KOTA KINABALU: Chinese visitors now constitute Sabah's largest international tourist segment, with 262,070 arrivals recorded in the first seven months of 2024.
“This represents an astounding 905.9% increase compared to the 26,054 arrivals during the same period last year,” said Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Christina Liew.
Chinese tourists accounted for 41% of all international arrivals to Sabah in 2024, contributing an estimated RM1.0039bil in tourism receipts from January to July, according to data from the Sabah Tourism Board’s (STB) Research Division.
Following a meeting with China Southern Airlines, led by Deputy Director General and Senior Vice President of Network Planning Division, Tan Guang, in Guangzhou on Wednesday (Sept 18), Liew highlighted the urgent need for increased air capacity to meet growing demand and maintain Sabah’s status as a premier travel destination.
As part of the discussions, China Southern Airlines agreed to extend its double daily flights from Guangzhou to Kota Kinabalu during the upcoming winter schedule, from October 20, 2024, to March 2025.
The meeting also explored expanding flight routes between China and Sabah to enhance connectivity and cater to the influx of visitors.
“Beyond Chinese New Year, the winter season is another peak travel period in China and Sabah continues to be a popular destination for Chinese travellers,” Liew added.
China Southern Airlines is the largest airline in China, serving more than 600 routes worldwide
