Hajiji cutting the ribbon to officially open the Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran today.
TUARAN: The State Government, through the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, is drafting a comprehensive long-term Sabah Tourism Blueprint that is expected to be completed before the end of this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said the blueprint will chart a new direction for Sabah’s tourism growth, providing clear strategic guidance, addressing sustainability and challenges such as aviation connectivity, reflecting local aspirations and establishing a framework that goes beyond previous tourism master plans.
“Even with the programmes currently underway, I believe Sabah is on track to achieve the target of four million visitor arrivals under Visit Malaysia 2026 and to prepare for Visit Sabah 2027,” he said when officiating at the grand opening of the Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran at Kampung Pulau Simpangan, Kuala Matinggi, here today.
The Chief Minister said Sabah recorded a strong tourism performance last year with 3.79 million visitor arrivals, an increase of 20.8 per cent compared to the previous year.
He said the arrivals generated RM8.74 billion in tourism receipts and supported nearly 400,000 jobs across the state.
Hajiji welcomed the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn, noting that it forms part of a larger investment commitment estimated at RM500 million, covering both the current development and future Hilton projects in the area.
“This investment will further strengthen investor confidence in Sabah’s tourism and hospitality sector and aligns with the State Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the tourism industry,” he said.
He added that developments of this nature support several key pillars of Sabah’s tourism growth strategy, including expanding premium and sustainable accommodation options, creating meaningful employment and skills development opportunities for locals, empowering community-based enterprises through supply chains and promoting environmentally responsible tourism.
Despite external challenges affecting the tourism industry, Hajiji said the State Government, through the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, is committed to integrating sustainability, strengthening collaboration between the government, private sector and communities, and embracing digital innovation to build a resilient, high-value tourism industry.
“This approach will ensure economic growth is balanced with environmental protection and cultural preservation,” he said.
Hajiji said the presence of the Hilton brand further enhances Sabah’s standing as a preferred tourism destination not only within Malaysia but also across the region and internationally.
He pointed out that the opening of Sheraton Kota Kinabalu early last month, together with upcoming and ongoing hotel developments such as Avani, Fairfield by Marriott, Club Med, InterContinental and Wyndham, sends a strong signal that Sabah remains an attractive and competitive destination for quality investments, particularly in tourism and hospitality services.
“It is also a testament to the resilience and optimism of our industry partners, even during uncertain times,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed satisfaction that the redeveloped Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu is located in his hometown of Tuaran, a district that has experienced significant growth and development over the years.
“With its strategic location and rich natural attractions, Tuaran has tremendous potential to grow further as a tourism hub. Developments such as this will complement existing attractions, increase visitor arrivals and create opportunities for surrounding businesses, local entrepreneurs and the wider community,” he said.
Hajiji further welcomed the hotel’s contribution to local economic development through job creation and employment opportunities, noting that the majority of its workforce comes from the Tuaran district.
“This is a very positive development as it reflects our shared aspiration to ensure local communities benefit directly from investments made in their own area.
“Indeed, Hilton Garden Inn embodies our shared vision of high-value, sustainable tourism that benefits both the economy and local communities,” he said.
