KOTA KINABALU – Following the suspension of all direct flights from China, Sabah will be looking at tapping tourists from other countries in a move to salvage its tourism industry, said its Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Chinese tourists made up the largest number of foreign visitors in 2019, totalling 558,903 people.
From an economic standpoint, the state is moving towards being sustainable, where it’s been announced that Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew will be attending a convention in Russia and several other destinations.
“There are Europeans into conservation and the environment. We could also have scientists come for two to three months to do their studies,” he said, explaining that apart from islands and mountains, Sabah could play up their conservation centres and zones instead.
From an economic standpoint, Sabah is moving towards being sustainable, where Datuk Seri also mentioned that Sabah has been receiving more tourists from Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and neighbouring countries.
“I told Liew to have meetings with all players, including hoteliers on this issue, to have reasonable rates (to lure tourists).” He added that the ministry is also actively promoting cruising services, which connects Kota Kinabalu to other districts the likes of Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kudat and Sandakan, starting this year.