For many years, Sabah has prided itself on its breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural tapestry. From the majestic Mount Kinabalu to the pristine coral reefs of Sipadan, we offer a plethora of experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. However, the allure of tourism also presents challenges, particularly the need to balance economic growth with environmental preservation and social equity.
Nonetheless, Sabah has made significant strides towards sustainable tourism practices in recent years. Recognising the delicate balance between development and conservation, the state government, along with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and other tourism stakeholders, has implemented various initiatives to minimise the negative impacts of tourism and maximise its benefits — among them is promoting community-based tourism and rural tourism initiatives.
Community-based tourism is a major pillar of sustainable tourism in Sabah. By involving local communities in tourism development, initiatives like homestay programs and cultural performances not only provide economic opportunities but also empower local communities and preserve their cultural heritage.
However, like any initiative that is still in its nascent stage, local sustainable tourism initiatives are not without unique challenges. I spoke to Anna Marie Chai, Area Director at Destination Asia – Borneo — an industry leader who is passionate about sustainable and community-based tourism initiatives — to share her thoughts on the subject:
Anna Marie Chai
1. What in your opinion are some of the key challenges facing sustainable tourism in Sabah?
In my opinion, the key challenges we face are in education and awareness. Local stakeholders should collaborate to identify unique selling points within their respective areas. By expanding their knowledge and expertise, they can further develop tourism products that offer visitors truly immersive and authentic experiences, particularly given the rich cultural and heritage attractions available.
Conversely, tourists may lack awareness of responsible behaviour in ecologically sensitive areas. This can lead to detrimental practices such as littering, wildlife disturbance, and disregard for local regulations. To address this, relevant authorities should consider increased investment in environmental education programs for both tourists and local stakeholders. Furthermore, implementing improved signage and launching informative campaigns that emphasise sustainable practices is crucial.
At the same time, we also need to ensure that any rapid infrastructure development, including roads, hotels, and airports, to accommodate tourists is guided by sustainable building technologies, meticulous planning, and environmentally sound practices. This will help minimise the impact on natural habitats and cultural sites, thereby demonstrating our commitment to sustainable development.
Anna Marie with the world’s tallest tropical tree in Danum Valley.
2. What are some examples of successful sustainable tourism initiatives you’ve seen in Sabah?
I think that the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) in Danum Valley, Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL) in Sukau and Walai Penyu Resort on Libaran Island have done commendable work on sustainable tourism. They have incorporated low-impact initiatives in their operations while educating guests on the importance of nature conservation. At the same time, they also provide employment opportunities to local youths in the area — a great community-driven initiative!
3. In your opinion, what are the ethical implications of ‘over-tourism’ for residents?
I think, three of the major implications are loss of cultural identity, environmental degradation and economic disparity.
In the case of cultural identity loss, cultural performances and activities may be altered or commercialised to cater to tourist demands, such as by shortening durations to meet time constraints or incorporating trendy elements. This can significantly erode cultural authenticity and compromise historical integrity.
Without proper management, over-tourism can place significant strain on natural resources, leading to pollution and causing severe environmental damage. Finally, over-tourism often exacerbates economic inequality, as the majority of tourism profits frequently flow to large corporations and external stakeholders. This can lead to rising living costs for local communities while limiting their financial gains from the tourism industry.
4. In light of this, how can we ensure that tourism benefits are fairly distributed among all stakeholders?
To ensure equitable distribution of tourism benefits, it is imperative to actively engage and involve local communities from the initial planning stages. By incorporating their voices and perspectives, tourism strategies can better align with the needs and aspirations of those most directly affected.
Furthermore, raising awareness and educating both locals and stakeholders about the potential economic growth that tourism can generate is crucial. However, sustainability must remain paramount to ensure that this growth does not come at the expense of environmental or cultural degradation. This approach fosters equity, empowers local communities, and promotes a harmonious balance between development and conservation.
5. What are your career goals within the field of sustainable tourism in Sabah?
Our primary goal at Destination Asia is to continue pursuing sustainable tourism by creating experiences that seamlessly integrate with and respect the environment, history, culture, and local traditions.
Destination Asia believes in giving back to the community through CSR initiatives.
Furthermore, I am dedicated to incorporating environmentally conscious practices into both my professional and personal life. This includes minimising waste, actively supporting eco-friendly initiatives, and promoting responsible tourism practices.
I believe that this approach will not only celebrate and preserve the unique elements of Sabah but also ensure long-term benefits for both the environment and the local communities.
As citizens of Sabah, we all have a role to play in supporting sustainable tourism. If you’re planning to travel locally this year, perhaps it’s good to explore community-based tourism offerings such as rural homestay programmes that will offer more insight into local culture, customs and lifestyle.
The Destination Asia Malaysia team joined forces with Arm of Hope Sabah to deliver ‘Baskets of Hope’ to mothers in need.
By choosing eco-friendly accommodations, participating in responsible wildlife encounters, and respecting local customs, we can all contribute to the preservation of this beautiful state for generations to come. Embracing sustainability in Sabah is not just a choice; it is a communal responsibility.
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