Star Cruises to make Sabah world-class tourist destination
KOTA KINABALU: The state government is calling for continuous support from Star Cruises to showcase Sabah to the world and make the state one of the key cruise destinations in the region.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming said this at the arrival of leading cruise line in Asia Pacific, Star Cruises at Sabah Ports yesterday.
He said cruise tourism is a viable industry with excellent growth potential in Sabah, and is becoming increasingly popular among many locals and foreigners traveling to Sabah.
“The home porting of Star Cruises’ SuperStar Aquarius today in Kota Kinabalu for the second season only reaffirms its commitment in promoting Sabah as a cruise destination to the region and world.
“Star Cruises’ ongoing initiative in boosting the local tourism, especially the cruise tourism sector is commendable and we hope that Star Cruises will continue to take an active and leading role in developing and growing cruise tourism here in Sabah,” he said.
Pang said Sabah is a place that lives up to its reputation as one of the most environmentally beautiful destinations in Malaysia and the world.
With its climate-friendly weather, Pang added Sabah is home to many marvelous sights and natural wonders namely pristine beaches, vivid coral reefs and lush greeneries rich with flora and fauna unique to Sabah.
For this second season, SuperStar Aquarius will be home-porting from November 2014 to March 2015 by introducing the all new three-night destination cruise to Puerto Princesa of the Palawan Island province in the Philippines, as well as the two-night and the regular one-night high seas cruise on-board the 13-storey ocean cruise liner.
The arrival yesterday brought local and international passengers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, China, Singapore, America, Russia, Japan and many more travelers from across the globe.
Disembarking passengers were greeted by a colorful multi-ethnic cultural dance performance and were presented with welcome souvenirs, courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board.
On board, Star Cruises performance team entertained guests with their extravaganza dances and acrobatic moves.
Meanwhile, executive vice president Sales, Marketing and Hotel Operations of Genting
Hong Kong Limited Ang Moo Lim said Star Cruises will continue to strive to make Sabah, the best of Borneo and a well-known world class tourist destination.
“Star Cruises is pleased to celebrate the return of SuperStar Aquarius to Kota Kinabalu and remains committed in developing the cruise tourism industry in Sabah.
“Star Cruises remains passionate and committed in offering the best cruise experience with exciting new holiday itineraries and destinations. The three-night destination to Puerto Princesa will be a popular choice among many travelers, famous for its beautiful sights and natural wonders, especially the Subterranean River National park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and also one of the new Seven Wonders of nature,” he added.
Also present at the event yesterday were chairman of Suria Capital Holdings Berhad Datuk Faisyal Hamdan Diego, general manager of Sabah Ports Authority Maisuri Besri and Sabah Health director Dr Christina Rundi.
