Joniston (seated, fourth right) chairing the STB’s Board of Directors meeting yesterday.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) has proposed the establishment of a dedicated Visit Sabah Year 2027 (VSY2027) Secretariat to coordinate preparations for the statewide tourism campaign.
The proposal was among the key matters discussed during the STB Board of Directors meeting chaired by its Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, here yesterday.
The proposed secretariat is intended to enhance coordination among ministries, government agencies and tourism industry stakeholders to ensure a more structured and effective implementation of VSY2027 initiatives.
This would involve key ministries, including those responsible for agriculture and other relevant portfolios, as well as public sector agencies such as local authorities, district offices, immigration departments, airport authorities and other regulatory bodies.
Industry stakeholders expected to play a role include hotels, airlines, tour operators, retail businesses, rural tourism operators, and representatives from Sabah’s arts, cultural and culinary sectors.
Joniston said VSY2027 is a major state agenda that requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-industry approach.
“Preparations for VSY2027 must reflect a collective commitment from government institutions and industry players to ensure its success and maximise benefits for Sabah’s tourism sector and the wider economy.
“Given that tourism is one of the State Government’s key economic pillars under its development blueprint, VSY2027 has been proposed as a state agenda, with the secretariat serving as the central coordinator and facilitator,” he said.
The Board also endorsed “Naturally Inspiring” as the official tagline for VSY2027, reflecting Sabah’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity and authentic adventure experiences.
In addition, the Board took note of calls from tourism industry players in Sabah to be included under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS).
Joniston said STB hopes to facilitate an engagement session between Federal Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and tourism industry stakeholders in Sabah to discuss the matter further.
