Sabah to tap more markets from Europe, US, Australia, New Zealand
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is planning to “balance” the tourism sector, especially among foreigners, said State Tourism and Culture minister Datuk Christina Liew.
“Sabah has been putting focus on China market which takes about 50 per cent of tourist arrivals in the state.
“The (Tourism, Arts and Culture) ministry, through Sabah Tourism Board, needs to balance influx of tourists to the state through participation in roadshows to explore and tap more markets from Europe, United States, Australia and New Zealand,” she said, adding that the Board would be sending representatives to World Travel Market in London next month to promote Sabah.
Liew, who is also Api-Api state assemblyman, was speaking at a press conference after site inspection at Sinsuran, Segama, Bandaran and Kampung Air here.
It was reported that Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents had said the occupancy rate of hotels had fallen to 50 to 60 per cent in October, as compared to an average of 80 to 85 per cent occupancy in the same period last year.
Liew, however, said the ministry was optimistic with the oriental market as China knows the State’s attractions such as the mountains, sea and food.
“Next week there will be a press conference on this (tourists from China) whereby Southern China Airlines will have more flights (coming into Sabah),” she said.
On the site inspection, Liew said it was to fulfil her election promise to solve issues on hygiene, and repair works, among others, in the constituency.
She said the constituency’s Community Development Leaders unit office and website would be established soon for people to lodge complaints and check on distribution of development fund.
Meanwhile, on Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s announcement on two terms limit for people’s representatives, Liew said there were many things that could be done within the period.
“However, whether it is sufficient (to bring significant changes), I will leave it to wisdom of top leadership and the time they need to repair the country’s debts,” she added.
Source: New Straits Times
