KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah's tourism industry remains firmly on track despite mounting geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with no major flight cancellations recorded.
Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who disclosed this, said meetings with several airline representatives showed that services into Sabah had only faced delays so far, with no significant disruptions to bookings.
He said first quarter visitor arrivals had already surpassed last year's figure over that period.
“We are not pressing the panic button yet. We know this is a global issue, so we are working closely on it,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Bangkuai, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, said while STB acknowledged rising airfares linked to fuel price volatility, Sabah was moving quickly to recalibrate its strategy through stronger destination marketing and more targeted promotional campaigns.
“We are trying to continue performing well although we understand the rising costs involved, including flight ticket prices.
“So we are looking at how best to re-strategise, including intensifying promotions,” he added.
In a proactive move, he said STB will set up a crisis response unit to help tourism players navigate external shocks stemming from the global uncertainties.
STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit said domestic travellers continued to account for 60% of arrivals in the state, while international visitor numbers mainly from China and Australia remained steady and unaffected.
“Arrivals from North Asia and South-East Asia are also showing encouraging figures,” he said.
