Latest news with #SailMalaysia
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Sabah sets sail towards recognition as a premier sailing destination
KOTA KINABALU: With its scenic coastline, crystal-clear waters and rich natural beauty, Sabah is poised to become a premier sailing destination. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Sabah's diverse attractions make it an ideal stop for sailing enthusiasts, describing such themed packages as an exciting addition to the state's offerings. 'There is more to Sabah than just Mount Kinabalu and Sipadan. The state is home to over 40 ethnic groups, vibrant cultures, pristine beaches and good marina facilities for boat docking,' he said at the launch of the Dalit Bay Nautica Carnival 2025 in Tuaran on Friday (July 25). More than 100 sailors from 16 countries took part in the event, organised by Sail Malaysia, arriving on 29 boats. Bangkuai, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the event, urged participants to return next year and explore more of Sabah's beauty, especially in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 'While you are here, take a glimpse of what we have to offer. Then come back next year and experience even more of Sabah's unmatched beauty and warm hospitality,' he said. He also highlighted Sabah's renowned eco-tourism spots, including the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the oldest and largest of its kind, and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the only one in the world. Meanwhile, in a speech read by Bangkuai, Hajiji said the presence of international participants proves that Sabah is gaining global recognition in nautical tourism. 'Sabah offers a wide range of sailing experiences and has the potential to emerge as a top sailing destination, thanks to our unspoiled beaches and strategic location,' he said. He added that sailing and nautical tourism can generate significant economic benefits for local communities and help preserve cultural heritage. 'With attractions like Dalit Beach, which overlooks the South China Sea and offers both natural beauty and cultural richness, Sabah has all the makings of a world-class coastal tourism destination,' he said. Hajiji expressed hope that events like the sailing carnival will support Sabah's goal of reaching 3.5 million tourist arrivals this year. 'As Malaysia's second-largest state, Sabah has it all, from deep seas to towering mountains, rich biodiversity, pristine islands, and lush forest reserves. These are treasures cherished by locals and visitors alike,' he said.
Daily Express
05-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Putting Sabah on nautical tourism map
Published on: Saturday, July 05, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 05, 2025 By: Jessie Lee Text Size: Jasnih, Jeffery and Sazli with guests during the launching ceremony. Kota Kinabalu: The Dalit Bay Nautica Carnival (DNBC) 2025 was launched at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here in an effort to promote more coastal potential in Sabah. It was officiated by Pantai Dalit Assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya, who said a sustainable and prosperous future driven by culture, commerce and connectivity is being built through the Dalit Bay Maritime Economic Development Plan 2026-2030. Advertisement He said DBNC will not only redefine Tuaran's coastal potential but also position Sabah as a serious player in international nautical tourism. 'This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term transformation for Tuaran and beyond,' he said. DBNC Chairman cum The Genuine Brands Managing Director Prof Dr Jeffery Yap said the carnival is designed to bring visitors, economic activity and international exposure to Tuaran. He said it is not just an event but a movement to place Tuaran on the global coastal map. 'Through multi-stakeholder partnerships and ESG-based planning, we are elevating this region with authenticity, strategy, and long-term value,' he said. Jeffery said the three-day carnival, scheduled to run on July 25-27, is organised by The Genuine Brands in collaboration with Sail Malaysia. He said the event aims to bring in 29 yachts from 16 countries under the Tuaran Rally, alongside local highlights such as the Oyster Royale MasterChef Competition, the Sea Dragon Cup and a Meet and Greet with Unduk Ngadau and Mr Kaamatan 2025 winners. Sail Malaysia Managing Director Sazli Kamal Basha said the organisation brings over a decade of international sailing expertise. He said they are proud to serve as the official maritime partner of DBNC 2025. 'Through the Tuaran Rally and our international network, we are bringing yachts, exposure, and economic momentum to Sabah,' he said. Also present were KDCA Women's Council Chairperson Datuk Joanna Kitingan, SICC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Rosmawati Lasuki, Sail Malaysia Tuaran Rally Chairman Datuk Mohd Pintaz Badar and DBNC Chairwoman Joanne Kimberley J Majalap. * 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
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Daily Express
04-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Dalit Bay Nautica Carnival Launch Anchored by Culture, Collaboration and Global Maritime Vision
Published on: Friday, July 04, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 04, 2025 Text Size: Jasnih (fourth left), Jeffrey (second, left) and Sazli (fourth right) with guests during the launch. KOTA KINABALU: The Dalit Bay Nautica Carnival (DNBC) 2025 was launched Monday, at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here in an effort to promote more coastal potential in Sabah. The launch was officiated by Pantai Dalit Assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya, said a sustainable and prosperous future driven by culture, commerce and connectivity is being built through the Dalit Bay Maritime Economic Development Plan 2026–2030. Advertisement He said DBNC will not only redefine Tuaran's coastal potential but also position Sabah as a serious player in international nautical tourism. 'This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term transformation for Tuaran and Beyond,' he said. DBNC Chairman cum The Genuine Brands Managing Director Prof Dr Jeffery Yap said the carnival is designed to bring visitors, economic activity and international exposure to Tuaran. He said it is not just an event but a movement to place Tuaran on the global coastal map. 'Through multi-stakeholder partnerships and ESG-based planning, we are elevating this region with authenticity, strategy, and long-term value,' he said. Jeffrey said the three-day carnival, scheduled to run from 25 to 27 July, is organised by The Genuine Brands in collaboration with Sail Malaysia. He said the event aims to bring in 29 yachts from 16 countries under the Tuaran Rally, alongside local highlights such as the Oyster Royale MasterChef Competition, the Sea Dragon Cup and a Meet and Greet with Unduk Ngadau and Mr Kaamatan 2025 winners. Sail Malaysia Managing Director Sazli Kamal Basha said the organisation brings over a decade of international sailing expertise. He said they are proud to serve as the official maritime partner of DBNC 2025. 'Through the Tuaran Rally and our international network, we are bringing yachts, exposure, and economic momentum to Sabah,' he said. Also present were KDCA Women's Council Chairperson Datuk Joanna Kitingan, SICC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Rosmawati Lasuki, Sail Malaysia Tuaran Rally Chairman Datuk Mohd Pintaz Badar and DBNC Chairwoman Joanne Kimberley J Majalap. * 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
