Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Dr Andi MD Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal (6th left), welcoming the Loong Air chartered direct flight from Shenzhen to Tawau at the Tawau Airport.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah welcomed its first international airline, which flew directly from Shenzhen, China, to the east coast destination of Tawau on Saturday (Dec 6).
This chartered flight carrying 143 passengers had departed from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport as part of a year-end series to meet the demand from southern China.
Jointly chartered by Shenzhen Kanghui Travel Service Co. Ltd. and Huan Ya Holidays (under Guangzhou Hailang International Travel Service Co. Ltd.), the charter series operates on December 6, 10, 14 and 18.
Dr Andi MD Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal, the State Assistant Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Environment, welcomed arriving passengers at Tawau Airport.
“We are pleased to welcome visitors from China.
“We value this cooperation with our China travel partners and look forward to expanding opportunities that support Sabah’s tourism growth,” he added.
According to Sabah Tourism Board (STB) research data, China remained Sabah’s largest international source market with 534,975 arrivals from January to September 2025, showing strong growth and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Sabah was connected to seven Chinese cities via Kota Kinabalu, namely Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou and Fuzhou.
Sabah Tourism Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Julius Jeffrey Jimit, said the charter series complements the board's efforts to strengthen Sabah’s market presence in China.
“Semporna continues to be a favourite for diving and island tourism, and initiatives like this help create opportunities for local operators,” he said.
The Shenzhen charter series was expected to bring more than 1,300 visitors to Tawau and Semporna.
Their itineraries include stays at high-end island resorts and boutique water villas such as Kapalai Water Villas, Mataking Reef Resort, Mabul Water Bungalows, White Sands Resort, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, Pom Pom Island Resort and other premium overwater accommodations.
Many visitors would also stay in Semporna town and embark on island-hopping trips to Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Pom Pom, Pandanan and the surrounding marine park islands.
Shenzhen Kanghui Travel Service Co., Ltd. General Manager, Wang Tao, said the charter reflects strong demand for Semporna.
“Semporna continues to attract Chinese travellers. Malaysia’s stable environment, visa-free arrangement and diverse tourism offerings make it a natural choice for this charter service,” he said.
Huan Ya Holidays Chief Executive Officer, Liao Lina, said the company has cultivated Malaysia tourism for more than 20 years and has operated in Tawau and Semporna for 16 years.
“We are committed to providing quality travel services. Through close cooperation with local resorts and travel agencies, we have ensured strong support for this charter programme.
“Following the Shenzhen series, a year-round Hong Kong–Tawau charter service is scheduled to begin in January 2026, operating twice weekly to bring more visitors to Tawau and Semporna,” she added.
