Sabah Within Target of Four-Million Visitors

Sabah is on track to achieve the four million visitors target by 2026. As at August 2026, 2.6 million visitors have arrived : 1.1 million international and 1.5 million domestic. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that with beautiful islands and beaches and attractive rainforests, mountains, wildlife, culture and cuisine, the target to attract four million is within reach.

The Sabah Tourism Blueprint will chart a clear direction, address challenges such as flight connectivity, protect the environment and broaden local participation.

“We need close collaboration between the public and private sectors to make things happen,” Hajiji said at the opening ceremony of the JSK Mantanani Island Resort, off Kota Belud on 29 September 2026.

“With professional management and effective marketing, we can combine our strengths.” The RM160 million-JSK Mantanani Island Resort - located on the waters off Kota Belud - features 84 villas and eco-friendly facilities. The resort’s partnership is with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, a globally recognised hospitality brand.

Tourism development will create jobs, build skills and open opportunities for local entrepreneurs, suppliers, transport providers and other businesses, a key thrust of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, Hajiji said. Sabah is also refining its strategies to strengthen Sabah’s tourism appeal in preparation for Visit Sabah Year 2027.