Latest news with #ATEX2025
Daily Express
21-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Asean travel meet as yearly event mooted
Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 Text Size: Liew (4th right) with other guests and the organisers at the welcome dinner. From left: Dr Maklarin, Julinus, Wong, Lai, Eddy, Tan, Noredah, and Captain Fareh. Kota Kinabalu: Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew suggests that the inaugural Asean Travel Exchange 2025 (ATEX 2025) be made an annual event. She raised the subject to the applause of 500 delegates from 15 countries at the welcome dinner hosted by her at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru (Star) on Thursday. 'An event of this nature is conducive to promoting travel and cultural exchanges, making new connections, building rapport and strengthening existing ties among Asean member countries,' Liew said, while urging the President of the Federation of Asean Travel Associations (FATA), Datuk Tan Kok Liang, who was present, to look into her suggestion. For tourism growth, the Minister, who was the guest of honour, also proposed reciprocal visits among the 10 member countries, saying ASEAN tourism must seize new opportunities and create new adventures. Speaking to the delegates, Liew said: 'If it's your first time in Sabah, I encourage you to explore beyond the venue. From the iconic Mount Kinabalu, a symbol of strength and unity, to vibrant markets and islands full of life, Sabah welcomes you with more than just beauty; it offers unforgettable experiences. 'As Malaysia is the Chairman of Asean this year, ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder that our greatest strength lies in the unity of its people and purpose. It invites us to celebrate the bonds of friendship and shared purpose that bring us together. Advertisement 'As the inaugural dinner of the Asean Travel Exchange, tonight also marks the beginning of a new tradition of unity through tourism.' The participating countries were Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, India, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan and South Korea. ATEX 2025 was jointly organised by Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta), Federation of AseanTravel Associations (FATA) and Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) and Tourism Malaysia. Strategic partners included AirAsia and Jetama Water. Among the guests were Permanent Secretary to KePKAS Datuk Josie Lai, Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking, President of ASEANTA Eddy Krismeidi, President of MATTA Nigel Wong, and CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra. Also present were Chairman of Sri Pelancongan Sabah, Ken Pan, Director of Sabah Parks Dr Maklarin Lajim, Director of Sabah Wildlife Department, Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, CEO of STB Julinus Jeffery Jimit, and CEO of SCB Noredah Othman. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah tourism industry in created over 380,000 jobs
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism industry in Sabah has created more than 380,000 jobs said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said the industry accounted for about 15 per cent of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contributing RM13.1 billion to the state's economy. "We have witnessed firsthand how tourism uplifts communities and we take pride in our progress in community-based tourism here in Sabah," he said at the launching of the Asean Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) at a hotel here. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew delivered his speech. He said Sabah is home to many community-based tourism operators, and these initiatives were spearheaded by individuals and families from local villages, particularly rural communities, who create experiences that were distinctly Sabahan. "As we speak, community-based tourism continues to expand in Sabah due to its immense potential to grow the economy, especially in the rural areas of Sabah. "In 2024, the total state revenue contribution from this sector amounted to RM7 million from 18 active districts. "More community-based initiatives in the rural districts are being introduced to benefit the rural communities," he said. Hajiji added that the state government is investing in infrastructure with ongoing upgrades to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, improved road conditions giving access to rural tourism areas and enhanced digital platforms designed to promote and manage visitor experiences effectively. "We are laying the foundation for a resilient and future-ready tourism economy. "Sabah's strategy includes embracing green economy principles, advocating for digital transformation, and enhancing our profile as a premier venue and host for international tourism events," he said. Meanwhile, he said that ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder of just how powerful the combination of tourism, travel, hospitality, and aviation can be. Nation Mar 17, 2025 @ 5:51am Sabah Tourism Ministry to meet AirAsia over flight terminations Nation Dec 31, 2024 @ 10:20pm Innovate, capitalise on travel trends, Sabah tourism players told Economy May 26, 2025 @ 3:19am Sabah's tourism sector surges ahead Nation May 10, 2025 @ 11:20pm Sabah sees tourism surge, earns RM2.13 billion from Jan to March this year
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah tourism generates over 380,000 jobs
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's tourism sector remains a key economic driver, generating over 380,000 jobs and contributed RM13.1 billion to the state's economy in 2023, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Hajiji said tourism accounted for about 15 per cent of Sabah's gross domestic product (GDP) last year, underscoring its growing role in socio-economic development. 'But statistics alone do not tell the full story. Behind every number are lives and families empowered through tourism,' he said in a speech delivered by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew at the launch of the ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) here today. Hajiji noted that many tourism ventures in rural Sabah are led by local families who offer authentic cultural and nature-based experiences. In 2024, the sector contributed RM7 million in state revenue from 18 active districts. 'The state is conducting more grassroots initiatives in rural areas to widen these benefits,' he said. He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the tourism sector through infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, rural road access and digital platforms to better promote and manage visitor experiences. 'Our strategy for a resilient, future-ready tourism economy includes embracing green principles, accelerating digitalisation and strengthening Sabah's profile as a host for international tourism events. Hajiji said hosting ATEX 2025 marks a major milestone for Sabah, positioning it not just as a destination but as a strategic partner in shaping ASEAN's tourism future. 'We welcome industry leaders across the region to Sabah, to strengthen partnerships, spark new opportunities and move forward together,' he said.
