By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
KOTA KINABALU: Oct 4, 2026 – Sabah recorded 2.6 million domestic and international visitor arrivals in the first eight months of this year, an increase of 4.1 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the figure comprised 1.1 million international visitors and 1.5 million domestic visitors.
“This figure clearly shows that Sabah continues to be a destination of choice among tourists from within and outside the country,” he said when speaking at the Official Opening Ceremony of the Malam Gala and Ritma Kinabalu 2026 at Padang Merdeka here last Saturday.
His speech text was delivered by the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
According to Hajiji, China remained Sabah’s main international market with 578,681 arrivals in the first eight months of this year.
He said the growth was also supported by the Singapore, Australia and Europe markets, while Japan showed encouraging development following the review of travel advisories.
He said tourist arrivals from Italy and Spain in August also reflected Sabah’s growing appeal among European tourists.
The domestic market recorded a 2.1 per cent increase and remained among the important contributors to the state’s tourism industry.
However, Hajiji said fares and flight availability remained challenges that could influence tourists’ decisions to visit Sabah.
“Therefore, the aspect of air connectivity must continue to be given attention so that the huge potential of Sabah’s tourism sector can be fully utilised,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the Malam Gala and Ritma Kinabalu or Rhythms of Kinabalu 2026, now in its 12th edition, provided a platform for cultural arts practitioners, traditional and contemporary music groups to present works with a Borneo music concept.
He added that cultural tourism also had the potential to attract more tourists apart from opening up economic opportunities for the local community.
“The diversity of our cultural treasures, customs, arts and traditional food offers a unique experience to visitors,” he said.
He also called on all parties to jointly introduce Sabah’s cultural richness to the world stage, while ensuring its authenticity continues to be preserved.
Source: JAPEN
