Seize opportunities in Visit Keningau Year — Pairin
KENINGAU: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the tourism industry could create many jobs for youths, especially in the areas of hospitality, transportation, tours and others.
He said Keningau residents must seize the opportunities to be involved in the industry in conjunction with Visit Keningau Year 2018 (VKY2018).
“The tourism sector is capable of generating more lucrative returns if it is organized and well coordinated,” he said when launching the Citrawarna Night of The Crocker Range Festival and Visit Keningau Year 2018 at the town square here on Friday night.
He said the positive development of the tourism sector could be seen through the increase in tourist statistics in the country this year, which showed the sector was good and needed to be sustained.
Pairin, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister, said Keningau was lucky to be endowed with natural beauty that could attract visitors, especially foreign tourists.
He said the district had many interesting places that could be explored and developed as tourist centres.
“However, in our passion for profit in this sector, we need to practise balanced tourism development, working to develop our tourism business activities to gain profit while at the same time we balance it with environmental quality care.
“The treasures of nature have to be preserved and maintained for more tourists to visit,” he said.
Pairin said the organizing of the Crocker Range Festival and the launch of the VKY2018 should be emulated by other districts in the state where the planned programs would highlight the diversity and richness of ethnic cultures in the district.
“The government will continue to help develop the infrastructure available in this area with the aim of boosting economic development including the tourism sector,” he said.
He said these facilities were important in developing Keningau as one of the successful tourist destinations in the state.
Pairin also urged residents to keep the area clean to prove to foreign tourists that the community is concerned about hygiene as well as ensuring the well-being of the people here.
“In this regard, restaurant entrepreneurs should ensure public toilets in their premises are always clean to provide an excellent image to the tourism industry in this area,” he said.
At the same time, Pairin also urged the people to play a more effective role and adopt a more open attitude towards the arrival of foreign tourists with friendly and courteous hospitality.
The Keningau member of parliament hopes that the Crocker Range Festival and VKY 2018, themed: ‘The Hinterland Gems of Borneo’, will achieve excellent success with the cooperation of all parties including leaders, government departments, the private sector, community leaders and the community as a whole.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, Assistant Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Haji Sairin Karno, District Officer Haji Yusop Haji Osman and program director Rafie Robert were present at the ceremony.