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Sabah Tourism bags inaugural Asian award

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tourism Board (STB) was picked as the most outstanding tourism board in 2022 at the inaugural Asian Tourism and Hospitality Awards.

The award was presented in Kuala Lumpur on Friday in a ceremony co-organised by TIN MEDIA (Malaysia's First Independent Travel Trade Media) and Asia Hospitality Human Resource Association.

STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and chief executive officer Noredah Othman received the award.

"This is a boost for a state government agency that has been recognised as the best among the many contenders, including those from other nations.

"The state government has emphasised tourism, and thus it is important to have exceptional management and team players within STB," said Joniston, who is also state Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.

Noredah said winning the award would serve as motivation for the STB team to continue doing their best.

The event also saw four travel and tour companies from Sabah receiving awards.

They are Amazing Borneo Tours and Events (Leading Tour Operator — Inbound Borneo); Borneo Calling Tour and Travel (Leading Adventure Tour Operator); D'Seven Travel and Tours (Leading Travel Agency — Outbound Religious Pilgrimage); and Nadi Borneo Tours (Leading Tourism Transport Company — Land).

The Sabah government hopes to see 2.2 million domestic and international visitors this year, in line with the launch of its new tourism slogan of "Feel Sabah, North Borneo".

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said this after the introductory launch of the new tagline on Friday at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) exhibition, also held in Kuala Lumpur.

"Compared to the pre-pandemic scenario, before we closed the border, the total arrivals in Sabah was 4.25 million," she said.

She also visited the Sabah Matta pavilion, and flagged off a convoy of 100 e-hailing vehicles with the "Feel Sabah, North Borneo" stickers.

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