Borneo Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
French travel agents discover Sabah's appeal
Joniston exchanging momento with Malaysia's Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini. – picture courtesy of STB KOTA KINABALU (June 4): A delegation of key French travel agents has expressed admiration for Sabah's unique blend of culture, adventure and nature during their three-day visit to Kota Kinabalu, which concluded on Wednesday. Their short but meaningful stay included immersive activities such as jungle trekking on Gaya Island, a sunset cruise, cultural performances over dinner, and a visit to the iconic Mari Mari Cultural Village. Many described the experience as insightful and said they were keen to return and explore more of what Sabah has to offer. 'Sabah is on the right path,' said one of the delegates, Andreas Gantenbein, who is the managing director of AERTiCKET for Belgium, France and Switzerland. 'This trip gave us a good introduction to what Sabah can offer. We appreciated the hospitality as well as the effort to share the local culture with us,' he added. Malaysia's Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini, who accompanied the group, said the response from the French agents reaffirmed Sabah's strong potential as a destination for the European market. 'Sabah has what it takes to attract more French travellers, and the embassy in Paris will continue to support efforts to promote Sabah, especially in highlighting its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders,' he said. On Tuesday, the Sabah Tourism Board hosted the group to a sunset cruise and dinner at the Gaya Island Resort, joined by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. In addressing the visiting agents, Joniston who is also chairman of Sabah Tourism Board expressed optimism over the growing French market. 'We are seeing more visitors from France coming to Sabah. From January to April this year, we received 2,116 French visitors, and that's an increase from 1,669 during the same period last year. 'In 2024, we recorded 5,921 French arrivals, and we want to see this grow as Sabah is slowly finding its place in the hearts of French and European travellers,' he said. Joniston acknowledged that safety remains a top concern for many travellers, especially first-timers, and reaffirmed Sabah's commitment to ensuring the state remains a safe and welcoming destination. 'Our security presence, especially in the east coast, is not because it's unsafe, but to make sure it stays safe. This is how we protect our people, our visitors, and the places they come to see,' he said. Joniston, who also serves as patron of Sail Malaysia Borneo, mentioned that events like Sail Malaysia show the confidence international travellers have in Sabah's safety and hospitality. This year, the sailing rally will bring over 30 yachts with participants from more than 15 countries. They will explore Sabah from July to early September. 'Sail Malaysia offers a unique way to explore the state from the sea, where participants will get the opportunity to discover Sabah's coastal and inland attractions,' said Joniston, while inviting French agents to learn more about it. Present were Tourism Malaysia Director of the International Promotion Division (AERO) Akbal Setia, Tourism Malaysia Paris director Zalina Ahmad, and Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah sees rise in French tourist arrivals, says state minister
Visiting French agents join in the fun as they take part in traditional Sabah dances during a cultural evening on the beach.-Photo courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is experiencing a steady increase in French tourist arrivals, with 2,116 visitors from France recorded in the first four months of this year, up from 1,669 in the same period last year. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the growing interest from France reflects Sabah's increasing appeal among European travellers seeking culture, adventure, and nature. "In 2023, we recorded 5,921 French arrivals, and we want to see this grow as Sabah is finding its place in the hearts of French and European travellers," said Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board. He spoke during a dinner and sunset cruise hosted by the board on Tuesday (June 3) for a delegation of French travel agents who concluded their three-day familiarisation trip to Sabah on Wednesday (June 4). The group explored Gaya Island's jungle trails, experienced local culture at Mari Mari Cultural Village, and attended cultural performances, which many described as enriching and memorable. "Sabah is on the right path," said Andreas Gantenbein, Managing Director of AERTiCKET for Belgium, France, and Switzerland. "This trip gave us a good introduction to what Sabah can offer. We appreciated the hospitality and the effort to share the local culture with us." Malaysia's Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini, who accompanied the group, said their response reaffirmed Sabah's potential as a prime destination for French tourists. "Sabah has what it takes to attract more French travellers, and the embassy in Paris will continue to support efforts to promote Sabah, especially in highlighting its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders," he said. Joniston said safety remains a top priority, particularly for first-time visitors. "Our security presence, especially on the east coast, is not because it's unsafe, but to ensure it stays safe. This is how we protect our people, our visitors, and the places they come to see," he said. He also highlighted the Sail Malaysia Borneo event as a unique way for international visitors, including the French, to experience Sabah. Over 30 yachts from more than 15 countries are expected to join the rally between July and September this year. "Sail Malaysia offers a different perspective of Sabah from the sea and allows participants to explore both coastal and inland destinations," he added. Also present were Tourism Malaysia Director of the International Promotion Division (AERO) Akbal Setia, Tourism Malaysia Paris Director Zalina Ahmad, and Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
