KOTA KINABALU: Direct flights from China play a crucial role in Sabah’s target of getting a larger slice of the China tourist market as the state prepares for Visit Sabah Year 2027, says Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
The state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister said Chongqing Airlines’ three-time-weekly direct Chongqing–Kota Kinabalu service would give Sabah an important advantage as it gears up for 2027.
“From Chongqing to Sabah, it’s just one direct flight away. No complicated journey just pack your bags and come experience Sabah.
“More flights mean more visitors, and more visitors mean more opportunities for our tourism industry and local communities,” he said at the Sabah Business to Consumer (B2C) Roadshow in China’s Chongqing Saturday (Sept 19).
His speech was released by ministry here.
The roadshow brings together 10 Sabah tourism industry representatives and Chinese travel trade partners to showcase Sabah’s islands, wildlife, nature, culture and adventure experiences.
“China is a key market for Sabah. With Visit Sabah 2027 approaching, we are not waiting for tourists to find us, we are bringing Sabah directly to them,” Jafry said.
Among those present were his ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Chongqing Airlines deputy manager for marketing Wang Heng, Sabah Tourism Board Deputy CEO Tay Shu Lan, and Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) Sabah chapter vice-president Amity Wong.
