Kota Kinabalu: Tourism Deputy Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit assured Sabahans that three million tourists can be drawn to visit the State this year if the 375 soft corals and other marine life are preserved, a better approach towards cleanliness is adapted and more iconic as well as cultural events are organised.
The assurance was made by Dawos prior to the launching of the Kota Kinabalu City Day Sunset Sea Parade 2013 at Jesselton Point, here, Saturday.
In addition to that, with Malaysia Airlines joining the One World alliance, it indicates that they are allowed to fly to any destination they want.
"This is a good sign as they can bring in more tourists to Sabah."
Upgrading current events to a more international standard, not giving up in making things happen and maintaining the beauty of Sabah were also among the advice given.
For year 2012, 2.88 million tourists came to visit Sabah.
"There is an increase of 1.1 per cent from year 2011 where 2.84 million tourists came." I'm confident that his year, a record of three million tourists can be achieved."
Dawos pointed out that last year, 18 cruise ships with 12,707 passengers came to Kota Kinabalu Port. "There were also 131 international flights with 19,294 seats and 660 domestic flights with 85,976 a week landed at Sabah airports."
Indicating that it is indeed good for Sabah's tourism sector, he also praised Sabah's beauty which include having beautiful beaches, world class islands, various ethnic food and culture - a uniqueness which sets Sabah apart from other Malaysian states.
"I believe Sabah can move further and successfully in tourism and I hope Sabah becomes a champion of marine tourism in Malaysia."
According to him, although development is seen in the State, the environment is well taken care of on land which has won itself the title of 'Nature Resort City'.
However, he also wants to see improvement in the way Sabah maintains the beauty of its seas, islands and beaches.
"Preservation is one of the keys to tourism success."
Apart from that, he added that Kota Kinabalu has an opportunity to become one of the stopover destinations for cruise ships in Asia.
Also mentioned was litter problems and that initiating more programmes to rectify the situation was vital.
"Educate the community to throw all rubbish in a proper bin, to reduce the use of plastics, styrofoam and plastic bags and clean up after having an event near the seaside.," he added.
Another solution was using biodegradable bags made out of starch (eg. Tapioca) which are edible. In his speech, he also gave examples of practises in foreign countries such as the North America and Europe.
"Instead of using plastic bags, they use paper bags.
Paper is also biodegradable and is a better alternative."
Also highlighted was the media's participation in promoting Malaysia especially Sabah. "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all of you for the positive and encouraging media coverage."
Among those present were Mayor Abidin Madingkir, City Hall Director-General Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, City Hall Deputy Director-General (Operations) Joannes Solidau, Datuk Marcus Mojigoh, City Police Chief ACP Jauteh Dikun, Director-General of Culture and Welfare Bureau of Yongin City Hall, Korea, Kim Do Nyoun, delegation members from Yongin City, Korea, Chairman of the Yogyakarta Tourism Board, Deddy Pranowo Eryono, Artin Wuriyani from the Yogyakarta Tourism Board, representatives of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Marine Department of Sabah, Marine Police Sabah, Fire and Rescue Department of Sabah, Royal Malaysian Customs and Excise Department of Sabah, Ports and Harbour Department, Sutera Harbour Resort, Sabah Parks and boat tour operators.
Prior to the event, a ship ceremony (sail past) took place from the Sabah Parks jetty to mark KK City's 13th anniversary this year.
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