Sabah steps up efforts to woo Thai tourists

SABAH Tourism Board (STB) will work with Tourism Malaysia Thailand, local airlines and travel agents to intensify efforts to increase the number of tourists from Thailand.

Its deputy general manager, Suzaini Sabdin Ghani, said STB planned to tap the country’s high-end market, expatriates and long-haul market through collaboration with tour agents and travel operators in Thailand.

“Sabah received a positive growth of 4.8% for Thailand visitors from January to February, compared to the same period last year,” she said after the presentation of Sabah’s tourism products in Bangkok, Thailand.

Also present was Tourism Malaysia Thailand deputy director Mazreena Mohd Yusof.

The presentation was held in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia Thailand.

Suzaini said STB would participate in Thailand’s International Travel Fair this year, in its effort to engage and develop business relationships with tourism players in the country to achieve the desired results.

The board will also join hands with Thai Airways and its subsidiary, Thai Smile and the country’s largest online community in flying Thai travel bloggers as well as media influencers to Sabah for a familiarisation trip this year.

The joint effort with Thai Airways and Thai Smile followed the launching of direct flights to Kota Kinabalu by the airlines from March 26 this year.

Through the direct flights, Suzaini said it would be even more convenient for Thais and foreign visitors from Thailand to visit Sabah.

On the presentation of Sabah tourism products, she said it was to update travel agents on the country’s latest attractions and promote adventure tours in Sabah with a focus on Mount Kinabalu.

Representatives from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges were also present during the presentation to brief participants on accommodation at Kinabalu Park and Manukan Island. — Bernama