KOTA KINABALU – The first group of Chinese tourists is expected to arrive in Sabah on February 1, said state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
She said she was made to understand that AirAsia already has a principle agreement with the local airport operator to bring in passengers from China.
Starting February, the airline will bring in tourists from three provinces in China. Imagine, each airline will have three to four flights per day… they will come by the thousands and we have to be prepared for this.
“Tentatively, I was informed by the airport manager that they got a slot request (landing) by AirAsia on February 1, 2, and 3, pending confirmation,” she told reporters after a walkabout at a Chinese New Year night market here today.
Liew, who expects the tourism industry in Sabah to bounce back this year, said the provinces would be Hangzhou and Shenzhen, but could not recall the third province.
She noted that a lot of preparations need to be done – especially regarding logistics and traffic for the coming arrivals – and that she would be meeting hotel operators soon to discuss their plans, as well as bring the state’s traffic jam issues to the state cabinet.
China had allowed travel out of the country earlier this month after three years in lockdown. – The Vibes, January 21, 2023
