KOTA KINABALU – The state’s tourism products are better off being linked to the existing nature and culture here, said Sabah Tourism Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin over the heavily westernised themed products in Ranau.
He said while there is nothing wrong with the products, he is leaving the matter to the Ranau District Council to urge operators to promote more Sabah-centric tourism products.
“I have seen the location. The products are targeted at children. But as this is a business operation, I would prefer the local government there to act.
“There is nothing wrong with this, but it would be best if the operators could present products that are more related to Sabah culture and nature,” said Jafry when met at the airport here today.
Alpaca zoos, cat farms, rabbit farms, windmills, a replica of a London phone booth as well as cartoon mascots filled the popular highland Kundasang town in Ranau.
Kundasang is also home to Mount Kinabalu and a World Heritage Site.
An activist recently lashed out against inaccurate cultural representations of Sabah being offered as tourism products in the area, saying the area should be promoted as a heritage site, trail walks and botanical gardens, among others. – The Vibes, July 26, 2022
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