Kota Kinabalu Airport Celebrates Kaamatan Festival Welcoming Visitors

Warm Welcome for Kaamatan Festival Guests

The vibrant Kaamatan Festival is met with lively celebrations at Kota Kinabalu Airport as Tourism Malaysia Sabah extends a warm greeting to all incoming visitors.

Cultural Festivities at the Airport

In conjunction with the renowned Kaamatan Festival and the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, a special event organized by Tourism Malaysia Sabah took place at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA). This occasion showcased an engaging display of local culture and tradition, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the region.

Visitor Arrivals

Throughout the day, an impressive 27 flights landed at KKIA, bringing in guests from cities like Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and various locations within Malaysia. This influx included about 930 international and 4,933 domestic travelers, all welcomed with a festive atmosphere and cultural experiences.

A Rich Cultural Experience

Upon arrival, guests were treated to enchanting cultural performances, which included the traditional Magunatip dance (a bamboo dance) along with KadazanDusun artistic presentations. Visitors savored local delights such as tapai (a fermented glutinous rice delicacy), enhancing their experience of the Kaamatan Festival. The celebrations commenced with the resonant sound of a traditional gong, thanks to the participation of significant figures such as YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and other distinguished guests.

Notable Attendees

The event also featured various local officials, including Ms. Haryanty Abu Bakar, Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah, Mr. Jefry Ramli, Senior Airport Manager of KKIA, and representatives from airlines, who added prestige to the welcoming event.

The Significance of the Kaamatan Festival

Every May, the Kaamatan Festival honors the rice spirit known as Bambaazon. This festival represents a time of thanksgiving and unity, fostering cultural pride among Sabah’s indigenous groups. It aligns perfectly with the tourism goals set by Malaysia to spotlight cultural tourism and enhance visitor experiences leading up to the Visit Malaysia 2026 initiative.

Tourism Recovery in Malaysia

Malaysia’s tourism sector is witnessing a robust rebound, with 38 million international visitors recorded in 2024—a notable rise of 31.1% over the previous year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Visitor expenditures reached RM106.78 billion, reflecting a remarkable growth of 43.7%, significantly surpassing figures from 2019.

Positive Trends into 2025

In the first four months of 2025, a further increase was noted, with 13.4 million visitor arrivals, showing a year-on-year rise of 21%. The top markets contributing to this growth included Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, and others.

Summary of the Event and Its Impact

The Kaamatan Festival’s festivities at KKIA are more than just celebrations; they symbolize the thriving tourism potential of Malaysia. These events encourage visitors to seek personal experience, highlighting the enchanting local culture. Even the most honest feedback may not rival the joy of experiencing these vibrant traditions firsthand.

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Záverečné myšlienky

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