Holistic approach to turn Labuan into premier tourist spot

The duty-free island of Labuan has taken a holistic approach to include sport facilities in its urban planning and integrate them to develop an international profile as a tourist destination.

Hosting multiple events meant it has developed a reputation as being a vibrant and exciting place to live as well as a prosperous island in which to locate or do business.

Member of Parliament for Labuan, Datuk Rozman Isli noted that the Labuan International Sea Challenge (LISC) attracted thousands of domestic and international visitors into the island annually, as participants and spectators.

"We are glad to note that many people be they from the government sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the public put their hand up to help out to ensure the success of the event," he told Bernama.

He said hundreds of local and international participants had signed up for the 22 events listed in this year's LISC.

The first event kicked off on April 22 and will end on May 1.

The five main events are Water Taxi Tug Boat Race, Boat Tug of War, Round Island Kayak Challenge, Island to Island Fishing Tournament and Cross Channel Swimming Challenge.

Rozman said the island had also come up with a new tourism product - island tour using a newly-designed wooden boat known as ''Parahu Larai''.

"We will promote Parahu Larai to visitors as part of the tourism game changer for the island," he said.

-- BERNAMA