• Today: September 15, 2026

Inclusive tourism starts at grassroots

The government, through the Tourism Development Department, aims to build an inclusive tourism industry by ensuring its economic benefits reach residents at the grassroots level rather than remain concentrated among a small number of companies or destinations.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin. PHOTO: INFOFOTO

Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin said this in his ministerial statement during the ongoing Second Meeting of the 22nd Legislative Council (LegCo) session on Monday.

He said the growth in visitor arrivals should benefit village residents, micro-entrepreneurs, youth, women, single mothers, cultural practitioners, farmers, fishermen, cooks, handicraft makers and local service providers.

The minister welcomed the involvement of Legislative Council members as grassroots leaders, as well as non-governmental organisations, in encouraging communities to identify tourism opportunities in their respective areas.

Mukim and Village Consultative Councils could mobilise activities built around local strengths, including traditional food, arts and culture, village history, the environment, handicrafts, sports and community experiences.

As a follow-up measure, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, through the Tourism Development Department, will organise community-based tourism workshops this month.

The workshops will strengthen communities’ ability to identify and develop economic opportunities through tourism. Legislative Council members were encouraged to urge residents in their respective communities to participate and make use of the opportunities available.

“When communities receive visitors and sell their own products or experiences, the money spent by visitors can circulate within the community,” the minister said.

The income could support families and entrepreneurs while strengthening local economic and social activities.

“This is what is meant by regenerative tourism: tourism that creates opportunities, generates income and builds community capacity,” he said.

The Kenali Negara Kitani programme should also be utilised to encourage citizens and residents to holiday and spend within the country.

FILES – A visitor at a travel lodges in Temburong District takes part in a zip lining activity offered by the travel agency. PHOTO: BB FILES

Domestic tourism could help local enterprises gain experience and resilience before meeting greater international demand, while keeping tourism activities running throughout the year instead of relying on particular seasons.

The minister went on to say that a whole-of-government approach would provide coordination, facilitation and policy solutions, while the private sector would turn opportunities into marketable products and sales.

Financial and technology institutions would support transactions and digital access, while a whole-of-nation approach would ensure that the public and local communities played an active role and shared in the benefits.

He added that the effort should not depend on the government alone, as some challenges could be addressed by the private sector and other stakeholders.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/Wardi Wasil

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