Liew (left) being interviewed by Goss at the WTM 2024 in ExCeL London.
LONDON, United Kingdom: Come and visit Sabah to experience the unique attractions and natural wonders of this “Land Below The Wind”, especially Visit Malaysia 2026, says Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
That is her key message for Breaking Travel News’ global travel audience when interviewed during the recent World Travel Market (WTM), here.
Speaking to Breaking Travel News video producer Sipphire Goss, Liew said : “As a Sabahan, I can tell you 1001 things about Sabah but nothing is better than you coming personally to explore what we have to offer – the people’s way of life and traditions, the culture and dances, the wildlife and the food.
“As we are ushering Visit Malaysia 2026, we invite travellers to come and explore Sabah in 2025 and 2026, where you can experience our rich natural heritage, culture, adventure and nature.”
Asked to share any business update, the Minister expressed Sabah’s hope to get as many visitors as possible from different countries, especially from the UK, to come and explore the region.
“We will present our side of the story for tourism. I believe it will be a very dynamic story. That’s why I am leading my team here to capture a share of the UK travel market and to draw potential investors to Sabah.
“While you (visitors) have your leisure tourism in Sabah, you can look into the possibility of investing in the state,” she said.
Liew cited Sabah’s selling-points such as the 140-million-year-old lowland rainforest (home to the orangutan, Bornean pygmy elephant, clouded leopard and more), the iconic Mount Kinabalu, world-class diving spot (Sipadan island), and UNESCO world heritage sites.
“We are proud to feature three prestigious UNESCO Triple Crown sites, that is, the Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site, the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, and the Kinabalu Global Geopark.
“This Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark is attracting both domestic and international travellers. Sabah, Malaysia is the third in the world to have the UNESCO Triple Crown status (after South Korea and China as places with three UNESCO titles),” she said.
To another question, Liew said Sabah Tourism will be launching “Explore Sabah 2026” in line with Visit Malaysia 2026.
“On top of that, we also establish collaboration with other countries through travel agents, industry players, and business marketing partners. This way, we are able to expand our horizon not only to certain countries but, if possible, to cover most of the destinations around the world.”
UK travellers are particularly drawn to adventure and eco-tourism. Cultural experiences are important to UK
visitors, and Sabah can offer authentic interactions through its indigenous communities, local festivals, and culinary
delights.
