Liew (second left) being greeted by Josie. In the centre is Joniston.
KOTA KINABALU: China, Korea and Brunei are Sabah’s top three market sources post-pandemic 2019 versus 2023, says Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Speaking at the Sabah Tourism Appreciation Night for tourism players at a leading hotel here yesterday, she said as of 2023, 63 of the 87 flights from China have been reinstated.
“That is already more than half, and I would like to thank the airlines for ensuring this route accessibility, and also the key agents who have contributed to this success.
“However, there remains a lot of potential to continue tapping into the China market for more arrivals to match, if not exceed arrivals pre-pandemic.
“A big thank you, too, to the Korean airlines and agents. Korea recovered very quickly with direct flights and a good load factor.”
According to Liew, Bruneians to date contribute to the highest international arrivals for 2023, especially from November to December.
“It certainly helps that the new Temburong bridge and Pan Borneo Highway have positively impacted inbound tourism from Brunei industry members,” she said.
Liew also acknowledged the contribution of Chinese tour and travel agencies, among others, towards Sabah’s tourism growth in 2023, including Shenzhen Huangma International Travel, Asian World International Travel, Lazy Cat Travel Agencies and Alibaba Travel.
The Minister, who hosted the Appreciation Dinner, took the opportunity to introduce her Ministry’s new Permanent Secretary Josie Lai and STB’s new Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit. Also present were Assistant Minister and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking, Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion, Chairman of Sri Pelancongan Sabah Ken Pan, Sabah Parks Director Dr Maklarin Lakim, and Sri Pelancongan Sabah Chief Executive Officer Thonny Chee.
Among the guests were the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Sabah Branch Chairwoman Christina Wahida Kong, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah and Labuan Chapter Chairman Hafizan Wong, Malaysia Budget Hotel Association Sabah Chapter Chairman James Ong, Sabah Tourist Association Chairwoman Melanie Chu, Sabah Tourist Guides Association Vice-President Roland Ng, Air Asia Government Relations Manager Rodelio Junjun Taucan, and Royal Brunei Airlines Sales Manager (East Malaysia) Philip Lokupi.
Meanwhile, the Minister said STB would organise a dialogue with tourism players in the first quarter of the New Year.
She said this would be the right platform for tour operators, hoteliers, airlines, and other stakeholders to air their grouses (if any) with the aim of seeking possible solutions.
“We want to hear you out. We want to listen to your side of the story. Tell us the challenges you face. We welcome your feedback and constructive suggestions to take tourism growth to the next level. Together, we will iron out any problems in promoting tourism in Sabah,” Liew told some 50 stakeholders.
Saying that tourism is Sabah’s core business mainly because the state offers so much, she expressed confidence that the tourism players will continue to entice travellers by creating attractive tour packages and new holiday activities.
