TAWAU: The state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has underscored the need for a well-crafted strategy to position Tawau as a destination in its own right on the east coast of Sabah.
While Tawau has often served as a transit point for tourists en route to Semporna, Joniston believes it is time to unveil the city's untapped tourism potential.
Joniston said: "Tawau has so much to offer, and Semporna should not overshadow it during tourism events.
"We need to expand Tawau's attractions and design a strategic plan to entice tourists to explore and experience all that Tawau has to offer."
Joniston, who also serves as the chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), shared these thoughts during a recent visit to Tawau's Batu Bersusun attraction and Tagal Kampung Balung Cocos.
Key figures present include the ministry's deputy permanent secretary Mary Malangking, STB deputy chief officer Julinus Jimit, and Federation of Rural Tourism Association Sabah (FeRTAS) president Walter Kandayon.
Joniston's visit aimed to assess the progress of tourism products and facilities funded by the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) under the Rural Tourism Development Programme.
In addition to these inspections, Joniston received insights into Tawau's potential for community-based tourism (CoBT), as identified through a study conducted by Tawau Polytechnic.
Tawau Polytechnic's director Hajah Nor Haniza Mohamad said villages such as Kampung Tinagat, Kampung Batu Payung and Kampung Membalua have expressed their readiness to promote their communities as tourism attractions.
These villagers recognise the potential for tourism to enhance their livelihoods and are eager to participate in this endeavour.
"We are prepared to support KePKAS and STB, particularly in terms of training and developing CoBT in Tawau," said Hajah.
Encouraging Tawau Polytechnic and stakeholders to collaborate with FeRTAS and draw insights from successful CoBT initiatives, Joniston stressed the importance of nurturing Tawau's tourism potential.
The visit also included the presence of notable figures, such as Tawau Municipal Council engineer Mohd Ikhsan Wahap, Tawau Tourism Association chairperson Hazlina Ismail, Tagal Kampung Balung Cocos chairman Rasid Medical and Kampung Balung Cocos chief Takun Austin.
Tawau's journey to becoming a prominent tourism destination on Sabah's east coast is marked by potential, enthusiasm and a commitment to fostering community-based tourism, all underpinned by the vision and dedication of Joniston and his team.