Borneo Post
19-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tourism remains Sabah's economic driving force
Christina beats the gong to mark the launch of the event. KOTA KINABALU (June 19): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said tourism remains the driving force of Sabah's economy, creating more than 380,000 jobs across various sectors. He said that Sabah's tourism industry contributed approximately 15 per cent of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year and recorded a significant achievement in 2023, contributing RM13.1 billion to the state's economy. 'Yet, statistics alone do not tell the whole story. Behind each number lies a livelihood, a family and individuals who have contributed to the tourism economy. 'We have witnessed firsthand how tourism uplifts communities, and we take pride in our progress in community-based tourism here in Sabah,' he said at the launching of the ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) at Magellan Sutera Resort here on Thursday. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew delivered his speech. He said Sabah is home to many community-based tourism operators, and these initiatives were spearheaded by individuals and families from local villages, particularly rural communities, who create experiences that are distinctly Sabahan. 'As we speak, community-based tourism continues to expand in Sabah due to its immense potential to grow the economy, especially in the rural areas of Sabah. 'In 2024, the total state revenue contribution from this sector amounted to RM7 million from 18 active districts. More community-based initiatives in the rural districts are being introduced to benefit the rural communities,' he said. Hajiji said the State Government is committed to the tourism industry's development. 'We are investing in infrastructure with ongoing upgrades to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, improved road conditions giving access to rural tourism areas and enhanced digital platforms designed to promote and manage visitor experiences effectively. 'We are laying the foundation for a resilient and future-ready tourism economy. Sabah's strategy includes embracing green economy principles, advocating for digital transformation, and enhancing our profile as a premier venue and host for international tourism events,' he said. The Chief Minister said Sabah envisioned itself as a peace hub – a state where businesses thrive, culture, history, and nature exist harmoniously, and development is always balanced with responsibility and sustainability. 'We aspire to be a model demonstrating how tourism can succeed while preserving the very elements that make it unique – our environment, cultures and communities,' he said. Hajiji said ATEX 2025 marked a significant milestone for Sabah as it presents an opportunity to position the state not only as a destination but also as a strategic partner in shaping ASEAN's tourism future. 'We warmly welcome industry leaders from across the region to our shores, inviting all of them to deepen friendships to spark new business ventures and share in the journey ahead,' he said. At the same time, he noted that ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder of just how powerful the combination of tourism, travel, hospitality and aviation can be. 'It creates a robust engine of growth and movement that generates vast opportunities for shared experiences. 'Hosting ATEX 2025 in Kota Kinabalu is not just an honour for us in Sabah, but it is also a platform brimming with potential. It offers us the chance to learn from one another, forge new connections, and collectively shape the future of tourism in this region,' he said.
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ATEX 2025 To Boost Asean Tourism Collaboration In Sabah
KOTA KINABALU, May 26 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX) 2025, slated for June 19 here, aims to strengthen regional tourism cooperation and position Sabah as a premier tourism destination in the ASEAN region. The Sabah Chief Minister's Department, in a statement today, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor received a briefing from key tourism industry leaders at Menara Kinabalu here today regarding the upcoming event. According to the president of the Federation of ASEAN Travel Association (FATA), Datuk Tan Kok Liang, ATEX 2025 marks a significant milestone as Sabah's first international Business-to-Business (B2B) tourism event, expecting to attract 200 international buyers and 100 regional sellers.
