By V. Sivaji
The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah & Labuan Chapter is looking forward to receiving more direct flights from China and South Korea to Kota Kinabalu to further boost the hospitality industry.
Chapter chairman Hafizan Wong said that currently there are some 122 direct flights weekly by international airliners to the Kota Kinabalu Airport.
“Among those from China are China Southern Airlines and AirAsia. The airlines flying from South Korea are Jeju Air, Jin Air and Air Busan.
“Whereas Philippines AirAsia and Cebu Pacific are flying in from the Philippines,” said Hafizan to Penang Hyperlocal who is also the general manager of the Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu.
Hafizan Wong – chairman of MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter
He also added that the tourists from these countries like activities like golf, snorkeling, diving, seafood and also to catch the wonderful sunset in Kota Kinabalu.
Hafizan also paid credit to the Sabah Tourism Board and the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment headed by Datuk Christina Liew for their continuous efforts to promote the state.
“We have some 104 members in our MAH chapter which also consist of 5-star hotel hotels and high end resorts.
“We expect more tourists to visit Sabah in the near future and help our hospitality industry recover,” he added, he added.
In the meantime, the MAH Sabah & Labuan Chapter is also working with several colleges in the city to recruit more trainees to serve the hospitality industry and in the process meet the expectation of the tourists.