New hotels signal rising confidence in Semporna's tourism: Joniston
Published on: Sun, Jul 06, 2025 Text Size: Joniston joins Saifuddin for a site visit on Sibuan Island off Semporna. Also in photo is US ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard Kagan. KOTA KINABALU: The emergence of new hotels and resorts in Semporna and its island surroundings reflects growing investor and tourist confidence in Sabah's east coast. Among the new developments are Seafest Regency and Pearl Bohey Dulang Resorts, both officially opened this year to meet rising accommodation demand.
Advertisement Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Sabah's tourism sector continues to grow, supported by a strengthened security presence in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone). Sabah recorded 1.44 million visitor arrivals from January to May this year, including 559,150 international arrivals, contributing RM3.3 million in estimated tourism receipts. Joniston said the absence of kidnapping-for-ransom cases in recent years reflects Esscom's commitment to maintaining safety across Sabah's waters and communities. He was speaking during a site visit and dinner with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and diplomats from 10 countries, who also toured several islands in the Esszone. China remained Sabah's top international source market with 243,688 visitors, followed by South Korea, while arrivals from Europe rose by 25.6 per cent, driven by the UK, Ireland, Germany, and France. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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