KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is expecting 1.3 million tourist arrivals in 2021 that will bring an estimated revenue of RM2.51 billion.
State Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, however, said the projection is subject to Sabah's borders being reopened for tourists.
"A total of RM227.97 million will be allocated to fund the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah (KEPKAS) and also its departments and agencies to stimulate growth in the tourism sector.
"Various programmes and developments in tourism will be intensified as part of efforts to restore the tourism sector as targeted by the state government," he said during the tabling of Sabah's 2021 Budget on Friday.
Hajiji, who is also the state Finance Minister, said the Covid-19 pandemic that struck early this year had severely impacted the tourism sector.
A 66.2 per cent decline in tourist arrivals in the first seven months of the year has reduced estimated tourism receipts by 69.7 per cent, or RM3.6 billion as compared to the same period in 2019.
Meanwhile, conservation and preservation programmes, as well as documentation of heritage and culture, will be continued to ensure that they are preserved, valued and maintained for future generations.
Sabah has a unique and diverse cultural heritage comprising 35 ethnicities and 217 sub-ethnicities.
"Therefore, an allocation of RM9.50 million is distributed to the Sabah Cultural Board and RM1.60 million to cultural activities, arts and language associations.
"In the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Sabah State Cultural Development Master Plan for 10 years will be implemented as an effort to elevate and preserve heritage to a higher level.
"Also, the development of a Cultural Mapping System which will load ethnic-cultural data throughout Sabah in an integrated manner will be developed through a digital platform in 2021," he said.
As for other agencies under the KEPKAS, a total of RM60.97 million will be allocated to the Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Parks, and Sabah Environment Protection Department.
The Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Biodiversity Centre and other related agencies contributing to the development of the tourism sector are being allocated RM97.60 million.