Revealed on
December 18, 2025
Within the coronary heart of Southeast Asia, the place historic rainforests meet turquoise waters, a quiet financial revolution is happening. Sabah, lengthy celebrated for its breathtaking biodiversity and Mount Kinabalu’s towering peaks, has simply hit a historic milestone. In accordance with the most recent figures from the Division of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the state’s tourism business generated a staggering RM13.7 billion in 2024.
This isn’t only a quantity on a steadiness sheet; it represents a 4.2% development that now accounts for an enormous 12% of Sabah’s complete economic system. Because the world strikes absolutely right into a post-pandemic period, Sabah isn’t simply recovering—it’s thriving.
The Engine of Progress: Extra Than Simply Sightseeing
Once we consider tourism, we regularly think about postcards of Orangutans or the crystal-clear waters of Sipadan. Nonetheless, the RM13.7 billion success story is constructed on a various ecosystem of companies.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin highlighted that the “Retail Commerce” sector was the first driver, accounting for 47.3% of the tourism economic system. Whether or not it’s guests shopping for conventional pearls in Kota Kinabalu or tech-savvy vacationers stocking up on necessities, purchasing stays the king of tourism expenditure.
Following carefully behind is the “Lodging and Meals & Beverage” sector, which contributed 29.7%. From luxurious resorts in Dalit Bay to the bustling seafood markets of Semporna, the hospitality sector grew by 3.5%, proving that the way in which to a vacationer’s coronary heart—and pockets—is thru world-class service and distinctive delicacies.
The Inbound Surge: Connecting Sabah to the World
One of the putting revelations within the 2024 report is the soar in “Inner Tourism Consumption,” which skyrocketed by 46.5% to RM12.1 billion. A good portion of this was fueled by inbound tourism expenditure, which rose to RM6.2 billion.
What’s driving this? Connectivity. The growth of direct flight paths has been a game-changer. Kota Kinabalu Worldwide Airport has change into a bustling hub for vacationers from South Korea, China, and Brunei. These worldwide guests now account for almost half (49.1%) of complete inbound expenditure.
But it surely’s not simply worldwide friends. Regional neighbors are additionally flocking to the “Land Under the Wind.” Guests from Peninsular Malaysia made up 40.6% of arrivals, whereas Sarawakians contributed 10.3%. This regional synergy reveals that Sabah stays the top-tier “staycation” and “vacation” vacation spot for Malaysians.
Home Tourism: The Native Love Affair
Whereas worldwide numbers are spectacular, the native market is the bedrock of Sabah’s stability. Home tourism expenditure grew by a sturdy 45.9% in 2024.
So, the place are Malaysians going? The “Huge 4” locations proceed to dominate:
Kota Kinabalu: The gateway metropolis providing a mixture of city luxurious and sundown views.
Kundasang: Typically referred to as the “New Zealand of Malaysia,” its cool climates and dairy farms are successful with households.
Semporna: The last word bucket-list vacation spot for divers and island-hoppers.
Tawau: A rising star for these in search of genuine cultural experiences and gateway entry to the southern wilderness.
For home vacationers, purchasing was the highest precedence (43.8%), adopted by lodging and eating. It’s clear that when Malaysians go to Sabah, they arrive able to expertise the complete breadth of what the state has to supply.
Empowering the Folks: 387,600 Causes to Have fun
Essentially the most “human” ingredient of this financial knowledge is its influence on the native workforce. Tourism is one in every of Sabah’s biggest employers. In 2024, the variety of folks employed within the tourism sector grew to 387,600—a 6.9% improve from the earlier 12 months.
From tour guides and resort managers to retail assistants and cooks, the business is offering livelihoods for almost 400,000 Sabahans. The retail sector led this employment cost with an 8.3% development, adopted by the F&B sector at 5.6%. This implies extra alternatives for native youth and extra stability for households throughout the state.
A Future Constructed on Resilience
The shift from an 11.7% financial contribution in 2023 to 12% in 2024 may appear small on paper, however on the earth of macroeconomics, it’s a important leap. It alerts that Sabah is efficiently diversifying its economic system, transferring towards a service-oriented mannequin that capitalizes on its pure and cultural belongings.
As transport companies and automotive gas gross sales grew by 9%, and journey companies recorded a 5.9% improve, the infrastructure supporting tourism is clearly maturing. The “Sabah Regional Tourism Satellite tv for pc Account 2024” isn’t only a report; it’s a roadmap for future funding.
Conclusion
Sabah’s RM13.7 billion achievement is a testomony to the resilience of its folks and the irresistible pull of its landscapes. As direct flights proceed to hyperlink Kota Kinabalu with extra international cities, and as home vacationers proceed to rediscover the magic of their very own nation, Sabah is well-positioned to stay the crown jewel of Malaysian tourism.
Whether or not you’re a traveller planning your subsequent journey to the Kinabatangan River or an investor wanting on the booming retail panorama, one factor is for certain: Sabah is open for enterprise, and the numbers show it.