Sabah Promotes Cycling Tourism at OTM Mumbai

6 February 2026

Mumbai, India: Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is stepping up engagement with the Indian market at Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026 with the introduction of a range of destination offerings, including the launch of Sabah North Borneo Cycling Paradise.

The cycling initiative was unveiled following the official opening of the Tourism Malaysia Pavilion at the Jio World Convention Centre on Thursday (5 February), providing a platform to promote niche and experience-based travel products to Indian travellers.

Among those present at the launch were Malaysian Consul General in Mumbai Ahmad Zuwairi Yusoff, Tourism Malaysia chairman Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Tourism Malaysia Asia-Africa senior director Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Tourism Malaysia–Mumbai director Noriah Jaafar, and STB deputy chief executive officer (product and research) Humphrey Ginibun.

Sabah North Borneo Cycling Paradise offers cyclists a diverse experience encompassing coastal routes, highland landscapes, rural towns and local cultural encounters, allowing visitors to explore the state in an active and immersive way.

STB participated in OTM 2026 from 5 to 7 February in support of Visit Malaysia 2026, while also generating early momentum for Visit Sabah 2027 as part of efforts to enhance the state’s international profile.

Under the Tourism Malaysia Pavilion, STB featured six Sabah-based tour operators and a resort partner, creating opportunities for networking and business discussions while showcasing products ranging from adventure and nature tours to resort experiences.

The participating companies were Borneo Trails Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd, Borneo Nature Tours, Borneo Sandakan Tours, Funholiday Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd, WB Tours and Travels Sdn Bhd, and Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort.

Sabah continues to attract international visitors with its beaches, islands, resorts, diving sites, wildlife and rich indigenous cultures, and had also gained recognition as a wedding destination for Indian couples prior to the pandemic.

Arrivals from India increased by 21.1 per cent last year, rising from 9,316 to 11,282, reflecting a steady recovery of the market and underscoring its importance to Sabah’s long-term tourism growth.

In terms of connectivity, Sabah is accessible from India via Singapore with 18 weekly flights to Kota Kinabalu, via Brunei with nine weekly flights, or via Kuala Lumpur with 189 weekly connecting flights to Kota Kinabalu, 61 weekly flights to Tawau and 34 weekly connecting flights to Sandakan.