NEWS FROM SABAH

Sabah tour agents to explore China market
Published on: Sunday, April 19, 2009 Dailyexpress.

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) plan to explore the China markets especially some of its popular tourist destinations like Guangxi, Guilin, Hunan, Changsha, Chengdu and Szechuan.
"We are currently planning an inspection tour of these places in three months time in order to establish a good rapport with our counterparts over there," he said new President Winston Liaw.
Touching on Sabah's tourism development, Winston noted that since the introduction of direct flights in 2000, Sabah had established its name in Guangzhou, Shanghai and other parts of China but not so much in places like Guangxi, Hunan and Szechuan.
He said in the current downturn, it would be a bonus if the State could have 20 per cent increase in tourist arrivals compared to last year.
He also suggested that the Immigration officers at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) be more cordial towards the tourists so as to give them a good first impression on Sabah which is one of the crucial factors in tourism promotion.
Satta has 60 members throughout the State. The other office bearer are Chan Kok Kong (vice chairman) Henry Yee (Secretary General) Mary Lai Nyuk Ken (Vice Secretary), Peter Liau Nyuk Phin (Treasurer) Michael Liau Yu Sang, William Chia Vui Liam, Grace Cheee Phui Mui (Committee for Kota Kinabalu), Liau Yee Kim (Committee for Sandakan) Tan Chee Hwa (Committee for Labuan) and Francis Chong Chong Soo Sang (Committee for Tawau).