KIULU: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) has set a target of transforming Kiulu into a world-class rural destination in the state.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said rural tourism operators must first, however, equip themselves with risk-management knowledge.
This, he said, was important in order to provide a safer environment for visitors and to ensure there is zero accident at tourism spots.
"STB's goal is for Kiulu to be recognised as a world-class rural tourism destination, similar to Kadamaian, which received the 2019-2020 Asean Standard Award," he said.
Joniston, who is also the STB chairman, was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Kiulu Tourism Association (KTA)'s Capacity Building Programme yesterday.
The capacity programme, which forms part of the Sabah New Deal, was attended by 25 KTA members and tourism operators.
The course focused on how to handle risk professionally in situations such as drowning, lost in the jungle and being injured, among others.
Joniston said they hope to have repeat visitors in the industry and any unfortunate incidents would reflect badly on the state.
"The STB encourages rural communities to take advantage of upskilling opportunities. The STB also has a special allocation to support upskilling courses.
"If visitors are satisfied with our management, of course they will return. Hence, it is important for us to give our best service," he said.