The Sabah Tourism Awards make a distinguished return after a hiatus since 2019, marking a significant moment for the Sabah tourism sector. This prestigious event serves to recognise and honour the exceptional contributions of individuals, organisations, and businesses that have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and dedication in revitalising Sabah’s tourism industry in the aftermath of the global pandemic.
As the industry emerges stronger and more adaptive, the awards aim to highlight those who have played a pivotal role in promoting Sabah as a premier travel destination. Nominations are now open to acknowledge the very best—those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to uphold the standards and spirit of Sabah’s hospitality and tourism.
This year’s awards not only celebrate achievement but also pay tribute to the enduring strength and commitment of tourism players who have overcome immense challenges. It is a timely recognition of excellence, perseverance, and the collective drive to shape a sustainable and thriving future for Sabah’s tourism landscape.
SABAH TOURISM RECOGNITION AWARD
Sabah Tour Innovation Award
The award recognizes tour operators, guides, and agencies that demonstrate outstanding and memorable travel experiences, embodying deep knowledge of Sabah’s natural wonders, cultural heritage, and local traditions. The recipient is celebrated for their commitment to excellence, personalized service, and innovative approaches to tourism.
Winner
Gold
TREC & Supu Tour (KOPEL Kinabatangan)
Sabah Best Practice in Tourism (Community Based Tourism)
This award honors those who excel in sustainable tourism, enhance visitor experiences, and preserve Sabah’s cultural and natural heritage in Community Based Tourism category. The recipients set high standards in quality, creativity, and responsibility, serving as benchmarks for the industry.
Winner
Gold
Walai Tobilung, Kota Marudu
Silver
Kg.Tajau Laut, Kudat
Bronze
Tegudon Tourism Village, Kota Belud
Sabah Hospitality Gem Award
This award recognizes and honors hospitality establishments or individuals in Sabah who exemplify a shining example of excellence, service, and dedication within the hospitality industry. This award celebrates those who consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional experiences for guests, showcase outstanding customer service, and demonstrate a commitment to upholding the highest standards of hospitality.
Winner
Gold
Mari Mari Cultural Village
Silver
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (Kinabalu Park)
Bronze
Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort
Sabah Best Practice in Tourism (Tourism Product)
This award honors those who excel in sustainable tourism, enhance visitor experiences, and preserve Sabah’s cultural and natural heritage in Tourism Product category. The recipients set high standards in quality, creativity, and responsibility, serving as benchmarks for the industry.
Winner
Gold
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Silver
Mari Mari Cultural Village
Bronze
Lankayan Island Dive Resort
Sabah Best Practice in Tourism (Accommodation)
This award honors those who excel in sustainable tourism, enhance visitor experiences, and preserve Sabah’s cultural and natural heritage in Accommodation category. The recipients set high standards in quality, creativity, and responsibility, serving as benchmarks for the industry.
Winner
Gold
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Silver
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (Kinabalu Park)
Bronze
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Sabah Tourism Champion (Advocate Award)
THIS AWARD CELEBRATES INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE DEMONSTRATED EXCEPTIONAL EFFORTS IN PROMOTING SABAH AS A PREMIER TOURISM DESTINATION.
RECIPIENTS ACT AS EXEMPLARY AMBASSADORS, ELEVATING THE REGION’S PROFILE THROUGH ADVOCACY, MARKETING, AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT.
Winner
Gold
Jesus Cede Prudente
Sabah Tourism Champion (Partnership Award)
THIS AWARD CELEBRATES THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS THAT HAVE NOTABLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN SABAH.
Winner
Gold
Borneo Tourism Research Centre
Silver
Air Asia China
Bronze
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Sabah Tourism Champion (Leadership - Individual)
The award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact within the Sabah community. This award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the social, economic, cultural, or environmental well-being of Sabah.
Winner
Gold
Alexander Yee
Silver
Albert Teo Chin Kion
Bronze
Abdul Sail Jamaluddin
Sabah Tourism Champion (Leadership - Organization)
The award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon organization who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact within the Sabah community. This award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the social, economic, cultural, or environmental well-being of Sabah.
Winner
Gold
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Silver
Friends of Sea Turtles Education & Research
Bronze
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
SABAH TOURISM CHAMPION (RESILIENCE - ORGANIZATION)
This award recognizes individuals or organizations within the tourism sector in Sabah who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges or crises, showcasing strength and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Their ability to overcome obstacles with strength and perseverance serves as an inspiration to others in the industry.
Winner
Gold
Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort
Silver
Rumah Terbalik
SABAH TOURISM CHAMPION (RESILIENCE - INDIVIDUAL)
This award recognizes individuals within the tourism sector in Sabah who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges or crises, showcasing strength and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
Their ability to overcome obstacles with strength and perseverance serves as an inspiration to others in the industry.
Winner
Gold
Grace Leong
SABAH TOURISM CHAMPION (SUSTAINABILITY)
THIS AWARD ACKNOWLEDGES EFFORTS TOWARD SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PRACTICES IN SABAH, HONORING INITIATIVES THAT PRIORITIZE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION FOR THE REGION’S LONG-TERM BENEFIT.
Winner
Gold
Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort
Silver
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Bronze
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
SPECIAL APPRECIATION AWARDS
The Special Appreciation Awards acknowledge individuals or organisations exceptional commitment, collaboration, innovation, or service that may fall outside the standard award categories, but which merit special recognition for their contribution to strengthening the tourism ecosystem in Sabah.
Kinabalu Running Club (KRC)
Persatuan Malim Gunung Kinabalu
Persatuan Porter Gunung Kinabalu
Sutera Harbour
Tough Gorilla
LIFETIME RECOGNITION AWARDS
The Lifetime Recognition Awards are conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional, sustained, and transformative contributions to the tourism and hospitality industry in Sabah over the course of their careers
The late Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks
