DPN to be driving force for rural tourism development

By TIN Media | Sabah Published 3 years ago on 29 December 2020
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KOTA KINABALU :

Azizul Julirin,chairman of Mesilou Atamis Homestay Association said the National Tourism Policy (DPN) 2020-2030 launched last Wednesday is expected to be an impetus for development of rural tourism particularly in Sabach.

Azizul said that rural tourism would benefit the people of the areas and would contribute to the economic growth of the state in enhancing culture, art, heritage, recreational products and other ecotourism products that are available in rural areas.

“The launch of the NDP is timely. Rural tourism operators, especially in Sabah, were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and they need clearer directions to help motivate them in promoting and reviving domestic tourism in particular,” said Azizul who has been actively involved in the rural tourism industry.

On 23 December, the launch of the NDP on-line was officiated by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The policy is intended to ensure the continuity of tourism in the country and to return Malaysia to the global stage as a favourite tourism destination.

This can be accomplished by improving competitiveness, supporting the growth and future disaster preparation in the sustainable and inclusive tourism sector.

He added that six major strategic thrusts will enforce the strategy, i.e. governance transformation, the establishment of an inclusive investment tourism zone, and further digitalisation for the tourism industry.

The core thrusts are also to enhance tourist experience and satisfaction, to reinforce sustainable tourism commitment and to increase the potential of human capital in all tourism subsectors.

In the meantime, Walter Kandayon, Chairman of the Sabah Rural Tourism Association Coalition said that the core policy guidelines, particularly with respect to the increase of human capital capacities, were appropriate because more skilled workers in the sector had to be developed.

In Sabah, particularly to reach the goals, it is very much important to have courses in the field of tourism, such as hospitality, financial management, marketing and promotion.

Walter claimed that, as most of the state's secret gem destinations are located in these areas, there will have to be improved in the quality of infrastructure facilities such as road and Internet networks in Sabah rural areas.

In addition, areas with forests in the state could also be used as tourism products for research that could draw additional researchers to visit Sabah, he said.


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