Borneo Tourism Investment and Hospitality Summit 2026

The Borneo Tourism Investment and Hospitality Summit 2026 runs from 20 to 22 November 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It brings together investors, hoteliers and tourism leaders to discuss new markets, investment, AI and digital tools, and partnerships in Borneo. Sabah Tourism presents it as a pre-event for Visit Sabah 2027, making it useful for agencies planning Sabah products for next year.

About the Borneo Tourism Investment and Hospitality Summit

According to Sabah Tourism, the summit aims to explore emerging markets, unlock investment opportunities, use AI and digital innovation, strengthen hospitality skills and build strategic partnerships. It is intended to strengthen Sabah's tourism ecosystem and speed up the state's development as a competitive tourism and hospitality hub in Borneo.

The organiser is the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce. Registration and programme details are on the official summit website. The same weekend, SICC also hosts the 26th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta, and the Sabah Community-based Tourism Fair runs at a nearby shopping mall, so trade visitors can cover several events in one trip.

Borneo Tourism Investment and Hospitality Summit 2026 dates and venue

The summit dates are Friday 20 November to Sunday 22 November 2026. The venue is the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu, on the waterfront close to the city centre. Attendance is by registration through the official website; check there for delegate categories and any fees.

How to get to Kota Kinabalu for the summit

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is Sabah's main gateway, with flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok and several East Asian cities; travellers from the Gulf and North Africa usually connect through Kuala Lumpur (KUL) or Singapore (SIN). The airport is a short taxi or ride-hailing trip from the city centre and SICC.

For a trip to Kota Kinabalu for the summit, arrive the day before to collect badges and set up meetings.

Sabah is one of Malaysia's strongest nature destinations, with Mount Kinabalu, island marine parks, orangutan and wildlife centres around Sandakan, and diving off Semporna. For agencies that sell family and adventure travel, understanding how hotels, transport and attractions in the state are developing before Visit Sabah 2027 can help them prepare products early and price them with confidence.

Where to stay

The city centre and waterfront area around SICC have a good choice of business and mid-range hotels within easy reach of the venue. Tanjung Aru, south of the centre near the airport, offers resort-style stays. With several events at SICC that weekend, book early.

Planning a group trip to the Borneo Tourism Investment and Hospitality Summit

For travel agencies, the summit is a chance to meet Sabah hotels, resorts, DMCs and tourism officials ahead of Visit Sabah 2027 and to learn about new products and investment projects. Agencies from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Gulf that sell Borneo nature trips can use the visit to plan family packages, Muslim-friendly itineraries and Mount Kinabalu or island add-ons. Book meetings in advance through the organisers where possible, and add a short familiarisation trip to Kinabalu Park or the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park after the summit.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Borneo Tourism Investment and Hospitality Summit 2026?

It runs from 20 to 22 November 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Kota Kinabalu, according to Sabah Tourism.

Who organises the summit?

Sabah Tourism lists the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce as the organiser.

Is the summit open to the public?

It is a trade and investment event. Register through the official website to attend.

Why is it linked to Visit Sabah 2027?

Sabah Tourism describes the summit as a pre-event initiative for Visit Sabah 2027, aimed at raising the state's tourism competitiveness.

Which airport serves Kota Kinabalu?

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), a short drive from the city centre.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Borneo Tourism Investment and Hospitality Summit in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.