KOTA KINABALU: More direct flights to Sandakan are needed to boost tourism in the east coast Sabah district.
These views were expressed by DAP's Sandakan MP Vivian Wong and Parti Warisan's Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong during an engagement held by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) in Sandakan on Wednesday (Aug 14).
Both representatives stressed the importance of bringing in direct flights to Sandakan, whether domestic or international.
"Any new flight to Sandakan, we would welcome," Wong said.
The engagement, chaired by STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, aimed to obtain feedback on tourism-related issues and proposed solutions from elected representatives and tourism stakeholders in Sandakan.
Bangkuai said the engagement responded to concerns affecting efforts to revive Sandakan tourism and encouraged discussions and ideas from all quarters.
Industry players in the district have struggled to revive tourism in Sandakan due to security concerns.
"In tourism, every idea counts, no matter where it comes from.
"We must work together, across political lines, to ensure Sandakan and Sabah are well-positioned on the tourism map.
"Tourism is for all of Sabah, and every good idea can make a difference," said Bangkuai, who is also state Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister.
Wong noted that travel advisories might deter potential tourists from coming to Sandakan.
She was keen on reviving Sandakan's "Little Hong Kong" identity and suggested focusing on promoting Chinese cultural activities.
Chong emphasised the need to identify Sandakan's unique selling points and address the issues of abandoned and dilapidated buildings in the old coastal town.
He also suggested that STB develop an impactful slogan to attract visitors to stay in Sandakan.
During the session, Sandakan's key tourism players shared feedback received from tourists and tour operators.
Concerns raised included insufficient parking space for tourist buses, including at Sandakan International Airport, town cleanliness issues, lack of lighting, crime-related security concerns, and the need for proper walkways due to damage caused by tree roots.
Bangkuai said all the issues, challenges, and proposed solutions gathered from the engagement would be compiled as a reference to address the various issues and concerns raised.
"Perhaps we should also consider coming up with an action plan to revive Sandakan tourism with STB as the secretariat," he said.
