Homestay tour package a hit

KUDAT: A tour package introduced by an award-winning homestay outfit and an airline company has boosted arrivals here in Sabah since last September. The combined effort by the Misompuru Homestay and MASwings has attracted the attention of many people, including Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Dr Ng, who launched the package here yesterday, said the combination appeared to be a winner because the number of people who opted for homestays had almost doubled from 17,528 in 2010 to 34,578 last year.

The Misompuru-MASwings package alone has attracted 14,912 tourists and generated more than RM700,000 for 42 families, mostly Rungus people from 15 villages in three districts.

The package is listed by the ministry as one of the top three homestay programmes in the country.

“I believe the homestay package will attract more visitors to this district and stay with Minsompuru Homestay here,” Dr Ng said.

“Such a package is not just about providing accommodation, but is a lifestyle experience where outsiders can explore the local flavours.”

MASwings is helping to promote the Misompuru Homestay programme that will expose guests to the Rungus lifestyle in 15 villages in Kudat, Pitas and Kota Marudu. It is called the MasWings Adventure Misompuru package.

The homestay programme focuses on visitors arriving by the twice- weekly MASwings flights to Kudat.

MASwings sales and marketing manager Zamanimaran Abdullah said they had received positive feedback from tourists since the package was introduced last year.

“At the moment, we are focusing on Kudat, but we are also looking at exploring other areas, including in Sarawak. We are working closely with the Tourism Ministry and hope to bring more visitors into the country and especially to experience the local culture.”

Source : New Straits Times