KUALA LUMPUR: Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan added weight to Sabah Tourism Board’s Kaamatan promotion efforts at the Matta Fair at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec), here, Saturday.
The Huguan Siou (KadanzanDusun, Murut, and Rungus paramount leader) appeared in traditional Kadazan Dusun attire to launch the Kaamatan invitation video at the Sabah Pavilion.
The Kaamatan Festival is being positioned as Sabah’s next major tourism pull factor as the state steps up its presence at STB is participating with 37 Sabah-based travel agents operating more than 100 booths, offering a wide range of travel packages aimed at driving forward bookings, particularly for the Kaamatan season in May.
Earlier, Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) Datuk Jafry Ariffin launched the refreshed Explore Sabah destination brand as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s tourism positioning.
Explore Sabah aims to highlight Sabah’s unique offerings that promote its world renowned natural attractions and community based tourism experiences, including packages designed to complement the Kaamatan festival, which is Sabah’s key cultural event.
“Kaamatan is one of Sabah’s strongest cultural assets and a key reason for visitors to plan their trips to the state.
“The presence of Huguan Siou today highlights the cultural significance of this harvest festival as a cornerstone celebration for our indigenous communities, while also reinforcing its growing appeal among visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences,” said Jafry.
He added that Kaamatan offers travellers an opportunity to engage more deeply with Sabah’s people, traditions and way of life.
Celebrated annually across Sabah, Kaamatan features a month-long line-up of cultural performances, traditional rituals, local cuisine and the Unduk Ngadau pageant, with its main highlights taking place from 30 to 31 May.
With strong participation at the three-day Matta Fair, which ends on April 5, Sabah is looking to convert on-ground interest into confirmed travel, particularly for the mid-year period anchored by Kaamatan.
Other packages offered are iconic attractions like Kundasang for Mount Kinabalu view, Semporna for island and diving getaway, as well as nature and wildlife adventures, among others.
A teaser of the coming Visit Sabah 2027 campaign was also shown at the Sabah Pavilion, offering a preview of the state’s longer-term tourism direction.
Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Chairman of STB, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; KePKAS Assistant Minister Dr Andi Mohd Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal and Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, as well as STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
