KOTA KINABALU: Tourism players are optimistic regarding the state government's target of achieving its target of having three million tourist arrivals this year.
Sabah Tourist Association chairman Melanie Chu said more unique and diverse range of products and experiences could attract both domestic and international tourists.
"We need a variety of products and unique offerings not only on the west coast but throughout Sabah, especially in community-based tourism locations and remote areas.
"Like today, we have a new product (jet skiing) launched, and the association members would promote it among us and others," she said at the launch of the Seadoo Safari Kota Kinabalu.
The association, consisting of approximately 50 members, includes tour operators, excursions, shopping malls, transportation, among others.
Chu was responding to state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, who announced the ambitious target last week following the start of the Sabah Convention Bureau and the ongoing tourism activities.
Meanwhile, Kevin Lui, director of BRP Malaysia which distributes Seadoo, said that in the past, Langkawi was the go-to destination for jet-skiing enthusiasts.
"But I have been traveling all around Malaysia (and) Kota Kinabalu has one of the best seas in the country.
"Kota Kinabalu is also a very strategic place due to its international accessibility with direct flights.
"It is a waste not to promote it, thus the collaboration with partners here to boost tourism in the region," he said.