Drop of 60 per cent business an isolated case, clarifies Satta
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) president Datuk Seri Winston Liaw yesterday clarified that his previous statement of certain industry players facing a drop of 60 per cent in their business was an independent case and not the whole market average.
“After a study made and communicating with local operators, we found that the business of local operators has dropped due to lack of competitiveness against local China operators or joint venture (JV) operators which are offering zero tour fare packages or kickbacks on tour fares as much as RM800 to RM1,000 per person.”
Under the zero tour fare arrangement, Liaw said the travel agents in China did not have to pay a sen when giving business to local Sabah operators but instead they received kickbacks in the range of RM800 to RM1,000 per pax.
“This scenario has greatly impacted the local Sabahan operators and jeopardise their survival.
“That’s why the industry players were complaining to the non-governmental organisations (NGOs).”
In a statement yesterday, Liaw said the new government, especially the Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew, had done a great job in promoting Sabah.
“She followed up on every event and occasion held by Sabah Tourism Board ( STB) and most events organised by NGOs.
“As an NGO, Satta appreciates her effort and the result is obvious.”