KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s tourism players are upbeat with clear signs of physical travel resuming after over a year since the Covid-19 pandemic literally left the once booming industry paralysed.

       The tourism players led by Sabah Tourism Board (STB) are shifting into higher gear as they make a comeback in this year’s MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur scheduled from Nov 20-21.

       Sabah has been named Malaysia’s Favourite Destination by MATTA.

       State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister cum STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said MATTA’s efforts to organise a physical travel fair after a long break was a boon for the tourism sector.

       “We are greatly honoured to have Sabah selected by MATTA as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination.

       “This month itself, we already had 56 weekly flights from Malaysia Airlines and 98 weekly flights from Air Asia, all of which were full.

       “This shows people are now confident to travel. Our hotels and places of interest are also ready to accept visitors, especially from other states,” he said, adding that 24 tour companies, resorts, and dive operators would join STB at the event to promote Sabah as a preferred holiday destination.

       Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor will grace the event on Nov 20 at the World Trade Centre.

       “Having the Chief Minister’s presence is also important because it indicates the state government’s commitment to seeing a speedy recovery of our tourism industry,” Bangkuai told a virtual press conference on the 2021 MATTA Fair with MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang.

       Bangkuai said the recent launching of the #MansauSabahBoostku campaign received tremendous response, with all vouchers fully redeemed in less than 15 hours.

       In collaboration with one of Malaysia’s e-Wallet service providers, the campaign intends to revitalise Sabah’s tourism sector and related industries.

       “This type of response shows that many Malaysians are eager to explore our backyard. I hope consumers who have successfully redeemed the voucher will make full use of it to get more value for their money, in addition to the other available Sabah packages throughout the MATTA Fair period,” he said.

       During the two-day fair, STB will set up a pavilion in Hall 4 with 12 booths - the largest state pavilion.

       Tan said it would be Sabah’s third participation in the annual MATTA Fair.

       He believes tourism promotions for the state will be a hit throughout the fair.

       “MATTA is targeting to receive 20,000 visitors to the fair and generating RM25mil in domestic sales. We are glad that 80% of booths have been taken up. We hope Malaysians will take this chance to explore travel packages offered by other states as well,” he said.