Two new direct flights from China to Sabah to be launched in June

KOTA KINABALU: Two more direct international flights to Sabah will be launched next month.State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said the Xiamen-Kota Kinabalu flight is expected to commence on June 27, followed by the Shanghai-Tawau route the following day. The flights will operate thrice weekly.

“I just came back from a work visit to China and am very happy to receive the good news. We are very excited and hope to promote more direct flights.

“We are also working on similar arrangements for Sandakan as we believe this district has great potential as a tourist destination, thanks to its vast wildlife and eco-tourism products,” she said after launching the Bayu Seni Sabah’s Ethnic Cross-Cultural Digital Exhibition and video competition Culture, Agro Tourism and Nature (CAN) here yesterday.

Although there is no official announcement, feedback Liew received during her recent trip and social media posts indicate that Sabah is among Chinese nationals’ favourite destinations.

“Tourists choose Sabah because the state can offer what others cannot. With the increasing tourist arrivals, we are aware that we have a lot of work to do, such as improving security, health, toilets and hotels.”