hope that nautical tourism such as this will soon become one of the main tourist attractions or activities in the state.
“Sabah offers a variety of sailing experiences and in fact, there is strong potential to become a sailing destination given our beautiful and pristine beaches.
“I believe nautical tourism or recreational sailing activities have the potential to attract more visitors to Sabah, and in turn, generate economic spillovers for the local communities.
“Therefore, we need to seize the prospects of sailing activities given the state’s strategic location with its natural advantages and many waterways.
Just like Dalit Beach, with its stunning coastline, rich cultural diversity, and strategic location facing the South China Sea, this area holds great potential to become a world-class tourism destination,” he said.
He said this when officiating the Dalit Bay Nautica 2025 event here on Friday.His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Chief Minister said the event will also help to boost tourism, promote cultural heritage, and stimulate economic activity in the state.
“This will definitely put Sabah on the global coastal map and is a good indicator of growth in the state’s tourism sector. Without a doubt, this event will further diversify our tourism offerings and help us achieve our target of 3.5 million tourist arrivals to Sabah this year.
“As the second-largest state in Malaysia, Sabah has everything to offer—from deep seas to towering mountains. This makes Sabah one of the world-class tourism destinations.
“The beauty and richness of our flora and fauna, and the wonders of nature such as our oceans, islands, mountain ranges, and forest reserves are natural treasures enjoyed and admired by many,” he said.-pr/BNN
