Swab test exclusion will boost Sabah tourism
News Date: November 20, 2021
Media : New Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah’s tourism industry received a boost today following the announcement by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor that fully-vaccinated visitors can enter the state without having to go for swab tests beginning next month.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the relaxation would create enthusiasm for tour operators to market Sabah as a prime destination.
“Surely, both business and leisure travellers will definitely welcome this. It is very good for tourism and it will create a spin-off effect, with hotels, the transportation sector, and the restaurants all filling up.
“The Sabah Chief Minister has been very proactive, and he sees the necessity to really move the tourism and boost up the arrival (of tourists),” he said.
Hajiji announced it during the launch of the 49th MATTA Fair at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Nov 20.
Tan said with international borders reopening the tourism industry anticipated the establishment of more ‘vaccinated travel lanes’ (VTLs) or similar clear mechanisms with other countries to welcome international tourists.
“Our closest neighbour Singapore already has VTL arrangements with 15 countries and will add another six countries to that list by Dec 6 (which include countries from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America).
“As such, we urge the government to quickly establish more VTLs or travel bubbles to capture the pent-up demand, especially during the upcoming holiday season.
“Other popular tourist destinations, such as Kota Kinabalu and Penang, should not be overlooked in addition to Langkawi,” he said.
Following the latest development, Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai encouraged the people to take advantage of the travel fair to explore Sabah.
“We are aware that the swab test requirement has been a hindrance for individuals, particularly those travelling with family, who want to visit Sabah.
“Travelling has now been made easier, and now is the time for everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to begin planning a trip to the Land Below The Wind, where many adventures await,” he said.
On Nov 19, Bangkuai and the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) had a meeting with AirAsia chief executive officer Riad Asmat to discuss the low-cost carrier’s future plans for Sabah.
“Looking at their plans for Sabah, there is no reason for STB not to support. We are on the same page.
“We understand the state government is being careful because the health and safety of Sabahans is paramount. That said, we do want to see a speedy revival in tourism.
“With international borders expected to open in January, building confidence for travellers is important, and we are ready to welcome more visitors,” said Bangkuai.
Riad explained the Covid-19 test requirement had become a deterrent for individuals flying for leisure as it added up to the cost of travel expenses.
“We will see the trajectory and bring the state tourism industry back. Langkawi is a hot spot with super busy flights because everyone is flying there for a getaway.
“However, people are now looking to travel elsewhere, and Sabah, as well as Sarawak, are the very places people want to go next,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the chances of a cluster occurring in tourism was low, noting there had been no significant outbreak since the mandatory Covid-19 test for Langkawi was dropped.
He added that the low-cost carrier was looking into mounting more flights to international destinations from the East Malaysian state, in the near future.
STB chief executive officer Noredah Othman said the board would continue working with airlines, including AirAsia, to bring more visitors to Sabah.
“When international borders open, we have plans, and as our greatest partners, we work closely with airlines to attract travellers because airlines account for 90 per cent of visits to Sabah,” she said. – New Straits Times
