The Impact of Covid-19 on Tourism Sector in Sabah

The spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic has triggered changes to the world economy, especially sectors related to the service sector, namely the tourism sector which depends on movement of people.It brought a profound and unprecedented impact on the global tourism sector.World GDP growth were reported to be -2.9 percent in 2020 from 2.7 percent in 2019 (World Bank, 2023).At the end of January 2020, COVID-19 outbreak started to post tourism industry with a major challenge.The thriving industry experienced an abrupt halt as countries worldwide implemented stringent measures to contain the virus.Some countries have banned the arrival of tourists from other countries.This has affected the tourism sector in Sabah, Malaysia.Having said that, how severe is the impact of COVID-19 on Sabah's tourism sector?How has it affect different tourism firms in the economy?This study has undertaken a survey and stakeholders engagement activities to understand and examine the impact of COVID-19 on tourism sector in Sabah at firm level during the early disease spread, during Movement Control Order (MCO) period and post MCO period as well as issues associated with it.Recommendations are also proposed based on the lessons learned from the out-break.