KOTA KINABALU – Flight bookings to the state capital here have picked up thanks to the swab-free policy for fully-vaccinated persons when travelling to Sabah.
Ticket sales for Kota Kinabalu is currently the top destination for Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) following the recently concluded Matta Fair held in Kuala Lumpur.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said this following a meeting with MAS group chief executive Izham Ismail at MAB Academy in Petaling Jaya on Monday.
Also present were state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; STB chief executive Noredah Othman; and STB chief marketing officer Tay Shu Lan.
Izham said Sabah continues to be an important hub for the national airline, and that MAS has increased its weekly flight frequency to Kota Kinabalu from 68 to 75 flights from November to December.
Izham also noted the resumption of the Penang-Kota Kinabalu route on December 2 by popular demand.
With the reopening of international borders expected next year, MAS is also prepared to fly international visitors into the country and bring them into Sabah.
Meanwhile, Jafry said the improving ticket sales indicates many Malaysians are still eager to visit Sabah, as well as a good sign for the revival of the tourism industry for the state.
“Our ministry and STB are always willing to collaborate with MAS to re-establish both direct domestic and international flights into Sabah.
“We aim to see visitor arrivals pick up after a long hiatus, and this cannot be accomplished without help from airline companies,” he said.
STB said its meeting with the MAS group chief executive is part of its continuous engagement with airline companies.
On November 19, the STB team led by chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai had a fruitful meeting with AirAsia chief executive Riad Asmat on the low-cost carrier’s future plans for Sabah.
Plans are in the works for STB to meet with Malindo Air next. – The Vibes, November 23, 2021
