KOTA KINABALU, 29 January 2026: Sabah has strong potential to further develop as a cruise tourism destination, amid growing interest from international cruise operators. This was conveyed to the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, during a meeting with cruise industry players. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai with SATS-Creuers Cruise Services chief executive officer Gregory Tan (centre) and Marella Cruises head of marine and operations Joel Christopher Hipple (left). Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Sabah recorded 30 cruise ship calls in 2019, with 36,183 passengers. (Source: Sabah Tourism Board)