Sabah On Right Track to Achieve Target of Four Million Visitors This Year, Says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 29 – Sabah is on track to meet its annual target of four million visitor arrivals in 2026, having recorded approximately 2.6 million arrivals as of August, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced.

In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Department on Tuesday, Hajiji revealed that international arrivals accounted for 1.1 million visitors, while domestic tourists comprised 1.5 million.

“With a stronger performance in the fourth quarter, I am confident the four-million target can still be achieved,” Hajiji said.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to driving competitive, inclusive, and sustainable tourism growth. He noted that the newly established Sabah Tourism Master Plan will provide a strategic roadmap for the sector while addressing key challenges such as air connectivity, environmental preservation, and community empowerment.

“To achieve this goal, close cooperation between the public and private sector is greatly needed. Sabah has extraordinary advantages, from islands to beaches, rainforest to mountains, wildlife, culture and cuisine,” Hajiji said, stressing that development must directly benefit local communities through job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Hajiji added that the state is actively refining its tourism strategies to enhance Sabah’s global competitiveness in preparation for Visit Sabah Year 2027. He called on all stakeholders—including industry players, local communities, and the public—to collaborate in positioning Sabah as a world-class destination.

–NMT