A Sabah tourism expo that will run for a full 24 hours, featuring 48 local tourism operators in an attempt to break the Malaysia Book of Records, is in the works. 
Initiated by the Sabah Tamparuli Bamboo Music Orchestra Association (Ombak), the event dubbed the “Longest Non-stop Live Broadcasting Tourism Fair” is set to run from August 6 to 7, with the closing ceremony scheduled on August 14.

On Tuesday, Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai was briefed by the programme’s director, Stanley Missun, and was invited to be the guest of honour at the closing event.

“The purpose of the programme is to contribute to the State’s effort to stimulate the economic and tourism sectors.
“It is part of preparations that the association is doing to present Sabah traditional music and dance to the coming international folklore festival in Argentina.
“We want to create an impact in Sabah first,” said Stanley.
According to him, Sabah is the only representation from Malaysia and Asia at the World Folklore Festival.
Seventeen other countries, including Cuba, Chile, Brazil, Panama, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico and Canada, are also participating.

Stanley, who is a local influencer with over two million Facebook followers and over 96,000 on Tik Tok, is also expected to receive the International Award for Culture and Performing Arts at the festival.
Joniston, who is also State Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister, commended the association for putting in efforts to promote local tourism operators and raise Sabah’s profile on the international scene.
He was also impressed with the creativity and innovation shown by Stanley and Ombak in pursuing positive goals that the State can be proud of.
“Part of our objectives is to raise awareness of Sabah through the involvement of our local people in international festivals.
“We need to expose our home-grown talents as they are the ambassadors for Sabah and Malaysia. I have no doubt that Sabah will become better known around the world as a result of this remarkable performance.

“Sabah Tourism is always ready to provide the required support and to engage with local influencers,” he said.