GENERAL CRITERIA:
A. Should there be any complication in regards with the finalists or results, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment Sabah reserves the right to veto the recommendations of the respective Committees with regard to the finalists for the awards in the respective Categories.

B. Participating establishments competing for the different awards must be in operation for at least two (2) years as of 1st January 2011.

Best Tourism Attraction	This Award recognises the most attractive tourism spot that has enhanced the State’s image as a tourist destination.
	There are two (2) Awards under this category: Best Tourism Attraction-Nature Best Tourism Attraction-Non-Nature/Man-made
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on creativity of product development, popularity, cleanliness, maintenance, type of facilities, promotions and marketing, accessibility, safety and security. Participating nominees in this category must show appropriate development of new products.

Excellence in Hotel Services	This Award recognises hotels and lodges which offer quality and excellent services to their guests.
	There are five (5) Awards under this category: 5-Star 3-Star to 4-Star 2-Star & Below Nature Lodge Homestay
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on overall quality of services, staff capacity and delivery, available facilities such as rooms, reception, hotel/lodge design, food and beverage, entertainment and general amenities, security, safety and cleanliness, good maintenance and overall appearance of the property.

Best Tour Operator	This Award gives recognition to the operator who has the most outstanding record in selling and promoting Sabah in their respective markets. It is opened to all registered tour operators in Sabah and Malaysia.
	There are two (2) Awards under this category: Best Inbound Tour Operator Best Overseas Tour Operator: (Hong Kong, China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore)
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on contributions in terms of arrivals into Sabah, sales network, active selling and promotions of Sabah tour packages and reliability of services offered (note: size of company will not be the main judging criteria). Additional points will be given to competing operators that promote tours ‘beyond Kota Kinabalu’ and new tourism products and attractions.

Best Inbound Tour Package	This Award gives recognition to the best package including incentive packages offered by inbound tour operators. It is opened to all registered tour operators in Sabah and Malaysia. There is only one Award in this category.
	There is only one (1) Award in this category.
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on handling of tour programmes, quality of services, product innovation and creativity. Positive feedback from tourists/clients, airlines and other tourism related organisations will be taken into consideration.

Best M.I.C.E Agent	This Award recognizes the best M.I.C.E. agent of the year, which contributes positively to Sabah’s growing image as a ‘MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) Destination’. There is only one Award in this category.
	There is only one (1) Award in this category.
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on standard of services provided in planning and management of an event,, number of participating countries, percentage of international and local participation, number of international and local visitors, marketing and promotional efforts, pre/post MICE tours as well as the economic impact of MICE in terms of revenue and hotel accommodation used.

Best Tour Guide	This Award recognises the best tourist guide of the year. All tourist guides registered in Sabah may submit their entries with brief statement to support their entry. Letter of accolades/appreciation (if any) should be attached together with entries.
	There are two (2) Awards under this category: Best General Tour Guide Best Specialised Tour Guide
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on product knowledge, product presentation, tour guide personality, courtesy, good track record and personal integrity as well as contribution to the industry.

Best Tourism Article and Documentary on Sabah	This Award recognises the best tourism coverage in the form of articles and also television documentary on Sabah by Malaysia-based and overseas-based writers.
	There are four (4) Awards under this category: Best Tourism Article published in Sabah Best Tourism Article published in Malaysia Best Tourism Article published Overseas Best Documentary on Sabah on Sabah Published in Malaysia Best Tourism Documentary on Sabah Published Overseas Best Online Media
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on quality and accuracy of information, creativity in writing, evoking and providing appropriate and excellent images, ability of article to enhance Sabah’s image and generate interest in Sabah as must-visit travel destination.

Best Destination Management Company	This Award recognises the best DMC (Destination Management Company) of the year, which contributes positively to Sabah’s growing image as a ‘MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) Destination’.
	There is only one (1) Award in this category.
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on standard of services provided in planning and management of an event, number of participating countries, percentage of international and local participation, number of international and local visitors, marketing and promotional efforts, pre/post MICE tours as well as the economic impact of MICE in terms of revenue and hotel accommodation used.

Best Food Outlet	This Award recognises the best restaurant of the year, which contributes positively to Sabah’s growing image as a ‘Gourmet Paradise’.
	There are two (2) Awards under this category: Best Restaurant - Hotel/ Resort Best Restaurant - Stand Alone Best Kopi Tiam
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on value for money, quality and presentation of food, décor setting and ambience, services, cleanliness, attractive menus and range of beverages.

Best Shopping Complex	This Award recognises the shopping centre which befits the description of ‘Shoppers Paradise’. All shopping centres in Sabah which have a minimum of 20 independent stores are eligible.
	There is only one (1) Award in this category.
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on design of shopping complex, location, patronage, promotional activities, displays, quality of services, range of products, type of outlets, security, safety, cleanliness and parking facilities.

Best Night Spot Experience	This Award recognises the best night spot which is the most attractive and well managed. All night spots in Sabah except theme parks are eligible to compete for the award.
	There is only one (1) Award in this category.
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on features such as attractive and creative entertainment programmes and activities, management, facilities, quality of services, safety, security and cleanliness.

Best Spa Experience	This Award gives recognition to spa establishments in Sabah that have set high benchmark in quality and innovation as a supporting industry to tourism in Sabah.
	There are two (2) Awards under this category: Stand Alone Hotel/Resort
	Judging Criteria: Judging is based on the overall innovation of treatment, quality of service, sense of place (ie. ambience and environment), cleanliness and hygiene, facilities, quality and range of products used and value for money.