Sabah is embracing the cashless transaction trend to boost its tourism industry, state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said today.

He said it was the latest effort, through the collaboration between Sabah Tourism Board and e-wallet Boost, to intensify domestic travel promotion to the state.

"This is part of my ministry's effort through Sabah Tourism to provide digital options for domestic travellers to purchase tourism packages and hotel stay in Sabah.

"This (Boost) app is utilised nationwide and it is time for us to capitalise on the e-wallets users.

"With increasing daily sign-ups and rewarding offers especially to entice end-users, I encourage tourism stakeholders to take this chance to maximise your target consumers," he said during the launching of the campaign dubbed "Mansau Sabah Boostku" .

Present at the hybrid event were Jafry's assistant Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Boost Biz chief executive officer Eric Chong.

Jafry added that with the easing of inter-district restrictions effective Oct 14 and Nov 1 for inter-state travel, it would certainly be good news to all and a promising outlook for the industry.

"Based on the current trend, I can see local people are enjoying and appreciating the freedom to be in the outdoors again, rediscovering new places around Sabah.

"Sabah is a favoured travel destination. So much to do and see. There are a lot more potentials that we can explore to cater to different kind of travellers

"This is a positive progress for the industry so long as we take precautions and maintain our effective standard operating procedures as recommended."

Chong said the collaboration was aimed at supporting the revival and regeneration of the state's tourism sector and overall local economy by incentivising and encouraging spending in the domestic tourism industry.

"This partnership is expected to contribute towards merchant recovery following the reopening of interstate travel under the National Recovery Plan.

From Nov 5-30, Boost users can redeem RM100 credit with 388 Boost stars that can be spent on travel offers at any Sabah Tourism Board's partner wallet merchants.

It is valid until Feb 5 next year at over 100 participating merchants.