Homestays set to sweeten visits with fruit festivals

KOTA KINABALU: Local fruit festivals will be organised to attract domestic and foreign tourists to visit several registered homestays under the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).

Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said the four homestays were Desa Cinta Kobuni, Id Kalangadan, Darau Wetland and most recently, Id Pogimpaan, all under DBKK’s Community-Based Tourism (CBT) initiative.

He said that discussions would soon take place between DBKK and several agencies, including the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama), to make this plan materialise.

“We believe that fruit festivals in these areas can potentially attract tourists to visit the homestays,” he said during the launch of the Id Pogimpaan homestay on Saturday.

“At the same time, it will create a new tourism product that can be commercialised and added to existing offerings, while also increasing the income of homestay operators themselves.

“For example, the Id Pogimpaan homestay area in Kampung Binaung Baru, Manggatal, known for its attractive scenery and existing fruit farming area, is well-suited to achieve our goals.”

Sabin added that DBKK would work towards implementing the proposal, considering it was part of the seven outlined strategies.

Among the objectives of this programme, he explained, was to improve the socio-economy of the local community through involvement in tourism activities by diversifying and upgrading various tourism products.

At the same time, they will be able to conserve natural resources while maintaining the heritage and culture of the local community.

He said the Id Pogimpaan homestay was a new attraction for foreign tourists who wanted to experience staying in a village-style setting.

He said the homestay possessed significant potential and opportunity to be developed as a source of additional income for the city community and further contribute to the state’s economic development.

“The first homestay in the programme to be registered under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry was Desa Cinta Kobuni in 2017, followed by Id Kalangadan in 2020, Darau Wetland in 2022, and now, Id Pogimpaan in 2023.

“This initiative demonstrates that DBKK consistently supports the development of homestay programmes to enhance competitiveness in the tourism industry, indirectly improving the community’s economy, especially in urban areas,” Sabin said.

He also advised homestay operators and committee members to, among others, focus on aspects of cleanliness and beauty in each village.

Also present to launch the Id Pogimpaan homestay was Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir.