KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew is optimistic that while it may be too early to see the impact of the 30-day visa-free travel announced for visitors from India and China, the numbers of arrivals to this state will grow particularly from China.

       This is in view of the upcoming Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration, where a surge is anticipated as many Chinese nationals are keen on spending the festival in Sabah, a preferred destination for them at this time of the year.

       This year also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, Liew said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 25).

       "Based on feedback received from the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah and Labuan Chapter, we have yet to see a significant increase in the number of tourist arrivals from China and India (with regard to the 30-day visa-free travel introduced last month).

       “In efforts to improve tourist numbers from Chinese and Indian markets, Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will continue to participate in trade and consumer shows as well as roadshows under Tourism Malaysia.

       "To promote Sabah as a preferred tourist destination, STB also holds its own roadshows in international countries that have scheduled direct flights into Kota Kinabalu," she added.

       Liew said the Board would also brief her on a monthly basis and she is currently waiting for them to compile the December 2023 figures from relevant authorities.

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