From Malay Mail · · 1m 10s
Sabah Tourism Rises 4.1% Despite Slump Concerns
Sabah tourism grew 4.1% in first eight months of 2026, beating slump fears with strong international and domestic visitor gains.
In brief
Sabah tourism grew 4.1% in first eight months of 2026, beating slump fears with strong international and domestic visitor gains. Sabah tourist arrivals rose 4.1% from January to August 2026, with international visitors up 6.9% and domestic visitors up 2.1%. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Sabah Tourism Grows
Tourist arrivals in Sabah increased by 4.1% from January to August 2026, defying slump concerns.
“The talk that Sabah’s tourism is declining is not true at all”
International and Domestic Growth
International arrivals rose 6.9% while domestic visitors grew 2.1% compared to last year.
Matta Fair Boosts Tourism
The Matta Fair in Sabah attracted 83 travel-related booths and aims to promote tourism for Visit Sabah 2027.
Visit Sabah 2027 Plans
Sabah plans to release a full calendar for Visit Sabah 2027 in November 2026, with international promotion underway.
Tourism Promotion Efforts
State Tourism Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin is promoting Sabah’s tourism sector in China to attract international visitors.
Matta Fair Targets
This year’s Matta Fair aims for 30,000 visitors and RM28 million in sales, up from 37,499 visitors and RM24 million last year.
Tourism Partnerships
Sabah Tourism Board, RHB Bank, and Malaysia Aviation Group are key partners in promoting Sabah’s tourism industry.
The key point
Sabah tourist arrivals rose 4.1% from January to August 2026, with international visitors up 6.9% and domestic visitors up 2.1%.
