Forward bookings raise hope for Sabah

Sabah inbound operators, which have suffered softer demand this year due to numerous kidnapping cases, are breathing a sigh of relief as they start to see forward bookings climbing.

Borneo Eco Tours, assistant general manager, Susan Soong, saw an improvement in forward bookings for March to May 2015 from the European markets, mainly from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden, to the wildlife attractions in Sukau and Sandakan.

Said Soong: “It shows that confidence is returning. This year, most bookings from the European market were last minute, with a two-week lead time. “I think 2015 will be better and with the government’s year-long tourism campaign promoting Malaysia Year of Festivals, it will create more awareness of the destination.”

Another tour operator from Sabah, Borneo Trails Tours & Travel sales manager, Yunus Sampeh, said European demand started to pick up again in July 2014 for Sandakan and Sukau, compared with a quiet first half of the year during which many European consultants stopped selling eastern Sabah. Yunus said: “These areas (Sandakan and Sukau) are very far from Lahad Datu, Semporna and Pom Pom Island where the kidnapping cases took place.”

The spate of abduction incidents involving tourists on the east coast of Sabah earlier this year nevertheless wreak havoc on tourism to the eastern Malaysian state, which took a plunge amid safety concerns at the destination.

In order to pave for the recovery of traffic from the international market, several buyers told TTG-ITB Asia Daily that stronger efforts are needed on the Malaysian government’s part to disseminate information on improved security measures on the east coast of Sabah to a global audience. Chinese buyers in particular advocate this action, saying their clients put safety first.

Joseph Sze, director of Shanghai Business Holiday International Travel Service, said: “Sabah is not as hot as it used to be due to numerous kidnapping cases. “To see a return in confidence, the Malaysian authorities have to emphasise the improved security on the east coast of Sabah. “We get enquiries from clients whether it is safe to go to Sabah, but this is something we cannot promise,” he added.

Another Chinese buyer, Laura Hu, MICE manager of Chongqing-based Private Tour Club, said: “Safety is always the first consideration that travellers make in choosing the destination. “The kidnapping cases in Sabah had affected demand for the whole destination as travellers are unsure if the country is safe. The media has to play a role in disseminating information on efforts taken to improve security in the east coast of Sabah.

-TTG Asia.