KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is exploring ways to attract Russian tourists who transit through Shanghai on their way to destinations in South-East Asia, says State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
She noted that with three weekly flights from Moscow to Shanghai, there is significant potential for Sabah to woo Russian tourists.
“I’ve learned that 70% of Russians flying to Shanghai use it as a transit point to travel to parts of South-East Asia. I believe we should capitalise on this,” Liew, who is currently on an official visit to Shanghai, said in a statement.
She said Russians are particularly drawn to island getaways and unique wildlife, making Sabah’s attractions – such as the Borneo pygmy elephant, orang utan, proboscis monkey and sun bear – appealing.
Liew said she has tasked the Sabah Tourism Board with researching Russian tourists’ market to diversify target audiences.
