KENINGAU, 24 August 2024 – The Sabah Durian Tourism Bazaar 2024, held on August 24th and 25th at The Durian Valley in Keningau, is making waves in the agro-tourism sector, drawing both local and international tourists, particularly from China and ASEAN countries. The event is a collaborative effort by Tourism Malaysia Sabah, the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Sabah Chapter, and the Sabah Durian and Tropical Fruit Growers Association (MaSDa).
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, YB Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan, highlighted that the primary objective of this event is to encourage more agro-entrepreneurs to engage in agro-tourism. “Involvement in agro-tourism not only enhances income streams but also serves as a platform for knowledge exchange among visitors, thereby increasing the potential of this tourism segment in Sabah,” he stated.
The bazaar features 30 stalls offering a variety of durians, fruits, food, and beverages from agro-entrepreneurs and small traders across different districts in Sabah. According to Mr. Duane Evans, President of MaSDa, “Several additional programs are being implemented to attract visitors to the bazaar, including a Durian Race, children’s coloring and drawing competitions, a creative cake decoration contest, and cultural and musical performances.”
The Sabah Durian Tourism Bazaar 2024 continues the momentum from the launch of the Durian Tourism 2024/2025 agro-tourism package on June 27, 2024, at Broga Orchard Hill Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan. A total of 62 Durian Tourism agro-tourism packages have been developed in collaboration with 27 local tour operators. These packages cover several states, including Sabah, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, and Kelantan.
This event not only celebrates the king of fruits but also strengthens Sabah’s position as a key player in Malaysia’s growing agro-tourism industry, providing a unique experience for durian enthusiasts and tourists alike.
