KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism Federation (STF) has been established to unite associations and associates from the various sectors of the tourism industry to pursue mutual interest and cooperation.
STF protem president Dato’ Seri Winston Liaw said the protem office bearers and board members of the federation were elected during a meeting held at Le Meridien Hotel recently.
The federation encompasses 10 tourism and hospitality associations in Sabah.
The line-up of STF include leaders of local tourism and hospitality associations, namely Liaw (also Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents chairman) as the president, Fiona Hagan (Malaysian Association of Hotels Sabah Chapter chairperson) as deputy president, Christopher Chan (Sabah Hotel Association president) as honorary secretary general, Grace Leong (Sabah Tourist Guides Association president) as honorary treasurer general, Tony Chew (Sabah Tourist Association chairman) as deputy honorary secretary general and James Ong (Malaysia Budget Hotel Association Sabah Chapter chairman) as deputy honorary treasurer general.
The executive board members are Ritchie Lee (Sabah Backpacker Operators Association president), Djuanis Mogirong (Persatuan Homestay Sabah president), Dabalun bin Hj Balau (Persatuan Pemandu Pelancongan Bumiputra Negeri Sabah president) and Robert Chong (Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Sabah Chapter chairman).
“The federation would serve to promote and protect the interest of members in particular, and the interests of the tourism industry in Sabah.
“It will also act as a consultative body and representative in all matters pertaining to issues affecting the conduct and development of the tourism industry in Sabah,” Liaw said in a press conference here yesterday.
Also present to witness the formation of the federation was Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming.
In addition, Liaw said STF would coordinate the rationalization of the various plans, programmes and activities undertaken by the various sectors of the industry as well as the government and private sector.
“We will initiate and assist in the formulation of policies concerning the promotion and development of tourism and tourism standards for the industry in Sabah through legislation setting or safeguards.”
He added that the federation would also assist in the promotion of both domestic and international tourism and in the upgrading of tourism infrastructure and services for the benefit of both members and tourists.
Continue reading (incl. Pic) at: Sabah Tourism Federation established
..
