What is Sabahs niche in the worldwide travel and leisure market?
The answer: Ecotourism. Ecotourism belongs to a highly specialised subset of nature travel and is based on the people’s interest in nature and conservation and their willingness to travel to pursue this interest. Ecotourism, says STPC, is the largest market in the world. Sabah’s main strength in the worldwide ecotourism market lie in her relatively unspoilt nature, enchanting landscapes and unique flora and fauna. There is much to be found in the nature of Sabah that is not found elsewhere in the world. The products of ecotourism in Sabah include: Mount Kinabalu, the highest in Southeast Asia; Sipadan island, Malaysia’s only oceanic island which is a world famous diving spot; nature forest; wildlife; forest canopy; islands and beaches; insects (eg. beetles and butterflies); fruits; caves; plantations; acquaculture farms etc. State Tourism and Environment Minister, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, remains excited about the niche markets that Sabah can tap. He is currently pushing for cultural and
