News South Asia

Board expects more tourism-related jobs

Sabah Tourism Board expects the number of tourism-related jobs to grow further in Sabah, bolstered by the growth of the industry.

Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai on Friday said more direct and indirect job opportunities will be created from the "mushrooming" development of hotels, resorts, boutique hotels, homestays as well as bed and breakfast facilities at present.

There are 80,300 employees taking on tourism-related work, and being the State′s third highest economic contributor it has raked in a record RM6.35 billion in tourism receipt from 3.4 million visitors in 2013.

Hence, Bangkuai said the construction of new hotels and resorts is inevitable and will create more jobs.

"The tourism industry has become an important sector and has created a lot of employment opportunities," he said at the launching of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific Careers Day, here.

He then lauded the Starwood′s initiative, which offers a glimpse to local talents on careers and opportunity to kick-start their careers in the hospitality industry.

This is the second time Starwood organised its Career Day and has employed 12 candidates and engaged 72 trainees, working in its hotels here - Le Meridien and Sandakan Four Points Sheraton.

Le Meridien General Manager Fiona Hagan said they have 16 positions to be filled this time as it offers its trainees an opportunity to expand their careers in the hospitality line.

She added that the programme is being simultaneously held in 120 locations across Asia on the same day.