TOURISM PLAYERS TO GO GREEN

In echoing DPMs call for green tourism, the industry has been told
that there has been a growing trend among travelers opting for tour operators, resorts and hotels that are able to keep their carbon footprint low.

And realising this, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman therefore urged tourism players to go
green by coming up with eco-friendly products and services.

Stressing that the task could not be done overnight, he however believed that by taking small steps, it would eventually accumulate to make a difference. “By keeping up with trends especially on sustainability, we can ensure that our tourism assets are protected and that we are able to meet the visitors’ expectations.

“The tourism industry is dynamic and highly sensitive to changing visitor perceptions and needs. Visitors have become more knowledgeable, with many carrying out their own research through the internet to determine their choice of destinations.”

He added that the state government had established smart partnerships with the private sector and many other stakeholders, including local communities, that would lead to the steady growth of the tourism industry to bring significant contribution to Sabah’s and national economies. This was reflected by the diversification of tourism products and growth of visitor arrivals.

All governments must recognised that tourism and its development needed to be sustainable for the long term and for the generation to benefit. This requires careful thought and planning from project design all the way to implementation.

Tourism in Malaysia is in many ways linked with the environment and this is why we advocate sustainable development of our resources, embracing both nature and culture.