KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is drawing more attention from international cruise operators, says the Sabah Tourism Board (STB).
Its chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said as such, it is clear that the state has strong potential to further develop as a cruise tourism destination.
“Cruise ships typically arrive early in the day and depart by sunset. So it is important to have a wider range of accessible attractions within the city and suburbs to enhance the overall passenger experience,” he said after a meeting and site visit with cruise industry players, including SATS-Creuers Cruise Services and Singapore Tourism Board, here yesterday.
SATS-Creuers Cruise Services chief executive officer Gregory Tan said cruise operators are constantly seeking suitable day-excursion attractions for passengers, adding that Mari-Mari Cultural Village and Kinabalu Park remained a popular choice.
Marella Cruises head of marine and operations Joel Christopher Hipple said Sabah has the potential to attract more cruise ships, adding that port infrastructure, mainly berth depth, was an important consideration for cruise deployment.
He said Kota Kinabalu Port now has a depth of approximately nine metres, and Sandakan Port at about seven metres.
He added Sandakan was highlighted as a strong nature-based destination, offering readily available and easily accessible attractions for cruise passengers.
Bangkuai was also briefed on Suria Capital Holdings Bhd’s efforts to bring more cruise ships to Sabah, with 25 cruise ship calls confirmed this year to bring in close to 30,000 passengers.
