KOTA KINABALU – Sabah’s tourism industry is expected to be back on track, following the standard operating procedure (SOP) relaxation.
This includes the reopening of interstate travel and swab-free entry for visitors into Sabah that would help the tourism sector recover to pre-pandemic levels.
“Promotions of holiday packages to the public are now being intensified and carried out by the ministry.
“We want industry players to observe all SOPs set by the Health Ministry and National Security Council,” Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said today.
Earlier in Kuala Lumpur, state Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Sabah has a lot to offer in terms of tourism products.
“Sabah is rich in nature, and its people are friendly, rich in culture and character.
“We have 40 ethnic groups and over 200 sub-ethnic groups with their dialects, cultures, and customs. The people live together harmoniously and this is the attraction,” said Bangkuai, adding that these qualities made Sabah a top tourism destination.
He said Sabahans worked together to develop tourism activities while generating their own income, creating jobs for themselves, as well as raising their environmental awareness in rural tourism work.
“Sabah is already well-known for its stunning mountains and oceans. The rural areas also have gems, and aside from that, the people are equally appealing.”
Sabah is allowing fully vaccinated visitors to enter the state without having to go for a swab test beginning December 1.
The state is in the midst of welcoming international arrivals as soon as Malaysia reopens its borders next year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor made the announcement during the official opening of the 49th Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Fair at World Trade Centre last Saturday.
“By November, there were already 266 direct flights weekly into Sabah from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru, Penang, Kota Baru, Labuan, and Sarawak with a total capacity of 43,000 seats.
“Within Sabah, there were 123 flights weekly with a total capacity of 16,720 seats connecting Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, and Tawau,” he said. – The Vibes, November 22, 2021
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