RM7.82 billion from tourism last year

KOTA KINABALU: 2017 tourist arrivals exceeded its target by welcoming 3.684 million (target 3.55 million) or an overall +7.5% increase compared to the year before (3.427 mil).

This is an estimated RM7.82 billion generated in tourism receipts, or an extra +8% into the State economy, according to Sabah Tourism yesterday.

The top three market sources recorded double digit growth in 2017, which was led by China with an increase of +15% (431,026). This was followed by South Korea +57% (310,802) and Brunei +3.1% (94,797). Other arrivals with positive growth were Taiwan (up +12% or 62,121), and Singapore (+4.5% or 23,016).

The total international arrivals registered a growth of +9.4% or a total of 1,235,178 whereas domestic tourists increased +6.5% or a total of 2,449,556 in 2017.

Kota Kinabalu International Airport is servicing 180 international flights per week from 12 foreign airlines flying in from 17 destinations. Flight frequency from domestic destinations are 418 flights weekly.

There has also been a record total of 215 charter flights carrying 25,618 passengers from China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand.

This is an extra five flights compared to 2016.

Last year, three airlines commenced new direct flights into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) namely from Taipei (Malindo Air), Fuzhou (Xiamen Airlines) and Jakarta (Batik Air).

Sea ports in the state capital as well as Sandakan also received cruise passengers from a total of 24 cruise or 28,804 international passengers and crew.

“This is the result after we have reduced the budget spending in 2017, by continuing our years of partnership with the private sector, maintaining relationship with foreign partners, and going a level up in digital marketing. I am pleased that the momentum has continued until early this year with a direct flight from Beijing by Xiamen Airlines,” said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.

“Looking ahead, the setting up of the Sabah International Convention Centre will propel a part of our industry towards a business centric Sabah. In 2017, close to 40,000 arrivals came for MICE business. We would be working close with Sabah Foundation, government agencies and associations.

“In a few months’ time the Pan Borneo Highway will be completed, our road network will encourage more Bruneian arrivals into our State,” he added.